A Daring Success
(September 25, 2008) -- The first of the Royal Navy's new powerful T45 Destroyers, HMS Daring, has completed her final set of contractor sea trials with great success.
During the five week trial, the 7,350 tonne vessel was put through her paces. In particular, the full range of communications equipment was tested to ensure that all elements of the system can talk to each other.
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."
Alan Johnston, Chief Executive of BVT, said:
"Daring has continued to surpass expectations, and once again has proved a proud testament to the outstanding skills of the men and women who have designed and built her.
"She is a great example of the core engineering skills that we possess in the UK maritime sector and will provide the Royal Navy with an outstanding capability for many years to come."
The ship's Commanding Officer, Captain Paul Bennett OBE Royal Navy 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."
Daring possesses the Fully Integrated Communications System (FICS) which is 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 at sea and a land based team.
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 BVT to the Royal Navy, which is planned for December.
The second Type 45 destroyer, DAUNTLESS, is due to commence her first set of Stage 1 sea trials in early November.
Source : UK MoD
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