The first Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) for the Royal Australian Navy, the future HMAS Hobart, has commenced sea trials.
Guided by two tugboats, the Hobart departed the wharf at Techport Adelaide on Monday for the first time to commence “several” days of shipbuilder sea trials off the coast of South Australia, shipbuilder AWD Alliance said.
“The commencement of sea trials is a significant milestone for the Air Warfare Destroyer project and a major step towards delivery of the most capable warships ever operated by the Royal Australian Navy,” the AWD Alliance said in a statement.
https://twitter.com/AWDAlliance/status/775600703985160192
The first phase of seat trials will test the ship’s hull, propulsion and navigation systems.
“Throughout this period the ship will be operated under the command of a civilian master and crew, augmented by specialists from Alliance partners ASC and Raytheon Australia and other equipment suppliers, who will perform the system testing and trials,” the AWD Alliance said.
“During builder’s sea trials, whilst the ship is at sea, a dedicated shore support team will remain in constant communications with the ship’s master to assist the ship and ensure the success of the trials.”
A second phase of sea trials planned for early 2017 will test the Hobart’s combat and communications systems, the AWD Alliance said.
Handover of the first AWD to the RAN is planned for mid-2017.
