Exercise Malabar is a multilateral naval exercise involving the United States, India, Japan, Australia, and Singapore. The annual MALABAR series began in 1992, and includes diverse activities, ranging from fighter combat operations from aircraft carriers, through Maritime Interdiction Operations Exercises.[1]
Contents [hide]
1 History
1.1 2007
1.2 2008
1.3 2011
2 See also
3 References
[edit]History
Three exercises were conducted prior to 1998, when the Americans suspended exercises after India tested nuclear weapons.[2] However, Washington renewed military contacts following the September 11 attacks when India joined President George W Bush's campaign against international terrorism.
In 2002, the exercises comprised basic passing maneuvers among naval vessels, anti-submarine exercises and replenishment-at-sea drills.
In 2003, US warships, USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62), USS Chosin (CG-65); US submarine USS Pasadena (SSN-752); Indian guided missile frigates, INS Brahmaputra and INS Ganga; Indian submarine INS Shalki and several aircraft conducted anti-submarine warfare tactics.[3]
In 2004, Malabar participants included advanced assets like the USS Alexandria (SSN-757), a Los Angeles class submarine, and US Navy P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft. This enabled both navies to engage in submarine familiarization exercises, a key capability for anti-submarine warfare collaboration.
In 2005, Malabar featured the participation of the aircraft carriers USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and INS Viraat. During a month of operations, US and Indian forces collaborated on a wide variety of tasks ranging from a joint diving salvage operation to a 24-hour 'war at sea' simulation that saw the two forces engage in mock combat.[4][5][6]
In 2006, a US expeditionary strike group comprising amphibious ships, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines participated in the exercise for the first time.
[edit]2007
Malabar-2007, besides interception and dissimilar air combat exercises, featured surface and anti-submarine warfare, maritime interdiction and Visit, board, search, and seizure operations to counter piracy and terrorist acts at sea.
On 4 September 2007, the naval exercise included 25 vessels from India, the United States, Japan, Australia and Singapore in the Bay of Bengal. This was the first time a joint exercise of this scale involving 25 vessels was conducted, an event that India says is a pointer to the country's growing importance on the world stage.
India's Left parties that have been giving Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government a hard time on the India-US civilian nuclear deal, have vehemently protested the joint drill, seeing it as yet another sign of the growing closeness between New Delhi and Washington.
In June, China had issued a 'demarche' to India, United States, Japan and Australia seeking details about their four-nation meeting, termed a Quadrilateral Initiative. India and Australia had quickly assured Beijing that security and defence issues did not form part of the meeting's agenda.
At one time, the Indian government was known to have considered postponing or even canceling the drill but the Indian Navy put its foot down, saying the logistics involved made any delay impossible.
The operational area of Malabar-2007 stretched from Vizag on the eastern seaboard to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that guard the approaches to the Strait of Malacca, considered one of the world's busiest waterways.
The drill was previously a bilateral India-US engagement and was expanded for the first time.
The US Navy had the largest representation during Malabar-2007 with 13 warships, including the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz that was protested[7] when it dropped anchor off Chennai in July.
The other vessels included the conventionally powered carrier USS Kitty Hawk, the nuclear submarine USS Chicago (SSN-721), two guided missile cruisers, and six guided missile destroyers.
Eight warships of India, including the aircraft carrier INS Viraat, represented the Indian Navy. Viraat's Sea Harrier jets and Sea King helicopters, and the Indian Air Force's Jaguar deep-penetration strike aircraft were also seen in action.
Australia was represented by a frigate and a tanker; Japan by two destroyers; and Singapore by a frigate.
[edit]2008
From 19 October 2008, Exercise MALABAR 08, the twelfth of the series, was conducted in the Arabian Sea. The US Navy was represented by the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)'s Carrier Strike Group Seven. In addition, one submarine, USS Springfield (SSN-761), and one P3C Orion aircraft also participated in the exercise.[1][8]
The Indian Navy was represented by INS Mumbai (D62), a Delhi Class guided missile destroyer, INS Rana (D52), a Rajput Class guided missile destroyer and four guided missile frigates, namely, INS Talwar (F40), INS Godavari (F20), INS Brahmaputra (F31) and INS Betwa (F39). Additionally, INS Aditya (A59), an underway replenishment tanker, and one Shishumar class submarine, Sea Harrier fighters, fixed and rotary wing aircraft also participated.[1]
The purpose of Malabar 2008 was to promote increase inter-operability between the United States and India, with a special emphasis on maritime interdiction, including counter-piracy and counter-terrorism operation.[9] Rear Admiral Anil Chopra, Flag Officer Commanding, Western Fleet (FOCWF), noted:
This greatly enhances our two navies’ interoperability, which is very important to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, as well as issues of maritime security and piracy.[10]
Joining Carrier Group Seven were the fast combat support ship Bridge and the nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine Springfield and a P-3C maritime patrol aircraft.[9][10] Indian naval units included guided-missile destroyers Mumbai and Rana; the guided-missile frigates Talwar, Godavari, Brahmaputra, and Betwa; the replenishment tanker Aditya; and a Shishumar-class diesel-electric submarine.[9]
[edit]2011
The Malabar Series of Exercises, from April 2 to April 10, 2011 will be held off the Okinawa coast.[11]
India had stopped involving more countries in the Indo-U.S. exercises after China, in 2007, sent demarches to all the participants of a five-nation naval exercise held in the Bay of Bengal. With last year's Japanese participation raising no political storm, India was once again agreeable to the idea of allowing the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force to participate.[11]
Ships of the Strike Group with the Indian Navy during Malabar 2011
Carrier Strike Group Seven was able to participate in Malabar 2011 (pictured).[12] U.S. naval units initially included the guided-missile destroyers Sterett and Stethem; the guided-missile frigate Reuben James; and nuclear powered attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN-763). Indian naval units included the guided-missile destroyers Delhi, Ranvijay, and INS Ranvir (D54); the corvette INS Kirch (P62); and the replenishment tanker Jyoti.[12][13][14]
The at-sea portions were conducted in the western Pacific Ocean, east of the Luzon Strait, and east of Okinawa. The exercise's location coincided with the Indian Navy's western Pacific deployment.[12] Malabar 2011 was designed to advance U.S.-Indian coordination and operational capacity. Exercise events included liaison officer professional exchanges and embarks; communications exercises; surface action group exercise operations; formation maneuvering; helicopter cross deck evolutions; underway replenishments; humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; gunnery exercises; visit, board, search and seizure; maritime strike; air defense; screen exercise; and anti-submarine warfare.[13] U.S. and Indian navy ships ended the exercise on 9 April 2011.
