Daring ready to take to the waves

[Anth]

The first of the Royal Navy's new powerful Type 45 destroyers, Daring, has successfully completed her final set of contractor sea trials, bringing her a step closer to operational service.


Daring is the first of the Royal Navy's Type 45 destroyers
[Picture: MOD]

During the five week trial, the 7,350 tonne vessel was put through her paces as the full range of communications equipment was tested to ensure that all elements of the system can communicate.

Previous trials have seen Daring demonstrate her speed and manoeuvrability in varied conditions, as well as testing her state-of-the-art radar and missile systems. These further sea trials have reaffirmed her capability.

Minister for Defence Equipment and Support Baroness Ann Taylor said:

"The Type 45 destroyers are the most advanced ships of their type in the world to date and will provide the backbone of the Royal Navy's air defence. The combat system trials are vital, giving the Royal Navy confidence that the ship has the ability to defend herself and her company from even the most sophisticated anti-ship missile.

"I am delighted that Daring has passed a further milestone with the completion of these sea trials. This highlights once again the outstanding progress being made on the Type 45 programme."

Daring is fitted with the Fully Integrated Communications System (FICS), a state-of-the-art communications system comprising satellite communications, high frequency and V/UHF capabilities via the ship's own dedicated radio and communication plan management system.

The FICS was tested to its limits during the trials, with 30 or more operators using all aspects of the system from all over the ship simultaneously. This was the ultimate test to prove that FICS can seamlessly operate and manage a full range of communication frequencies, and included a video conference via satellite between the ship at sea and a land-based team.

Daring's Commanding Officer, Captain Paul Bennett, said:

"As we move towards raising the white ensign for the first time, this third successful set of sea trials has further strengthened the bond between the sailors who will operate her and the engineers who built her. Without doubt this successful partnership will deliver Daring to the Royal Navy on time."

During the trials the ship's company also undertook a large number of familiarisation and training activities as part of preparations for the transfer of custody of the vessel from the BAE Systems and VT Group to the Royal Navy, which is planned for December 2008.

The second Type 45 destroyer, Dauntless, is due to commence her first set of Stage 1 sea trials in early November 2008.

MOD News Link

[Hooch Turner]

Thanks for the heads up Anth matey, veddy interesting.

BTW: I work less than 50 yards from SJP - The Toon have now signed Joe Kinnear as manager, Sky Sports vultures grabbing every brain donor by the Strawberry for interviews (my response was two words the second being 'off' like!) - comedy of errors just keeps getting worse and worse, even Martins is out for 6 weeks now!!!