Australian Navy Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD)

M249

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The Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) will deliver an affordable, effective, flexible and sustainable Air Warfare Destroyer capability for the security of Australia.
The 2000 Defence White Paper stated the Australian Defence Force would replace the Navy's FFGs with a class of at least three air defence capable ships, the new Air Warfare Destroyers.
The Air Warfare Destroyer Program will provide the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) with one of the world's most capable all purpose warships. In selecting the F100 as the baseline platform design and coupling it with the Aegis combat system, the Australian Government has ensured tomorrow's Navy has the best equipment to defend Australia and its national interests.
These Hobart Class AWDs will provide air defence for accompanying ships in addition to land forces and infrastructure in coastal areas, and for self-protection against missiles and aircraft. The Aegis Combat System incorporating the state-of-the-art phased array radar, AN/SPY 1D(V), in combination with the SM-2 missile, will provide an advanced air defence system capable of engaging enemy aircraft and missiles at ranges in excess of 150km.
The AWDs will carry a helicopter for surveillance and response to support key warfare areas. The surface warfare function will include long range anti-ship missiles and a naval gun capable of firing extended range munitions in support of land forces.
The Hobart Class will also conduct Undersea Warfare and be equipped with modern sonar systems, decoys, surface-launched torpedoes and an array of effective close-in defensive weapons.
These capabilities ensure the AWDs have the layered defensive and offensive capability required to counter conventional and asymmetric threats.

Characteristics
*.Length 146.7 metres
*.Beam: 18.6 metres
*.Draft: 7.2 metres
*.Full Load Displacement: 7,000 tonnes

Performance
*.Top Speed: 28 knots
*.Range: 5,000 nautical miles at 18 knots

Crew
*.Approx 180

Accommodation
*.234

Combat System
*.Aegis Weapon System Baseline 7.1
*.AN/SPY-1D(V) Phased Array Radar
*.Horizon Search Radar
*.Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (48 VLS Cells)
*.Mk 45 5" 62 Calibre Gun
*.Advanced HARPOON Weapon Control System: 2 quad launchers
*.EW Suite
*.Very Short Range Air and Surface Defence
*.NULKA Active Missile Decoy system
*.Integrated Sonar System incorporating a Hull Mounted and towed array sonar
*.Communications Suite

Aviation
*.Hangars: 1

Boats
*.Two Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats

Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) | Royal Australian Navy
 

M249

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The Hobart Class - Differences from the F100 Class

Navantia's F104 ship design is the basis for the AWD. The F104 baseline is being updated for AWD to include:
-Key F105 features.
-Australian Combat system modifications.
-Selected platform upgrades that are unique to the Hobart Class.

These features are summarised as follows:
F105 Modifications


-More efficient and powerful diesel engines coupled with improved fuel tank arrangements will provide increased range.
-The inclusion of a bow thruster will improve manoeuvrability in harbours.
-Improvements to underway replenishment arrangements for manpower efficiencies.
-Changes to funnel tops to improve the ship's air wake.
-Bunk size increases to improve habitability.

AWD Combat System Modifications

-The Hobart Class will use the Aegis Weapon System Baseline 7.1and the AN/SPY-1D(V) Phased Array Radar.
-The Under Sea Warfare capability will be upgraded by:
*Enhanced Anti Submarine Warfare capabilities and the addition of a torpedo defence system.
*ASW decoys for torpedo defence
*Enhanced undersea communications.
*Integration of the MU90 torpedo.

Other changes include:
-Modification of the MK45 gun and Gun Fire Control System, including provision for Extended Range Munitions (ERM).
-Addition of the Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC)
-Modification of the IFF UPX-29 to the current tactical standard.
-Addition of an Horizon Search Radar (HSR) for improved anti-ship missile defence.
-Upgrades to the Surface-to-Surface Missile System to improve target selectivity in congested water, littoral and coastal operations.
-Upgrades to the Very Short Range Defence system to improve its integration and utility against asymmetric surface threats.
-Upgrades to the Electronic Warfare system, including the addition of electronic attack capabilities.
-Addition of X/Ka Satcom and INMARSAT Fleet Broadband and INMARSAT C capability.
-Improved Infrared Search and Track capabilities.
-Improved Electro-Optical Surveillance capability.
-Addition of Nulka Launchers for active missile decoys.

