UK Ministry of Defence, The Royal Navy's newest destroyer, the 7,500 tonne Daring, has successfully completed demanding sea trials off the Scottish coast.
Daring is the first of six Type 45 Destroyers which will be the largest and most powerful air defence ships ever built for the front line by the UK. Carrying world-leading missile defence systems, they will be able to engage a large number of targets simultaneously and defend aircraft carriers or groups of ships, such as an amphibious landing force, against the strongest future threats from the air.
These versatile ships will also provide an unprecedented detection and defensive capability along with vastly improved living standards compared to their predecessors. The success of these trials means Daring has moved one step closer to coming into operation.
Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth visited Daring in the Firth of Clyde in Scotland today, Tuesday 14 August 2007, where he toured the ship and its facilities. The crew took the opportunity to demonstrate some of Daring's capabilities:
“Daring's success at sea 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,” Mr Ainsworth said.
“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.”
BAE Systems is the prime contractor for delivery of these destroyers with a contract worth over £6bn. There are another five ships of this class on order, one of which is Dauntless which was launched earlier this year and another, Diamond, which is due to be launched in November.
Once all of the Daring's trials have been successfully completed, she will officially be signed over to the Royal Navy at which point the name will gain the prefix of 'HMS'. The senior Royal Navy Officer on board Daring, Commander David Shutts has been at the helm throughout these recent successes:
“The ship has performed magnificently during our initial sea trials over the past few weeks. In addition to being incredibly stable, smooth and rapid, she is also extremely agile with a very tight turning circle indeed. Further, she can come to a halt from top speed in less than three hull lengths.
“Having also spoken to many experienced colleagues at BAE Systems, I think that we are all agreed that this is the best first of class initial sea trial that any of us has ever experienced. Clearly, this bodes very well for the future ships.”
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