The Royal Australian Navy’s most advanced warships are now ready for operational deployment, boosting Australia’s capacity to work with our strategic partners and maintain peace and prosperity in our region.
HMA Ships Hobart, Brisbane and Sydney conduct officer-of-the-watch manoeuvres in the Eastern Australian Exercise Area (Photo: Peter Beeh)
Navy’s Hobart-class Air Warfare Destroyers have reached final operational capability after the third ship, HMAS Sydney (DDG-42), completed a successful test and evaluation period off the coast of the U.S. and Canada.
Chief of the Royal Australian Navy Vice Admiral Michael Noonan said the milestone ushered in a new era for Navy.
«Navy’s three Hobart-class destroyers use a number of systems in common with the U.S. Navy, which allows our ships to be fully interchangeable with the most advanced allied naval force in the Indo-Pacific region», Vice Admiral Noonan said. «Australian destroyers are a key contribution to the Australia-United States alliance and will be employed in maintaining the peace and prosperity of our region for the next 30 years. Due to the ever-changing strategic environment, the Hobart class will continue to be upgraded with the latest weapons and sensors over coming years in order to maintain a capability edge».
About 5000 skilled Australians have worked for or on the Air Warfare Destroyer program over the past decade, and more than 2700 different suppliers were involved in Sydney’s construction.
HMAS Sydney (DDG-42) returned to Australia in July after a successful test period, which included missile firings against low-altitude and supersonic targets.
Vice Admiral Noonan said the Hobart-class Air Warfare Destroyers were the most capable warships in Australia’s naval history.
«They are equipped with layered defensive and offensive capabilities for above water, surface and undersea warfare,” he said. «Our destroyers are a force multiplier for the Australian Defence Force and a key element of the Joint Force Integrated Air and Missile Defence capability».
Characteristics
Length
481.3 feet/146.7 m
Beam
61 feet/18.6 m
Draft
23.6 feet/7.2 m
Full load displacement
7,000 tonnes
Main Engine
36 MW/48,276 hp
Top speed
28+ knots/32 mph/52 km/h
Range at 18+ knots/21 mph/33 km/h
5,000+ NM/5,779 miles/9,300 km
Crew
186
Accommodation
234
Combat System
Aegis Weapon System Baseline 7.1
AN/SPY-1D(V) Phased Array Radar (81 NM/93 miles/150 km)
The Royal Australian Navy has welcomed its newest Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) into the Fleet in the first commissioning of an Australian warship at sea since the Second World War.
The crew of HMAS Sydney (DDG-42) ‘cheer ship’ inside Jervis Bay, NSW following the ship’s commissioning ceremony at sea
The ceremony, conducted off the coast of New South Wales on Monday, 18 May 2020, marked the moment the 147-metre long Air Warfare Destroyer HMAS Sydney (DDG-42) became one of Her Majesty’s Australian Ships.
Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, and Commander of the Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead, were aboard the guided missile destroyer, to officially welcome Sydney into service.
Vice Admiral Noonan told the commissioning crew that Sydney’s history was of a legendary pedigree.
«You will all form part of the HMAS Sydney (DDG-42) fabric. You are sailors and officers who will all continue the proud Sydney legacy. It is a great responsibility – one I know each and every one of you is capable of honouring and carrying forward into the future. HMAS Sydney (DDG-42), welcome home, welcome back to our Fleet. Your name once again takes pride and its rightful place in Her Majesty’s Fleet», Vice Admiral Noonan said.
During the ceremony the ship received a blessing and Sydney’s Commanding Officer, Commander Edward Seymour, read the ship’s commissioning order before the Australian White Ensign was hoisted, signifying completion of the commissioning.
The crew also watched video messages of congratulations from Governor-General David Hurley, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds, and the ship’s sponsor, Mrs. Judy Shalders.