AWD-Unique Platform Modifications

-The ship's displacement will be increased to 7,000 tonnes for an improved service life margin.
-Cold weather operation will be improved to allow for deployment into Australia's southern waters.
-The hangar will be modified to accommodate a range of helicopters.

Other modifications include:
-Increased total cold room capacity for improved endurance.
-Incorporation of a fixed gas detection system to warn of the presence of harmful gases in compartments where personnel exposure risks exist.
-Modification of the 220V/50Hz network to 240V/50 Hz, incorporation of Residual Current Devices (RCD) and the Australian pin configuration for general purpose outlets.
-Modification of existing stowage, and increases in the overall number of stowage facilities, for thermal protective suit and life raft containers.
 

M249

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Latest News on the AWD Project

Ship 1 – The future destroyer Hobart

Ship 1 is now fully consolidated, meaning all 31 blocks are joined on the hardstand at the South Australian Government's Common User Facility (CUF) in Adelaide. The CUF is located within the Techport Australia precinct adjacent to the ASC Shipyard and is where all three destroyers will be consolidated and launched.
Work is underway on the internal fitout including installing diesel generators, main propulsion diesel engines, gas turbines and gearboxes and electrical switchboards.
Taylor Bros has a team working on the accommodation compartments of the ship to install a range of products including cabin modules, furniture, galley, pantry, refrigerated spaces and laundry equipment.
Load-out of the Hobart Class Combat System has commenced on Ship 1. In April 2014, six strike-length missile modules for the Vertical Launch System (VLS) were installed. The VLS MK41 modules are a critical part of the combat system which will enable the destroyers to execute air warfare and ship self-defence tasks.

Ship 2 – The future destroyer Brisbane

Following the keel-laying ceremony for Brisbane in February 2014, the consolidation process has progressed and there are now five keel blocks consolidated on the CUF hardstand.
Block production for Brisbanecontinues at three Australian shipyards: BAE Systems (Victoria), Forgacs (New South Wales), and ASC (South Australia). The AWD Alliance has taken delivery of Brisbane's mast from local Port Adelaide company, MG Engineering.

Ship 3 – The future destroyer Sydney

Construction is underway on hull blocks for Ship 3, Sydney, at BAE Systems (Victoria); Forgacs (New South Wales) and work at ASC has also commenced. The mast is under construction at MG Engineering (Port Adelaide) andSydney's keel blocks will arrive from Navantia (Spain) mid 2014.
 

mikhail

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Latest News on the AWD Project

Ship 1 – The future destroyer Hobart

Ship 1 is now fully consolidated, meaning all 31 blocks are joined on the hardstand at the South Australian Government's Common User Facility (CUF) in Adelaide. The CUF is located within the Techport Australia precinct adjacent to the ASC Shipyard and is where all three destroyers will be consolidated and launched.
Work is underway on the internal fitout including installing diesel generators, main propulsion diesel engines, gas turbines and gearboxes and electrical switchboards.
Taylor Bros has a team working on the accommodation compartments of the ship to install a range of products including cabin modules, furniture, galley, pantry, refrigerated spaces and laundry equipment.
Load-out of the Hobart Class Combat System has commenced on Ship 1. In April 2014, six strike-length missile modules for the Vertical Launch System (VLS) were installed. The VLS MK41 modules are a critical part of the combat system which will enable the destroyers to execute air warfare and ship self-defence tasks.

Ship 2 – The future destroyer Brisbane

Following the keel-laying ceremony for Brisbane in February 2014, the consolidation process has progressed and there are now five keel blocks consolidated on the CUF hardstand.
Block production for Brisbanecontinues at three Australian shipyards: BAE Systems (Victoria), Forgacs (New South Wales), and ASC (South Australia). The AWD Alliance has taken delivery of Brisbane's mast from local Port Adelaide company, MG Engineering.