---------- Post added at 05:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:50 PM ----------
Exercise Malabar is a multilateral naval exercise involving the United States, India, Japan, Australia, and Singapore. The annual MALABAR series began in 1992, and includes diverse activities, ranging from fighter combat operations from aircraft carriers, through Maritime Interdiction Operations Exercises.[1]
Contents [hide]
1 History
1.1 2007
1.2 2008
1.3 2011
2 See also
3 References
[edit]History
Three exercises were conducted prior to 1998, when the Americans suspended exercises after India tested nuclear weapons.[2] However, Washington renewed military contacts following the September 11 attacks when India joined President George W Bush's campaign against international terrorism.
In 2002, the exercises comprised basic passing maneuvers among naval vessels, anti-submarine exercises and replenishment-at-sea drills.
In 2003, US warships, USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62), USS Chosin (CG-65); US submarine USS Pasadena (SSN-752); Indian guided missile frigates, INS Brahmaputra and INS Ganga; Indian submarine INS Shalki and several aircraft conducted anti-submarine warfare tactics.[3]
In 2004, Malabar participants included advanced assets like the USS Alexandria (SSN-757), a Los Angeles class submarine, and US Navy P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft. This enabled both navies to engage in submarine familiarization exercises, a key capability for anti-submarine warfare collaboration.
In 2005, Malabar featured the participation of the aircraft carriers USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and INS Viraat. During a month of operations, US and Indian forces collaborated on a wide variety of tasks ranging from a joint diving salvage operation to a 24-hour 'war at sea' simulation that saw the two forces engage in mock combat.[4][5][6]
In 2006, a US expeditionary strike group comprising amphibious ships, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines participated in the exercise for the first time.
[edit]2007
Malabar-2007, besides interception and dissimilar air combat exercises, featured surface and anti-submarine warfare, maritime interdiction and Visit, board, search, and seizure operations to counter piracy and terrorist acts at sea.
On 4 September 2007, the naval exercise included 25 vessels from India, the United States, Japan, Australia and Singapore in the Bay of Bengal. This was the first time a joint exercise of this scale involving 25 vessels was conducted, an event that India says is a pointer to the country's growing importance on the world stage.
China, which has not officially commented on the drill, is known to be unhappy over the event as it is being conducted in the Bay of Bengal for the first time. China has been cultivating naval cooperation with Bangladesh and Myanmar to gain access to the Bay of Bengal. China has also been strengthening military cooperation with Sri Lanka.
India's Left parties that have been giving Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government a hard time on the India-US civilian nuclear deal, have vehemently protested the joint drill, seeing it as yet another sign of the growing closeness between New Delhi and Washington.
In June, China had issued a 'demarche' to India, United States, Japan and Australia seeking details about their four-nation meeting, termed a Quadrilateral Initiative. India and Australia had quickly assured Beijing that security and defence issues did not form part of the meeting's agenda.
At one time, the Indian government was known to have considered postponing or even canceling the drill but the Indian Navy put its foot down, saying the logistics involved made any delay impossible.
The operational area of Malabar-2007 stretched from Vizag on the eastern seaboard to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that guard the approaches to the Strait of Malacca, considered one of the world's busiest waterways.
The drill was previously a bilateral India-US engagement and was expanded for the first time.
The US Navy had the largest representation during Malabar-2007 with 13 warships, including the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz that was protested[7] when it dropped anchor off Chennai in July.
The other vessels included the conventionally powered carrier USS Kitty Hawk, the nuclear submarine USS Chicago (SSN-721), two guided missile cruisers, and six guided missile destroyers.
Eight warships of India, including the aircraft carrier INS Viraat, represented the Indian Navy. Viraat's Sea Harrier jets and Sea King helicopters, and the Indian Air Force's Jaguar deep-penetration strike aircraft were also seen in action.
Australia was represented by a frigate and a tanker; Japan by two destroyers; and Singapore by a frigate.
