16/08/2007

HMS Daring Passes Sea Trials

The Royal Navy's newest and most sophisticated destroyer, HMS Daring, has successfully completed sea trials off the Scottish coast.

HMS Daring is the first of the six £1bn ships of her type.

Over the last month she has been undergoing rigorous sea trials. The 500ft long ship, which is capable of reaching 31 knots in under two minutes, has stealth technology that makes her radar footprint similar to a fishing boat.

Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth, said: “The Type 45 is an immensely powerful state of the art destroyer that will provide a vital layer of protection from missile attack for the fleet.

“Daring’s success at sea - when I gather she exceeded her design speed of 29 knots - is an excellent start to the intensive trials phase that will now begin as we bring her world-leading missile defence system into full operation.

“I have spoken to her crew and they are delighted with the capability of the ship and pleased with the high standard of accommodation on board.”

A further five ships of the fuel-efficient Type 45 Destroyers are on order. They will have a range of 7,000 miles.

One, Dauntless, was launched earlier this year and another, Diamond, is due to be launched in November.

BAE Systems is the prime contractor for the delivery of the first six Type 45 Destroyers. The ships are being assembled and launched from yards on the Clyde.

VT at Portsmouth and BAE Systems Surface Fleet Solutions will both build and outfit substantial sections of the ships.

(SP)

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