Commander Seymour said he was proud to lead the ship’s company and carry forward the legacy of previous Australian warships that carried the name: «It isn’t often in a naval career that you are part of commissioning a brand new warship, but to do so at sea and carrying the significant legacy behind the name Sydney, is a special feeling for the entire ship’s company. A lot of hard teamwork has led us to this moment of bringing a world-class warship into the fleet and we’re eager to now prove what Sydney can do. She brings an outstanding, Australian-built air warfare capability over an exceptional range and gives Navy a surface combat capability like never before».
HMAS Sydney (DDG-42) is the last of three Hobart Class vessels built for Navy at Osborne in South Australia and is based on the Navantia F100 frigate design.
She is equipped with advanced combat systems, providing the ship with layered offensive and defensive capabilities to counter conventional and asymmetric threats.
HMAS Sydney (DDG-42) will now undergo her test and evaluation period where she will integrate into the fleet and Navy personnel will develop their proficiencies with her cutting-edge Aegis combat system.
Sydney’s sister ships, HMAS Hobart (DDG-39) and HMAS Brisbane (DDG-41), commissioned in 2017 and 2018 respectively and all three vessels are homeported at Fleet Base East in Sydney.
The first Royal Australian Navy vessel to be commissioned at sea was HMAS Matafele. The World War II stores carrier was commissioned on 1 January 1943.
Characteristics
Length
481.3 feet/146.7 m
Beam
61 feet/18.6 m
Draft
23.6 feet/7.2 m
Full load displacement
7,000 tonnes
Main Engine
36 MW/48,276 hp
Top speed
28+ knots/32 mph/52 km/h
Range at 18+ knots/21 mph/33 km/h
5,000+ NM/5,779 miles/9,300 km
Crew
186
Accommodation
234
Combat System
Aegis Weapon System Baseline 7.1
AN/SPY-1D(V) Phased Array Radar (81 NM/93 miles/150 km)
On Friday 28 February, 2020, ASC joined its Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Alliance partners in delivering the third and final AWD, NUSHIP Sydney, to the Australian Government.
ASC helps deliver final Air Warfare Destroyer, as part of the AWD Alliance
ASC Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Stuart Whiley said ASC, as lead platform shipbuilder for the program since its inception in 2005, was enormously proud of helping deliver the final warship of the three-ship program.
«To the more than 1,700 shipbuilding employees who worked on this program for us, peaking in 2015, along with the hundreds of contractors, I say a big ‘thank you’», Mr. Whiley said.
Mr. Whiley represented ASC on 28 February, 2020 at the hand-over ceremony for Sydney at the Osborne Naval Shipyard, South Australia, attended by Defence Minister Linda Reynolds and Chief of Navy Vice Admiral (VADM) Mike Noonan: «ASC is incredibly proud of all the shipbuilders responsible for the construction of the Sydney, their skill, resilience and hard work, over more than a decade of a highly challenging program. In terms of ASC’s history, today compares only to the delivery of the sixth and final Collins Class submarine, the Rankin, achieved in 2003, also at the Osborne Naval shipyard. With the AWD program, our shipbuilders proved that sovereign Australian shipbuilding could deliver world-leading warship platforms at increasing productivity levels, while supporting project partners within the Alliance. The Sydney, like the two AWDs which preceded her, HMAS Hobart (DDG-39) and HMAS Brisbane (DDG-41), are the Navy’s most complex and potent warships and will be critical for Royal Australian Navy (RAN) force protection and naval power projection in the Indo-Pacific for decades to come. It is pleasing to note, also, the role ASC’s shipbuilders played in completing the aviation upgrade to the Sydney in recent months, along with our Alliance partners, making her the most up-to-date AWD in the fleet, from a platform point of view».
While speaking briefly at the ceremony, Mr. Whiley wished all of Sydney’s future crews well: «Central to everything ASC does is the safety of our workforce and those who sail on the warships and submarines we deliver. Wherever Sydney sails, in friendly or not-so-friendly waters, she goes with the best wishes for a safe return from everyone who helped construct her».
ASC was selected in 2005 as the lead shipbuilder for the AWD program, following a competitive process. ASC worked with shipyards in Melbourne, Newcastle and Spain to build ship blocks, and consolidated the blocks at the Osborne Naval Shipyard. ASC worked as part of the AWD Alliance, along with combat system integrator Raytheon Australia and the Department of Defence’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group – joined in 2015 by the warship’s designer, Navantia.