[edit]2008
From 19 October 2008, Exercise MALABAR 08, the twelfth of the series, was conducted in the Arabian Sea. The US Navy was represented by the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)'s Carrier Strike Group Seven. In addition, one submarine, USS Springfield (SSN-761), and one P3C Orion aircraft also participated in the exercise.[1][8]
The Indian Navy was represented by INS Mumbai (D62), a Delhi Class guided missile destroyer, INS Rana (D52), a Rajput Class guided missile destroyer and four guided missile frigates, namely, INS Talwar (F40), INS Godavari (F20), INS Brahmaputra (F31) and INS Betwa (F39). Additionally, INS Aditya (A59), an underway replenishment tanker, and one Shishumar class submarine, Sea Harrier fighters, fixed and rotary wing aircraft also participated.[1]
The purpose of Malabar 2008 was to promote increase inter-operability between the United States and India, with a special emphasis on maritime interdiction, including counter-piracy and counter-terrorism operation.[9] Rear Admiral Anil Chopra, Flag Officer Commanding, Western Fleet (FOCWF), noted:
This greatly enhances our two navies’ interoperability, which is very important to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, as well as issues of maritime security and piracy.[10]
Joining Carrier Group Seven were the fast combat support ship Bridge and the nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine Springfield and a P-3C maritime patrol aircraft.[9][10] Indian naval units included guided-missile destroyers Mumbai and Rana; the guided-missile frigates Talwar, Godavari, Brahmaputra, and Betwa; the replenishment tanker Aditya; and a Shishumar-class diesel-electric submarine.[9]
[edit]2011
The Malabar Series of Exercises, from April 2 to April 10, 2011 will be held off the Okinawa coast.[11]
India had stopped involving more countries in the Indo-U.S. exercises after China, in 2007, sent demarches to all the participants of a five-nation naval exercise held in the Bay of Bengal. With last year's Japanese participation raising no political storm, India was once again agreeable to the idea of allowing the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force to participate.[11]
Ships of the Strike Group with the Indian Navy during Malabar 2011
Carrier Strike Group Seven was able to participate in Malabar 2011 (pictured).[12] U.S. naval units initially included the guided-missile destroyers Sterett and Stethem; the guided-missile frigate Reuben James; and nuclear powered attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN-763). Indian naval units included the guided-missile destroyers Delhi, Ranvijay, and INS Ranvir (D54); the corvette INS Kirch (P62); and the replenishment tanker Jyoti.[12][13][14]
The at-sea portions were conducted in the western Pacific Ocean, east of the Luzon Strait, and east of Okinawa. The exercise's location coincided with the Indian Navy's western Pacific deployment.[12] Malabar 2011 was designed to advance U.S.-Indian coordination and operational capacity. Exercise events included liaison officer professional exchanges and embarks; communications exercises; surface action group exercise operations; formation maneuvering; helicopter cross deck evolutions; underway replenishments; humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; gunnery exercises; visit, board, search and seizure; maritime strike; air defense; screen exercise; and anti-submarine warfare.[13] U.S. and Indian navy ships ended the exercise on 9 April 2011.
[S
---------- Post added at 06:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:58 PM ----------
The Type 45 destroyer also known as the D or Daring class is a class of air defence destroyers built for the United Kingdom's Royal Navy. The Daring class were built to replace the Type 42 destroyers, the last of which is due to be decommissioned by 2013. The first ship in the Daring class, HMS Daring, was launched on 1 February 2006 and commissioned on 23 July 2009.[9] The ships are now built by BAE Systems Surface Ships. The first three ships were assembled by BAE Systems Surface Fleet Solutions from partially prefabricated "blocks" built at different ship yards.
The UK originally sought to procure air defence ships as part of the eight-nation NFR-90 project and later the Horizon Common New Generation Frigate programme with France and Italy. The Type 45s take advantage of some Horizon development work and utilise the Sea Viper missile system (the SAMPSON radar variant of the Principal Anti-Air Missile System). In 2009, delivery of the ships' Aster missiles was delayed due to a failure during testing.[10] A subsequent investigation revealed a manufacturing fault with a single batch of missiles and delivery of the Aster 30 is back on schedule.[11]
In an "intensive attack" a single Type 45 could simultaneously track, engage and destroy more targets than five Type 42 destroyers operating together.[12] The Daring class are the largest escorts ever built for the Royal Navy in terms of displacement.[N 2] After Daring's launch on 1 February 2006 former First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Alan West stated that it would be the Royal Navy's most capable destroyer ever, as well as the world's best air-defence ship.[13] The reduction in the number to be procured from 12 eventually down to six (in 2008) was controversial.[14][15]
Contents [hide]
1 Design
1.1 Background
1.2 General characteristics
1.3 Stealth features
1.4 Advanced air defence
1.5 Armament and sensors
1.6 Propulsion
2 Construction
3 Ships in the class
4 See also
5 Footnotes
6 Citations
7 External links
[edit]Design
[edit]Background
Main articles: NFR-90 and Horizon class frigate
The UK had sought to procure the ships in collaboration with seven other NATO nations under the NFR-90 project which later collapsed. The UK then joined France and Italy in the Horizon CNGF programme; however, differing national requirements, workshare arguments and delays led to the UK withdrawing on 26 April 1999 and starting its own national project.[16] On 23 November 1999 Marconi Electronic Systems or MES was confirmed as prime contractor for the Type 45 project.[17] Seven days later MES and British Aerospace merged to form BAE Systems, making the latter the prime contractor.