Ship 3 – The future destroyer Sydney

Construction is underway on hull blocks for Ship 3, Sydney, at BAE Systems (Victoria); Forgacs (New South Wales) and work at ASC has also commenced. The mast is under construction at MG Engineering (Port Adelaide) andSydney's keel blocks will arrive from Navantia (Spain) mid 2014.
First of all a warm welcome to you in this forum mate:welcome:.Firstly i would request you to introduce yourself to all the members of this forum in the Member's introduction section.Anyways you are doing a great work by opening a new thread on R.A.N.Please do post some more information regarding the Surface and naval aviation capabilities of R.A.N.:thumb:
 

M249

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Sensors and
processing systems:

*.Aegis combat system
*.Raytheon AN/SPY-1D(V) S-band radar
*.Northrop Grumman AN/SPQ-9B X-band pulse Doppler horizon search radar
*.Raytheon Mark 99 fire-control system with two continuous wave illuminating radars
*.Two L-3 Communications SAM Electronics X-band navigation radars
*.Ultra Electronics Sonar Systems' Integrated Sonar System
*.Ultra Electronics Series 2500 electro-optical director
*.Sagem VAMPIR IR search and track system
*.Rafael Toplite stabilised target acquisition sights

Electronic warfare
& decoys:

*.ITT EDO Reconnaissance and Surveillance Systems
ES-3701 ESM radar
*.SwRI MBS-567A communications ESM system
*.Ultra Electronics Avalon Systems multipurpose digital receiver
*.Jenkins Engineering Defence Systems low-band receiver
*.4 Nulka decoy launchers
*.4 6-tube multipurpose decoy launchers

Armament:

*.48-cell Mark 41 Vertical Launch System
"¢ RIM-66 Standard 2 missile
"¢ RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow missile
*.Two 4-canister Harpoon missile launchers
*.One Mark 45 Mod 4 5-inch gun
*.Two Mark 32 Mod 9 two tube torpedo launchers
"¢ Eurotorp MU90 torpedoes
*.One Phalanx CIWS
*.Two 25mm M242 Bushmaster autocannons in Typhoon mounts

Delay

In October 2010, the 20 by 17 metre (66 by 56 ft) central keel block manufactured by BAE for Hobart was found to be distorted and incompatible with other hull sections. The cause of the fabrication errors is unknown: BAE blamed incorrect drawings from designer Navantia, while the AWD Alliance claimed the other two shipyards have not experienced similar problems, and believe first of kind manufacturing errors were made by BAE. The delay in reworking the keel block was predicted to set construction back by at least six months.
In late May 2011, the government announced that the delay in building Hobarthad increased to between one and two years. An additional nine month delay was announced in September 2012, this was intended to create a better transition of labour from the destroyers to following shipbuilding projects (replacements for the Collins class submarines and the Anzac class frigates), and achieve some savings in the federal budget.

Originally, the Hobart class destroyers were planned to be operational between December 2014 and June 2017. However, the ongoing delays have prompted the Australian government to announce revised entry to service dates in September 2012: Hobart will commission in March 2016, Brisbane is due in September 2017, and Sydney in March 2019. As a result of further delays and growing costs, the Hobart class destroyer project was added to the Government's "Projects of Concern" list in June 2014.
 
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M249

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The Hobart class is a ship class of three air warfare destroyers (AWDs) being built for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Planning for a class to replace the Adelaide class frigates and restore the capability last exhibited by the Perth class destroyers began by 2000, initially under acquisition project SEA 1400, which was redesignated SEA 4000. Although the designation "Air Warfare Destroyer" is used to describe ships dedicated to the defence of a naval force (plus assets ashore) from aircraft and missile attack, the planned Australian destroyers would also be able to operate in anti surface, anti submarine, and naval gunfire support roles.
Planning for the Australian Air Warfare Destroyer (as the class was known until 2006) continued through the mid-2000s, with the selection of the Aegis combat system as the intended combat system and ASC as the primary shipbuilder in 2005. In late 2005, the AWD Alliance was formed as a consortium of the Defence Material Organisation, ASC, and Raytheon. Between 2005 and 2007, Gibbs & Cox's Evolved Arleigh Burke class destroyer and Navantia's Álvaro de Bazán class frigate competed for selection as the AWD design. Although the Arleigh Burke design was larger and more capable, the Álvaro de Bazán design was selected in June 2007 as it was an existing design, and would be cheaper, quicker, and less risky to build. Three ships were ordered, the contract included an option to order a fourth destroyer, but this has not been exercised.