The first AWD, HMAS Hobart (DDG-39), was delivered to the Government in 2017 and the second, HMAS Brisbane (DDG-41), in 2018. Both have since been commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy and have been met with widespread praise.
Characteristics
Length
481.3 feet/146.7 m
Beam
61 feet/18.6 m
Draft
23.6 feet/7.2 m
Full load displacement
7,000 tonnes
Main Engine
36 MW/48,276 hp
Top speed
28+ knots/32 mph/52 km/h
Range at 18+ knots/21 mph/33 km/h
5,000+ NM/5,779 miles/9,300 km
Crew
186
Accommodation
234
Combat System
Aegis Weapon System Baseline 7.1
AN/SPY-1D(V) Phased Array Radar (81 NM/93 miles/150 km)
The Australian Defence Force’s third Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD), HMAS Sydney (DDG-42), has commenced its first phase of sea trials which will test the ship’s hull, propulsion and navigation systems.
HMAS Sydney (DDG-42), the third and final Australian Air Warfare Destroyer, sailed for the first time as she commenced her Builder’s Sea Trials today, September 16. She will undergo various trials and her commissioning is scheduled for early May 2020 (RAN photo)
The initial trial phase will be followed by a more advanced phase of sea trials in October to test the ship’s combat and communications systems in preparation for delivery next year.
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said industry played a fundamental role in the input into Defence capability.
«Over the past decade, more than 5,000 people from across the Department of Defence, ASC, Raytheon Australia and Navantia have dedicated millions of hours of work towards delivering the most capable warships ever to be operated by the Royal Australian Navy», Minister Reynolds said.
«This is underpinned by over 2,700 suppliers who have supported the AWD Alliance in its efforts to expand Australian Industry Capability for the overall Program. Through the AWD program we have created a local workforce with specialist shipbuilding and complex systems integration skills that will form the foundation for future shipbuilding projects in Australia».
Characteristics
Length
481.3 feet/146.7 m
Beam
61 feet/18.6 m
Draft
23.6 feet/7.2 m
Full load displacement
7,000 tonnes
Main Engine
36 MW/48,276 hp
Top speed
28+ knots/32 mph/52 km/h
Range at 18+ knots/21 mph/33 km/h
5,000+ NM/5,779 miles/9,300 km
Crew
186
Accommodation
234
Combat System
Aegis Weapon System Baseline 7.1
AN/SPY-1D(V) Phased Array Radar (81 NM/93 miles/150 km)
HMAS Brisbane (DDG-41) is the second of three ships of the Hobart Class guided missile destroyers. Her sister ships will be HMAS Hobart (DDG-39) and HMAS Sydney (DDG-42). The keel of HMAS Brisbane (DDG-41) was laid down on 3 February 2014 and was launched by Mrs. Robyn Shackleton on 15 December 2016.
HMAS Brisbane (DDG-41) at sea during builders trials viewed from her sister ship, HMAS Hobart (DDG-39)
HMAS Brisbane (DDG-41) is based on the Navantia designed F100 frigate and is coupled it with the Aegis Combat System. HMAS Sydney (DDG-42) is currently under construction in Australia by the Air Warfare Destroyer Alliance.
HMAS Brisbane (DDG-41) 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 150 km/93 miles.
Brisbane 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.
Brisbane 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 that the Hobart Class DDGs have the layered defensive and offensive capability required to counter conventional and asymmetric threats.
Characteristics
Length
481.3 feet/146.7 m
Beam
61 feet/18.6 m
Draft
23.6 feet/7.2 m
Full load displacement
7,000 tonnes
Main Engine
36 MW/48,276 hp
Top speed
28+ knots/32 mph/52 km/h
Range at 18+ knots/21 mph/33 km/h
5,000+ NM/5,779 miles/9,300 km
Crew
186
Accommodation
234
Combat System
Aegis Weapon System Baseline 7.1
AN/SPY-1D(V) Phased Array Radar (81 NM/93 miles/150 km)
A key weapon system training platform for the Royal Australian Navy’s new Hobart class destroyers has reached the final stage of certification. Leading Seaman Electronics Technician Jacob Ward took to the firing panel recently during a weapons certification firing trial of the Mk-25 25-mm Typhoon at West Head Gunnery Range, Flinders Victoria.