The Type 45 project has been criticised for rising costs and delays, with the ships costing £6.46 billion, an increase of £1.5 billion (29%) on the original budget.[18] The first ship entered service in 2010,[19] rather than 2007 as initially planned. In 2007 the Defence Select Committee expressed its disappointment that the MoD and BAE had failed to control rising costs.[20][21]
[edit]General characteristics
The Type 45 destroyers are 152.4 m in length, with a beam of 21.2 m and a draught of 7.4 m. This makes them significantly larger than the Type 42 they replace, displacing about 8,000 tonnes[3] compared to 5,200 tonnes of the Type 42. The Type 45 destroyers are the first British warships built to meet the hull requirements of Lloyd's Register's Naval Rules. BAE Systems is the Design Authority for the Type 45, a role traditionally held by the UK Ministry of Defence.[22]
[edit]Stealth features
The design of the Type 45 brings new levels of radar signature reduction to the Royal Navy. Deck equipment and life rafts are concealed behind the ship's superstructure panels, producing a very "clean" superstructure somewhat similar to the French La Fayette class frigates. The mast is also sparingly equipped externally.
[edit]Advanced air defence
The Type 45 design uses the Principal Anti-Air Missile System, now known in Royal Navy service as Sea Viper. It is a joint British, French and Italian design. PAAMS consists of a SAMPSON fire control and tracking radar, MBDA Aster 15 and 30 missile systems and a 48-cell SYLVER vertical missile launcher, giving both short-range and long-range anti-air capability. The PAAMS system is able to control and coordinate several missiles in the air at once, allowing several tracks to be intercepted. The SYLVER VLS missile launcher can be upgraded to accommodate other weapons if necessary. The Daring class have often been considered to be the most powerful air-defence warships in the world.[23] It has been suggested that the SAMPSON radar is capable of tracking an object the size of a cricket ball travelling at three times the speed of sound.[24] Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope has talked of the RN's pride in a Type 45 being asked to switch off PAAMS because it was "constraining the training" in exercises with US forces.[25]
Although the Type 45 represents a significant improvement to air defences, her anti-ship capability is currently limited to the single medium calibre gun and helicopter-borne Sea Skua missiles.[26]
[edit]Armament and sensors
Daring embarking on sea trials in 2007
Anti-air
Sea Viper missile system.
SAMPSON multi-function air tracking radar. (range 400 km)
S1850M 3D air surveillance radar, capable of tracking up-to 1,000 targets. (range 400 km)
48 cell SYLVER A-50 VLS for accommodation of up to 48× MBDA Aster missiles. A mix of;
Aster 15 - anti-air missiles (range 2–30 km)
Aster 30 - anti-air missiles (also anti-ballistic missile capable) (range 3–120 km)
Guns
1× BAE Systems 4.5 inch Mk 8 mod 1 gun. The Darings are designed to accommodate a more powerful 155 mm gun upgrade that was studied by the RN in 2008[27] This 155 TMF programme would have allowed the Navy to share ammunition R&D and logistics with the Army 155 mm guns but was cancelled in the SDSR of 2010. The Type 45 gun will now be upgraded under the Maritime Indirect Fire System programme which will also cover the Type 26 frigate; a decision is due in mid-2012.[28]
2× Oerlikon 30 mm KCB guns on single DS-30B mounts.
2× Miniguns and up to 6× General Purpose Machine Guns.[29]
2× Phalanx 20 mm close-in weapons systems (from 2011).[30]
Anti-ship
Fitted 'for but not with' 2× quadruple RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile launchers.[31]
The embarked Lynx HMA 8 helicopter(s) is capable of carrying Sea Skua anti-ship missiles.
The 4.5 inch Mark 8 naval gun has an anti-ship role.
Anti-submarine
MFS 7000 sonar
The embarked Lynx HMA 8 helicopter(s) or Merlin HM1 helicopter is capable of carrying Sting Ray torpedoes. The Merlin HM1 helicopter is fitted with its own dipping sonar and carries sonobuoys.
Land attack
The Type 45 as it stands has no land-attack missile capability and the SYLVER A50 launcher currently has no capability to fire such a missile. However, should the need arise, it would be possible to fit them with the American Mk. 41 VLS, firing the BGM-109 Tomahawk.[32] The Fire Shadow loitering munition is "compatible with the space envelope" of the Type 45's SYLVER cells[33] but does not appear to be under development for naval use at present.
The 4.5 inch Mark 8 naval gun has a naval gunfire support (NGS) role.
Daring being floated on the Clyde after launching.
Countermeasures
The Seagnat decoy system allows for the seduction and distraction of radar guided weapons, through active and passive means. An infra-red 'spoofing' device is planned for future retrofits.
Airborne Systems's IDS300 floating naval decoy system (corner reflectors) [34]
Surface Ship Torpedo Defence System (SSTD) active torpedo decoy system
Communications
Fully Integrated Communications System (FICS45) - a combined external and internal communications system supplied by Thales and SELEX Communications Ltd.[35]
METOC Meteorology and Oceanography
The Metoc system by BAE Systems comprises the Upper Air Sounding System using launchable radiosondes by Skycom Telecom Ltd (Wales) and Graw Radiosondes (Germany) joint venture, as well as a comprehensive weather satellite receiving system and a bathymetrics system. These sensors will provide each vessel with a full environmental awareness for tasks such as radar propagation, ballistics and general self-supporting meteorological and oceanographic data production.
