John Newman
The Bunker Group
Yes I think that’s correct, Sydney was able to be modified before delivery, the first two after delivery.Sydney was actually commissioned able to operate the MH-60R, the other 2 needed modifications to do so. The first 2 would have been for the S-70B Seahawk which Spain uses.
But my point still stands, a change in helicopter/weapons required a change in design, in the case of the Hobart class the MH-60R were ordered about 3-4 years after the ship design was ordered.
That’s the thing, selecting a ‘reference’ design that will meet your own requirements, require modification, it takes time and money.
Hence why the extra time required to turn the UK T26 class design into the Australian Hunter class.