Mk-25 Mod 2 25-mm Typhoon Certification firing at West Head Gunnery Range, Flinders, Victoria
The event marked the final stage of the acceptance of the Air Warfare Destroyer Close Range Defence System part task trainer comprising of the Mk-25 Mod 2 Typhoon, operating console and simulator. On completion of the firing certification process, the system will be available to provide initial training to weapon system operators and maintainers posted to the HOBART Class guided missile destroyer (DDG).
Leading Seaman Ward said being part of a project for the most advanced destroyer Australia has ever built was a great experience. «As an electronics technician I am much more used to maintenance and fault diagnosis than I am to testing a brand new capability», he said. «It was a pretty good experience to be part of the team certifying a key weapons system and knowing that it will be used for years to come in sailor training».
The Royal Australian Navy is planned to have three Hobart Class destroyers to 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 West Head Gunnery Range occupies an area of approximately 16 hectares on the Mornington Peninsula, and is located approximately 43.5 miles/70 km south of Melbourne. The Range was originally used by the Army in the 1890s as a shore battery and was taken over by the Royal Australian Navy in 1958.
Leading Seaman Electronics Technician Jacob Ward at the firing panel of the Mk-25 Mod 2 25-mm Typhoon during the weapons certification firing with the radar and Electro Optical Tracking System (EOTS) infrared on display at West Head Gunnery Range, Flinders, Victoria
Hobart Class
The Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs) will be capable across the full spectrum of joint maritime operations, from area air defence and escort duties, right through to peacetime national tasking and diplomatic missions. The AWD project will provide the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) with one of the world’s most capable multi-mission warships.
The AWDs, equipped with the SM-2 missile, 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. They will also be equipped with the SM-6 long-range anti-aircraft missile, the most advanced weapon of its type, with a range of more than 200 NM/230 miles/370 kilometers.
The missiles combined with the Aegis Weapon System, incorporating the state-of-the-art phased array radar AN/SPY 1D(V), will effectively extend the air defence protection offered by these superior ships.
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.
As they enter service, the AWDs will be equipped with a sophisticated Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC), which will enable each vessel to act as a part of a wider «grid» of sensor and weapon platforms that can share surveillance and targeting information.
The Hobart Class AWDs 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 will ensure the AWDs have the layered defensive and offensive capability required to counter conventional and asymmetric threats. When the Hobart Class AWDs (HMAS Hobart 39, HMAS Brisbane 41 and HMAS Sydney 42) enter service, there will be around 100 Aegis equipped ships operating across the globe.
The AWD program is the most complex surface combatant construction project ever undertaken in Australia
Characteristics
Length
481.3 feet/146.7 m
Beam
61 feet/18.6 m
Draft
23.6 feet/7.2 m
Full load displacement
7,000 tonnes
Main Engine
36 MW/48,276 hp
Top speed
28+ knots/32 mph/52 km/h
Range at 18+ knots/21 mph/33 km/h
5,000+ NM/5,779 miles/9,300 km
Crew
186
Accommodation
234
Combat System
Aegis Weapon System Baseline 7.1
AN/SPY-1D(V) Phased Array Radar (81 NM/93 miles/150 km)
Last week (November 19) marks significant progress on the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) program, as the keel was laid for the third destroyer, Sydney, and initial combat systems activation has commenced on the first destroyer, Hobart. Sydney is the last of three AWDs currently under construction on this program, which will deliver the most capable warships ever possessed by the Royal Australian Navy.