Aircraft
1-2 Lynx HMA 8 helicopter - Sea Skua anti-ship missiles and Sting Ray torpedoes or 1 Merlin helicopter - Sting Ray torpedoes, dipping sonar and sonobuoys.
The flight deck of the Type 45 is big enough to accommodate aircraft up to the size of the Chinook.
Other
Type 45 has sufficient space to embark 60 Royal Marines and their equipment.
[edit]Propulsion
Integrated electric propulsion in the Type 45
(GT: gas turbine; DG: diesel generator)
The Type 45 is fitted with an innovative integrated electric propulsion system. Historically, electric-drive ships (like USS Langley) have supplied power to their electric motors using DC, and ship's electrical load, where necessary at all, was either separately supplied or was supplied as DC with a large range of voltage[clarification needed]. Integrated electric propulsion seeks to supply all propulsion and ship's electrical load via AC at a high quality[clarification needed] of voltage and frequency. This is achieved by computerised control, high quality transformation and electrical filtering.
Two Rolls-Royce WR-21 gas turbine alternators and two Wärtsilä 12V200 diesel generators provide electrical power at 4,160 volts to a high voltage system. The high voltage supply is then used to provide power to two Converteam advanced induction motors with outputs of 20 MW (27,000 hp) each. Ship's services, including hotel load and weapons system power supplies, are supplied via transformers from the high voltage supply at 440 V and 115 V.[33]
The benefits of integrated electric propulsion are cited as:
The ability to place the electric motors closer to the propeller, thus shortening the shaftline, obviating the need for a gearbox or controllable pitch propellers, and reducing exposure to action damage.[33]
The opportunity to place prime movers (diesel generators and gas turbine alternators) at convenient locations away from the shaftline, thus reducing the space lost to funnels, while at the same time improving access for maintenance and engine changes.[36]
The freedom to run all propulsion and ship services from a single prime mover for much of the ship's life, thus dramatically reducing engine running hours and emissions.[33]
Key to the efficient use of a single prime mover is the choice of a gas turbine that provides efficiency over a large load range; the WR21 gas turbine incorporates compressor intercooling and exhaust heat recovery, making it significantly more efficient than previous marine gas turbines, especially at low and medium load.
The combination of greater efficiency and high fuel capacity give an endurance of 7,000 nautical miles (13,000 km) at 18 knots (33 km/h).[33] High power density and the hydrodynamic efficiency of a longer hull form allow high speeds to be sustained. It has been reported that Daring reached her design speed of 29 knots (54 km/h) in 70 seconds and achieved a speed of 31.5 knots (58 km/h) in 120 seconds during sea-trials in August 2007.[5]
[edit]Construction
Launch of Daring. The ship's funnels, masts and radars were subsequently fitted in dry dock.
The ships are built by BAE Systems Surface Ships, originally created as BVT Surface Fleet by the merger of the surface shipbuilding arms of BAE Systems and VT Group. These two companies previously built the ships in collaboration. BAE's two Glasgow shipyards and single Portsmouth shipyard are responsible for different "blocks".
BAE's Govan yard is responsible for Block A (stern to edge of helicopter hangar). The Scotstoun yard builds Blocks B/C (a 2600 tonne section which contains the WR-21 gas turbines, starts with the helicopter hangar to the bridge section) and Block D (bridge section). BAE's Portsmouth shipyard is responsible for Blocks E/F (bridge to the bow) and the funnels and masts. For ships 2 to 6 blocks A-D are assembled in the Ships Block and Outfit Hall of the Govan shipyard, and taken fully outfitted to the Scotstoun berth. The masts and funnels are also fitted before launch.
Construction of blocks of Dauntless at Portsmouth
For the first-of-class, Block A was assembled at Govan and moved to Scotstoun where it was mated to Block B/C, which was already fitted with the WR-21 turbines and machinery. Block D, also assembled at Scotstoun, was fitted to these three blocks. The bow sections (E/F) were mated at Portsmouth and taken by barge to Scotstoun. These were the final blocks to be attached. At this point the hull was launched into the Clyde and towed to the Scotstoun Dry Dock where the masts and funnels were fitted (the masts are partially outfitted with equipment, for example the mast for the S1850M radar is sent from Portsmouth to Thales Nederland to be fitted with radar equipment). Once this is complete the remaining equipment is fitted: radar arrays, bow-mounted sonar, propellers, missile equipment and 4.5-inch gun.
This modular construction arrangement was agreed in February 2002. However, when the original contract for three ships was signed in July 2000, BAE Systems Marine was to build the first and third ships, and Vosper Thornycroft (now VT) was to build the second.
[edit]Ships in the class
Diamond and Dauntless in HMNB Portsmouth. The BAE Systems/QinetiQ facility at Portsdown Hill can be seen in the distant background, with its replica of the Type 45's two radar masts.
