Posted on 12/25/2009 9:09:43 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
The HMAS Melbourne has demonstrated the navy's updated naval air defense capability with the firing of a Standard Missile (SM-2) off Jervis Bay. Minister for Defense Personnel, Materiel and Science Greg Combet said in a written statement that the SM-2 would be further enhanced throughout 2010. "This missile firing was the first time an SM-2 has been fired from an Adelaide-class frigate," Combet said.
"The missile was prepared, launched and supported in flight before engaging a target."
Combet said Melbourne is now equipped with two modern missile systems to combat anti-ship missiles and aircraft.
"HMAS Melbourne is an Adelaide-class guided-missile frigate (FFG) that has completed the multimillion-dollar FFG Upgrade Program and has recently undergone additional SM-2 related alterations to its combat system."
The FFG Upgrade Program is to extend the life of the remaining four FFG ships in Australia's fleet. It also includes improvements to underwater warfare capabilities including torpedo systems.
The Royal Australian Navy acquired four U.S. Navy-designed FFG 7-class guided-missile frigates in the late 1970s and early 1980s, according to the Australian Ministry of Defense. These ships -- HMAS Adelaide, Canberra, Sydney and Darwin -- were built by Todd Shipyards in Seattle.
All together, the USN built 51 FFG7-class ships between 1976 and 1988. The USS Oliver Hazard Perry, lead ship of the Oliver Hazard Perry class of guided-missile frigates (FFG7), was named after the American naval hero who was victorious at the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie. She was scrapped in 2005.
(Excerpt) Read more at spacewar.com ...
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One question about the Aussie FFG upgrade-are the SM-2s fired from VLS or conventional launchers??? Do they also have ESSMs on these ships? Thanks.
SM-2s (and Harpoons) use the existing Mk-13 launcher. 32 ESSMs are carried quad-packed in a tactical length 8 cell Mk41 installed ahead of it.
Thanxx again for the reply. Now’s that one rather comphrensive upgrade for a frigate despite all criticism about the project being bungled!!!
Seasons Greetings & God’s Blessings to You and u’re Loved Ones.
If only we updated our Perry Class frigates like you all. Instead we’ve neutered them wit the loss of the Mk13 missile launcher.
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