The keel for the third air warfare destroyer (AWD) on order for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) was laid down on 19 November
AWD Alliance CEO, Rod Equid, said that the keel-laying for the third ship is the latest in a series of important achievements across the project, with the start of the hull consolidation phase for Sydney, as well as the progression to the system activation phase for Hobart in advance of sea trials next year. Mr. Equid said the second destroyer, Brisbane, is also on track towards meeting the completion of hull consolidation next month.
«We are proud of this further progress. Production is now more than 70% complete across the project and significant productivity improvements are being realised from ship to ship. We have come a long way since our first keel-laying ceremony was held three years ago. We recognise the importance of the work being done on the third ship, as this is where we will achieve the highest levels of productivity, based on the lessons from Sydney’s sister ships», said Mr. Equid.
AWD Program Manager Peter Croser commended the work accomplished by the AWD Alliance over the course of the last year. «We have achieved a number of critical milestones this year, from launching our first ship Hobart in May, to achieving 70 per cent completion on our second ship, Brisbane, and now commencing the hull consolidation phase for our third ship, Sydney», said Mr. Croser.
The AWD Alliance is responsible for delivering three Hobart Class DDG destroyers and their support systems to the Navy. The Alliance is made up of shipbuilder ASC, mission systems integrator Raytheon Australia and the Government’s Department of Defence.
The vessel, which will be the future HMAS Sydney, is the last of three 6,350-tonne Hobart-class ADWs ordered under a contract signed in October 2007
Characteristics
Length
481.3 feet/146.7 m
Beam
61 feet/18.6 m
Draft
23.6 feet/7.2 m
Full load displacement
7,000 tonnes
Main Engine
36 MW/48,276 hp
Top speed
28+ knots/32 mph/52 km/h
Range at 18+ knots/21 mph/33 km/h
5,000+ NM/5,779 miles/9,300 km
Crew
186
Accommodation
234
Combat System
Aegis Weapon System Baseline 7.1
AN/SPY-1D(V) Phased Array Radar (81 NM/93 miles/150 km)
Integrated Sonar System incorporating a hull mounted and towed array sonar
Communications Suite
Aviation
Flightdeck and hangar for one helicopter
Boats
Two Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs)
This computer-generated animation highlights the multi-mission capability of the three naval destroyers being built as part of the Air Warfare Destroyer Project
A crowd of nearly 6,000 people is gathering at Techport Australia in Adelaide on May 23 to celebrate a major milestone – the launch of the first destroyer built as part of the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) program. The AWD workforce and their families were joined by dignitaries and industry leaders for the launch ceremony, which saw the first destroyer Hobart, lowered into the water until it floats for the first time.
The United States Navy and Lockheed Martin have provided support through our AWD Foreign Military Sales case which has been vital to delivering this next-generation capability to the Australian Defence Force
AWD Alliance CEO Rod Equid said today’s event is the culmination of the efforts of thousands of Australians and other members of the AWD enterprise, reaching back more than 10 years. The launch ceremony celebrated the transition of the ship from the hardstand to the water. «As shipbuilders and systems integrators, we are undertaking one of the most complex projects of its type in Australia’s history», Mr. Equid said. «Our teams take enormous pride in the work we are doing, which is why this launch is such a big day and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a tear in the eyes of many of our workers when HMAS Hobart floats for the first time. It is hard to believe that the AWD Shipyard was opened just five years ago following considerable investment by State and Federal Government and ASC. Australia now has a highly skilled and professional naval shipbuilding capability».
Hobart’s launch is a big step forward in the delivery of three next-generation warships to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Over the coming months, progress will be accelerated as the second destroyer, Brisbane, takes the place of Hobart on the hardstand to undergo final block consolidation, and the keel for the third destroyer, Sydney, is laid. The AWD Alliance is responsible for delivering three Hobart Class DDG destroyers and their support systems to the Navy. The Alliance is made up of shipbuilder ASC, mission systems integrator Raytheon Australia and the Government’s Defence Materiel Organisation.