Each ship will be assembled at ASC's facility in Osborne, South Australia from 31 pre-fabricated modules (or blocks) built at ASC and other sites. NQEA Australia and the Forgacs Group were selected in May 2009 to construct the additional modules, but within two months, the modules assigned to NQEA were reallocated to BAE Systems Australia. The first block completed by BAE was distorted and incompatible with other sections: disagreements over the cause of the error and growing delays in the project led the AWD Alliance to redistribute the modules again, with some to be built by Navantia.
The destroyers were originally intended to enter service from 2014 onwards, but delays in construction have pushed this back by almost two years. The first ship, Hobart, will enter service in March 2016, Brisbane is due to commission in September 2017, and Sydney should be operational by June 2019.

The contract for the ships was signed on 4 October 2007. The A$8 billion, three-ship deal included the option to order a fourth ship at a later date. This option was due to expire in October 2008. The Australian government sought to extend the offer into early 2009, so as to review the recommendations of the Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030 white paper due for completion at the end of 2008, and to enquire about acquiring a fourth Aegis system from the USN, before ordering or cancelling the fourth destroyer.
The Navy League of Australia has consistently supported the acquisition of a fourth AWD. According to the Navy League, building a fourth destroyer would be relatively cheap (money for design and other start-up costs would already be spent), would keep Australian shipbuilders employed for longer (as there is a projected seven-year gap before construction starts on the next major warship replacement), and improve RAN capabilities (by offering increased flexibility and redundancy, particularly in the event of a Falklands War-like armed conflict).
The Australian Minister for Defence announced on 20 January 2006 that the Air Warfare Destroyers will be named Hobart, Brisbane, and Sydney.

Each ship's main weapon is a 48-cell Mark 41 Vertical Launch System. The cells are capable of firing the RIM-66 Standard 2 anti-aircraft missile or the quad-packed RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow point-defence missile. The Force 2030 white paper indicates that the Hobart's Mark 41 launchers are likely to be equipped (either at construction or through later modification) to fire the RIM-174 Standard 6 anti-aircraft missile and the Tomahawk cruise missile.
The missiles are supplemented by two four-canister launchers for Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and a BAE Systems Mark 45 Mod 4 5-inch gun with a 62-calibre barrel. The 5-inch gun has a maximum range of 23.6 kilometres (14.7 mi). Two Babcock Mark 32 Mod 9 two-tube torpedo launchers will be carried, and used to fire Eurotorp MU90 torpedoes at submarines. For close-in defence, the ships will carry an aft-facing Phalanx CIWS system, plus two M242 Bushmaster autocannons in Typhoon mounts sited on the bridge wings.
In November 2006, the Australian Government commissioned research on whether the AWDs should be equipped with anti-ballistic missile capabilities, most likely linked to the United States Department of Defense's Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System.
The Hobarts will each initially carry a single S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopter. The helicopter will be replaced by the MH-60 Romeo version of the Seahawk once it enters RAN service. Two rigid hulled inflatable boats are carried.
 

Sea Eagle

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Anyways you are doing a great work by opening a new thread on R.A.N.Please do post some more information regarding the Surface and naval aviation capabilities of R.A.N.:thumb:
:accepted: I think I can start a thread on R.A.N
 

Sea Eagle

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Amazing ship IMO. It can accomodate a strike VLS and the AMDR by the end of this decade during refits. Along with ANZACs they will provide formidable Air-defense.
 

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