Six ships have been ordered, and transfer of custody of the first happened on 10 December 2008.[37] The MOD's initial planning assumption was to procure twelve ships (essentially a like-for-like replacement of a similar number of Type 42s), with the size of the second batch to be determined between 2005 and 2010.[1] However this was reduced to eight ships in the 2003 defence white paper entitled Delivering Security in a Changing World: Future Capabilities. It was reported in December 2006 that the last two could be cut.[38] In July 2007 Ministry of Defence officials stated that they "still planned to build eight Type 45 destroyers" and that "the extra two ships were still included in planning assumptions".[39] This plan was officially abandoned on 19 June 2008 when the Minister for the Armed Forces, Bob Ainsworth, announced in Parliament that options for the seventh and eighth destroyers would not be taken up.[2][40] The continual scaling back of the project, first from 12 to 8, and subsequently to 6 ships, has been criticised for leaving the Royal Navy with insufficient ships to meet its requirements.[14][15]
On 9 March 2007 The Independent reported that Saudi Arabia was considering buying "two or three" Type 45s.[41] On 7 September 2007 it was reported that Saudi Arabian officials had been invited to observe Daring's sea trials.[42]
Name Pennant number First steel cut[N 3] Launched Date of commission Current status
Daring D32 28 March 2003 1 February 2006 23 July 2009[43] In Persian Gulf as of February 2012[44]
Dauntless D33 26 August 2004 23 January 2007 3 June 2010[45] Deploying to the Falklands[46]
Diamond D34 25 February 2005 27 November 2007 6 May 2011[47] In active service as of February 2012[48]
Dragon D35 19 December 2005 17 November 2008 20 April 2012[49] Operational training
Defender D36 31 July 2006 21 October 2009 Expected 2013[50] Stage 1 trials[51]
Duncan D37 26 January 2007 11 October 2010 Expected 2014[28] Fitting out
---------- Post added at 06:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:02 PM ----------
The Type 45 destroyer also known as the D or Daring class is a class of air defence destroyers built for the United Kingdom's Royal Navy. The Daring class were built to replace the Type 42 destroyers, the last of which is due to be decommissioned by 2013. The first ship in the Daring class, HMS Daring, was launched on 1 February 2006 and commissioned on 23 July 2009.[9] The ships are now built by BAE Systems Surface Ships. The first three ships were assembled by BAE Systems Surface Fleet Solutions from partially prefabricated "blocks" built at different ship yards.
The UK originally sought to procure air defence ships as part of the eight-nation NFR-90 project and later the Horizon Common New Generation Frigate programme with France and Italy. The Type 45s take advantage of some Horizon development work and utilise the Sea Viper missile system (the SAMPSON radar variant of the Principal Anti-Air Missile System). In 2009, delivery of the ships' Aster missiles was delayed due to a failure during testing.[10] A subsequent investigation revealed a manufacturing fault with a single batch of missiles and delivery of the Aster 30 is back on schedule.[11]
In an "intensive attack" a single Type 45 could simultaneously track, engage and destroy more targets than five Type 42 destroyers operating together.[12] The Daring class are the largest escorts ever built for the Royal Navy in terms of displacement.[N 2] After Daring's launch on 1 February 2006 former First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Alan West stated that it would be the Royal Navy's most capable destroyer ever, as well as the world's best air-defence ship.[13] The reduction in the number to be procured from 12 eventually down to six (in 2008) was controversial.[14][15]
Contents [hide]
1 Design
1.1 Background
1.2 General characteristics
1.3 Stealth features
1.4 Advanced air defence
1.5 Armament and sensors
1.6 Propulsion
2 Construction
3 Ships in the class
4 See also
5 Footnotes
6 Citations
7 External links
[edit]Design
[edit]Background
Main articles: NFR-90 and Horizon class frigate
The UK had sought to procure the ships in collaboration with seven other NATO nations under the NFR-90 project which later collapsed. The UK then joined France and Italy in the Horizon CNGF programme; however, differing national requirements, workshare arguments and delays led to the UK withdrawing on 26 April 1999 and starting its own national project.[16] On 23 November 1999 Marconi Electronic Systems or MES was confirmed as prime contractor for the Type 45 project.[17] Seven days later MES and British Aerospace merged to form BAE Systems, making the latter the prime contractor.
The Type 45 project has been criticised for rising costs and delays, with the ships costing £6.46 billion, an increase of £1.5 billion (29%) on the original budget.[18] The first ship entered service in 2010,[19] rather than 2007 as initially planned. In 2007 the Defence Select Committee expressed its disappointment that the MoD and BAE had failed to control rising costs.[20][21]
[edit]General characteristics
The Type 45 destroyers are 152.4 m in length, with a beam of 21.2 m and a draught of 7.4 m. This makes them significantly larger than the Type 42 they replace, displacing about 8,000 tonnes[3] compared to 5,200 tonnes of the Type 42. The Type 45 destroyers are the first British warships built to meet the hull requirements of Lloyd's Register's Naval Rules. BAE Systems is the Design Authority for the Type 45, a role traditionally held by the UK Ministry of Defence.[22]
[edit]Stealth features
The design of the Type 45 brings new levels of radar signature reduction to the Royal Navy. Deck equipment and life rafts are concealed behind the ship's superstructure panels, producing a very "clean" superstructure somewhat similar to the French La Fayette class frigates. The mast is also sparingly equipped externally.