Along with her sister ships, Brisbane and Sydney, Hobart will provide superior interoperability for the ADF and Coalition forces – capable of carrying out multi-mission operations ranging from high-intensity conflict to border protection
AWD Program Manager Peter Croser said: «Hobart has a strong and important lineage with many who have served in the previous Hobart who take a keen interest in their name-sake ship which now sits in the waters south of Adelaide. They have watched the progress of this ship and some of them will be represented today at the launch. Many members of the RAN future crew are already here working at Osborne contributing expertise for the launch and the next phase of the program. We look forward to setting to work Hobart and proving her capabilities at sea in the coming two-year period, whilst maintaining a focus on the construction of the next two DDGs».
ASC Shipbuilding CEO Mark Lamarre said the launch of the first destroyer is a momentous occasion when masses of steel, pipe, wire and machinery come to life. It is an emotional and solemn moment for those who build ships and for those that take them to sea. «The highly skilled workforce at ASC have consolidated and outfitted a ship, they are learning and improving every day contributing to the nation’s shipbuilding capability», Mr. Lamarre said. «The construction of Hobart and the other ships under construction at our shipyard represent the dedication and determination of all who are involved in this important national program. It is a project of which the whole of Australia should be incredibly proud».
Raytheon Australia Managing Director Michael Ward congratulated the AWD Alliance on the launch of Hobart. «As the AWD mission systems integrator it is a source of pride for Raytheon that we have applied our unique engineering and project management skills to delivering a project that is integrated in Australia», Mr. Ward said. «The AWD’s combat system integration activities represent some of the most advanced engineering accomplishments yet undertaken in such a project in this country and will contribute to making the AWD the most sophisticated warship ever operated by the Royal Australian Navy».
The destroyers’ combination of endurance, offensive and defensive weapons, flexibility and versatility make the Hobart class one of the most capable surface combatants ever operated by the RAN
Hobart Class
The Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs) will be capable across the full spectrum of joint maritime operations, from area air defence and escort duties, right through to peacetime national tasking and diplomatic missions. The AWD project will provide the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) with one of the world’s most capable multi-mission warships.
The AWDs, equipped with the SM-2 missile, 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. They will also be equipped with the SM-6 long-range anti-aircraft missile, the most advanced weapon of its type, with a range of more than 370 kilometers/230 miles/200 NM.
The missiles combined with the Aegis Weapon System, incorporating the state-of-the-art phased array radar AN/SPY 1D(V), will effectively extend the air defence protection offered by these superior ships.
The original contract cost was A$8 billion for the three ships
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.
As they enter service, the AWDs will be equipped with a sophisticated Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC), which will enable each vessel to act as a part of a wider «grid» of sensor and weapon platforms that can share surveillance and targeting information.
The Hobart Class AWDs 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 will ensure the AWDs have the layered defensive and offensive capability required to counter conventional and asymmetric threats. When the Hobart Class AWDs (HMAS Hobart 39, HMAS Brisbane 41 and HMAS Sydney 42) enter service, there will be around 100 Aegis equipped ships operating across the globe.
The AWD program is the most complex surface combatant construction project ever undertaken in Australia
Characteristics
Length
481.3 feet/146.7 m
Beam
61 feet/18.6 m
Draft
23.6 feet/7.2 m
Full load displacement
7,000 tonnes
Main Engine
36 MW/48,276 hp
Top speed
28+ knots/32 mph/52 km/h
Range at 18+ knots/21 mph/33 km/h
5,000+ NM/5,779 miles/9,300 km
Crew
186
Accommodation
234
Combat System
Aegis Weapon System Baseline 7.1
AN/SPY-1D(V) Phased Array Radar (81 NM/93 miles/150 km)
AN/SPQ-9B Horizon Search Radar
Mk-41 Vertical Launch System (48 VLS cells: RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM)/ Standard Missile-2 (SM-2)/SM-6)
Mk-45 Mod.4 5” (127-mm) 62 Calibre Gun
Advanced Harpoon Weapon Control (2 × 4 launchers)
Electronic Warfare (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
Flightdeck and hangar for one helicopter
Boats
Two Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs)
This computer-generated animation highlights the multi-mission capability of the three naval destroyers being built as part of the Air Warfare Destroyer Project
