http://www.ausawd.com/Awd/ProjectUpdates.aspx Project Updates en-AU Thu, 23 May 2013 22:35:16 GMT Thu, 23 May 2013 22:35:16 GMT http://www.ausawd.com/Awd/ProjectUpdates.aspx?id=48 In September 2012, the Air Warfare Destroyer Project passed the significant milestone of keel-laying for the first destroyer Hobart, which marks the start of the consolidation phase of the project. Further keel blocks are rapidly being joined on the hardstand at the Common User Facility (CUF) in Adelaide and the Hobart will now steadily take shape. The CUF is located within the Techport Australia precinct adjacent to the ASC Shipyard and is where all three destroyers will be consolidated and then launched. Overall block production and fit out of Hobart is well advanced, including the installation of the first accommodation modules, diesel generators and water coolers for the combat systems. To date, the AWD Alliance has taken delivery in Adelaide of 14 blocks for Hobart, seven from BAE Systems and seven from Forgacs. ASC, on behalf of the AWD Alliance, contracted Adelaide-based company MG Engineering to build the masts for all three ships. Block production for Ship 2, Brisbane, is underway at four shipyards: BAE Systems (Victoria), Forgacs (Newcastle), Navantia (Spain) and ASC (South Australia). The AWD Alliance also taken delivery of two blocks for Brisbane. Fabrication has commenced on hull blocks for Ship 3, Sydney, at BAE Systems and Navantia. The Hobart Class Combat System will make the destroyers the most capable warships ever operated by the Royal Australian Navy. The first two ship-sets of Aegis equipment have successfully completed factory acceptance testing by the United States Navy. Some Aegis equipment has arrived in Adelaide, including all four SPY-1D (V) radar array faces for Hobart. Integration of the sub-systems with the core Aegis weapon system is progressing well, with the US Navy and Lockheed Martin Corporation working ahead of schedule. Tue, 26 Mar 2013 02:00:00 GMT