[edit]Advanced air defence
The Type 45 design uses the Principal Anti-Air Missile System, now known in Royal Navy service as Sea Viper. It is a joint British, French and Italian design. PAAMS consists of a SAMPSON fire control and tracking radar, MBDA Aster 15 and 30 missile systems and a 48-cell SYLVER vertical missile launcher, giving both short-range and long-range anti-air capability. The PAAMS system is able to control and coordinate several missiles in the air at once, allowing several tracks to be intercepted. The SYLVER VLS missile launcher can be upgraded to accommodate other weapons if necessary. The Daring class have often been considered to be the most powerful air-defence warships in the world.[23] It has been suggested that the SAMPSON radar is capable of tracking an object the size of a cricket ball travelling at three times the speed of sound.[24] Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope has talked of the RN's pride in a Type 45 being asked to switch off PAAMS because it was "constraining the training" in exercises with US forces.[25]
Although the Type 45 represents a significant improvement to air defences, her anti-ship capability is currently limited to the single medium calibre gun and helicopter-borne Sea Skua missiles.[26]
[edit]Armament and sensors
Daring embarking on sea trials in 2007
Anti-air
Sea Viper missile system.
SAMPSON multi-function air tracking radar. (range 400 km)
S1850M 3D air surveillance radar, capable of tracking up-to 1,000 targets. (range 400 km)
48 cell SYLVER A-50 VLS for accommodation of up to 48× MBDA Aster missiles. A mix of;
Aster 15 - anti-air missiles (range 2–30 km)
Aster 30 - anti-air missiles (also anti-ballistic missile capable) (range 3–120 km)
Guns
1× BAE Systems 4.5 inch Mk 8 mod 1 gun. The Darings are designed to accommodate a more powerful 155 mm gun upgrade that was studied by the RN in 2008[27] This 155 TMF programme would have allowed the Navy to share ammunition R&D and logistics with the Army 155 mm guns but was cancelled in the SDSR of 2010. The Type 45 gun will now be upgraded under the Maritime Indirect Fire System programme which will also cover the Type 26 frigate; a decision is due in mid-2012.[28]
2× Oerlikon 30 mm KCB guns on single DS-30B mounts.
2× Miniguns and up to 6× General Purpose Machine Guns.[29]
2× Phalanx 20 mm close-in weapons systems (from 2011).[30]
Anti-ship
Fitted 'for but not with' 2× quadruple RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile launchers.[31]
The embarked Lynx HMA 8 helicopter(s) is capable of carrying Sea Skua anti-ship missiles.
The 4.5 inch Mark 8 naval gun has an anti-ship role.
Anti-submarine
MFS 7000 sonar
The embarked Lynx HMA 8 helicopter(s) or Merlin HM1 helicopter is capable of carrying Sting Ray torpedoes. The Merlin HM1 helicopter is fitted with its own dipping sonar and carries sonobuoys.
Land attack
The Type 45 as it stands has no land-attack missile capability and the SYLVER A50 launcher currently has no capability to fire such a missile. However, should the need arise, it would be possible to fit them with the American Mk. 41 VLS, firing the BGM-109 Tomahawk.[32] The Fire Shadow loitering munition is "compatible with the space envelope" of the Type 45's SYLVER cells[33] but does not appear to be under development for naval use at present.
The 4.5 inch Mark 8 naval gun has a naval gunfire support (NGS) role.
Daring being floated on the Clyde after launching.
Countermeasures
The Seagnat decoy system allows for the seduction and distraction of radar guided weapons, through active and passive means. An infra-red 'spoofing' device is planned for future retrofits.
Airborne Systems's IDS300 floating naval decoy system (corner reflectors) [34]
Surface Ship Torpedo Defence System (SSTD) active torpedo decoy system
Communications
Fully Integrated Communications System (FICS45) - a combined external and internal communications system supplied by Thales and SELEX Communications Ltd.[35]
METOC Meteorology and Oceanography
The Metoc system by BAE Systems comprises the Upper Air Sounding System using launchable radiosondes by Skycom Telecom Ltd (Wales) and Graw Radiosondes (Germany) joint venture, as well as a comprehensive weather satellite receiving system and a bathymetrics system. These sensors will provide each vessel with a full environmental awareness for tasks such as radar propagation, ballistics and general self-supporting meteorological and oceanographic data production.
Aircraft
1-2 Lynx HMA 8 helicopter - Sea Skua anti-ship missiles and Sting Ray torpedoes or 1 Merlin helicopter - Sting Ray torpedoes, dipping sonar and sonobuoys.
The flight deck of the Type 45 is big enough to accommodate aircraft up to the size of the Chinook.
Other
Type 45 has sufficient space to embark 60 Royal Marines and their equipment.
[edit]Propulsion
Integrated electric propulsion in the Type 45
(GT: gas turbine; DG: diesel generator)
The Type 45 is fitted with an innovative integrated electric propulsion system. Historically, electric-drive ships (like USS Langley) have supplied power to their electric motors using DC, and ship's electrical load, where necessary at all, was either separately supplied or was supplied as DC with a large range of voltage[clarification needed]. Integrated electric propulsion seeks to supply all propulsion and ship's electrical load via AC at a high quality[clarification needed] of voltage and frequency. This is achieved by computerised control, high quality transformation and electrical filtering.
