USCGC Munro finishes builder’s sea trials
USCGC Munro, the sixth Legend-class National Security Cutter (NSC) built by Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) for the US Coast Guard (USCG), has successfully completed builder’s sea trials, HII announced on 9 August.
The trials took place over three days in the Gulf of Mexico. The division’s test and trials team performed extensive testing of the combat, electrical and propulsion systems on-board, along with small boat operations, anchor handling and damage control. The tests culminated in a successful four-hour full-power propulsion run.
Ingalls Shipbuilding has delivered the first five NSCs, and has three under construction including the USCGC Munro, set to deliver in the final quarter of 2016. The seventh NSC, USCGC Kimball, is set to be delivered in 2018, followed by USCGC Midgett in 2019.
The NSCs are replacing the Hamilton-class high-endurance cutters in service since the 1960s. They are 418ft long, with 54ft beam and a displacement of 4,500 tons with a full load. They can reach a top speed of 28 knots, with a range of 12,000 miles and endurance of 60 days.
The Legend class can perform missions related to marine safety, maritime homeland security, law enforcement, national defence missions and environmental protection.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones
Ukraine’s UForce unveiled the MV11 uncrewed surface vessel, designed to launch and support other naval drones at sea, fuelling debate over the future of autonomous maritime task groups.
-
German Navy’s Israeli missile test points to deepening defence-industrial ties
The test-firing of an Israel Aerospace Industries LORA ballistic missile from a German vessel highlights the Bundeswehr’s focus on speed to capability as it trials Israel’s operationally proven technology.
-
Global submarine suppliers compete for a rapidly shrinking market
Diminishing submarine competitions worldwide are leaving fewer acquisition opportunities, pushing contractors toward alternatives.
-
Future frigate programme highlights broader RNZN replacement challenge
New Zealand’s evaluation of the Mogami and Arrowhead 140 frigate designs reflects a wider push for alliance interoperability, and points to a larger recapitalisation of the Royal New Zealand Navy fleet beyond the current programme.