Two Rolls-Royce WR-21 gas turbine alternators and two Wärtsilä 12V200 diesel generators provide electrical power at 4,160 volts to a high voltage system. The high voltage supply is then used to provide power to two Converteam advanced induction motors with outputs of 20 MW (27,000 hp) each. Ship's services, including hotel load and weapons system power supplies, are supplied via transformers from the high voltage supply at 440 V and 115 V.[33]
The benefits of integrated electric propulsion are cited as:
The ability to place the electric motors closer to the propeller, thus shortening the shaftline, obviating the need for a gearbox or controllable pitch propellers, and reducing exposure to action damage.[33]
The opportunity to place prime movers (diesel generators and gas turbine alternators) at convenient locations away from the shaftline, thus reducing the space lost to funnels, while at the same time improving access for maintenance and engine changes.[36]
The freedom to run all propulsion and ship services from a single prime mover for much of the ship's life, thus dramatically reducing engine running hours and emissions.[33]
Key to the efficient use of a single prime mover is the choice of a gas turbine that provides efficiency over a large load range; the WR21 gas turbine incorporates compressor intercooling and exhaust heat recovery, making it significantly more efficient than previous marine gas turbines, especially at low and medium load.
The combination of greater efficiency and high fuel capacity give an endurance of 7,000 nautical miles (13,000 km) at 18 knots (33 km/h).[33] High power density and the hydrodynamic efficiency of a longer hull form allow high speeds to be sustained. It has been reported that Daring reached her design speed of 29 knots (54 km/h) in 70 seconds and achieved a speed of 31.5 knots (58 km/h) in 120 seconds during sea-trials in August 2007.[5]
[edit]Construction
Launch of Daring. The ship's funnels, masts and radars were subsequently fitted in dry dock.
The ships are built by BAE Systems Surface Ships, originally created as BVT Surface Fleet by the merger of the surface shipbuilding arms of BAE Systems and VT Group. These two companies previously built the ships in collaboration. BAE's two Glasgow shipyards and single Portsmouth shipyard are responsible for different "blocks".
BAE's Govan yard is responsible for Block A (stern to edge of helicopter hangar). The Scotstoun yard builds Blocks B/C (a 2600 tonne section which contains the WR-21 gas turbines, starts with the helicopter hangar to the bridge section) and Block D (bridge section). BAE's Portsmouth shipyard is responsible for Blocks E/F (bridge to the bow) and the funnels and masts. For ships 2 to 6 blocks A-D are assembled in the Ships Block and Outfit Hall of the Govan shipyard, and taken fully outfitted to the Scotstoun berth. The masts and funnels are also fitted before launch.
Construction of blocks of Dauntless at Portsmouth
For the first-of-class, Block A was assembled at Govan and moved to Scotstoun where it was mated to Block B/C, which was already fitted with the WR-21 turbines and machinery. Block D, also assembled at Scotstoun, was fitted to these three blocks. The bow sections (E/F) were mated at Portsmouth and taken by barge to Scotstoun. These were the final blocks to be attached. At this point the hull was launched into the Clyde and towed to the Scotstoun Dry Dock where the masts and funnels were fitted (the masts are partially outfitted with equipment, for example the mast for the S1850M radar is sent from Portsmouth to Thales Nederland to be fitted with radar equipment). Once this is complete the remaining equipment is fitted: radar arrays, bow-mounted sonar, propellers, missile equipment and 4.5-inch gun.
This modular construction arrangement was agreed in February 2002. However, when the original contract for three ships was signed in July 2000, BAE Systems Marine was to build the first and third ships, and Vosper Thornycroft (now VT) was to build the second.
[edit]Ships in the class
Diamond and Dauntless in HMNB Portsmouth. The BAE Systems/QinetiQ facility at Portsdown Hill can be seen in the distant background, with its replica of the Type 45's two radar masts.
Six ships have been ordered, and transfer of custody of the first happened on 10 December 2008.[37] The MOD's initial planning assumption was to procure twelve ships (essentially a like-for-like replacement of a similar number of Type 42s), with the size of the second batch to be determined between 2005 and 2010.[1] However this was reduced to eight ships in the 2003 defence white paper entitled Delivering Security in a Changing World: Future Capabilities. It was reported in December 2006 that the last two could be cut.[38] In July 2007 Ministry of Defence officials stated that they "still planned to build eight Type 45 destroyers" and that "the extra two ships were still included in planning assumptions".[39] This plan was officially abandoned on 19 June 2008 when the Minister for the Armed Forces, Bob Ainsworth, announced in Parliament that options for the seventh and eighth destroyers would not be taken up.[2][40] The continual scaling back of the project, first from 12 to 8, and subsequently to 6 ships, has been criticised for leaving the Royal Navy with insufficient ships to meet its requirements.[14][15]
On 9 March 2007 The Independent reported that Saudi Arabia was considering buying "two or three" Type 45s.[41] On 7 September 2007 it was reported that Saudi Arabian officials had been invited to observe Daring's sea trials.[42]
Name Pennant number First steel cut[N 3] Launched Date of commission Current status
Daring D32 28 March 2003 1 February 2006 23 July 2009[43] In Persian Gulf as of February 2012[44]
Dauntless D33 26 August 2004 23 January 2007 3 June 2010[45] Deploying to the Falklands[46]
Diamond D34 25 February 2005 27 November 2007 6 May 2011[47] In active service as of February 2012[48]
Dragon D35 19 December 2005 17 November 2008 20 April 2012[49] Operational training
Defender D36 31 July 2006 21 October 2009 Expected 2013[50] Stage 1 trials[51]
Duncan D37 26 January 2007 11 October 2010 Expected 2014[28] Fitting out
