F-100 Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyer - Design
Navantia's F104 ship design is the basis for the AWD. The F104 baseline is being updated for AWD to include key F105 features, Australian Combat system modifications, and selected platform upgrades that are unique to the Hobart Class. The AWDs' Hobart Class Combat System, built around the Aegis Weapon System incorporating the state-of-the-art phased array radar, AN/ SPY 1D(V), will provide an advanced air defence system capable of engaging enemy aircraft and missiles at ranges in excess of 150 kilometers.
The AWDs will carry a helicopter for surveillance and response to support key warfare areas. The surface warfare function will include long range anti-ship missiles and a naval gun capable of firing extended range munitions in support of land forces.
They will also be able to conduct Undersea Warfare and will be equipped with modern sonar systems, decoys, surface-launched torpedoes and an array of effective close-in defensive weapons. These capabilities will ensure the AWDs have the layered defensive and offensive resources required to counter conventional and asymmetric threats.
These ships are 481 feet in length and have a 61 foot beam. They have a maximum speed of 28-29 knots and a range of 4800 nautical miles. They carry 48 launch tubes for vertical launch missiles of various types, 6 torpedoes, 1 x 127mm 5-in automatic gun and phalanx air warfare guns.
F105 Modifications
- More efficient and powerful diesel engines coupled with improved fuel tank arrangements will provide increased range,
- The inclusion of a bow thruster will improve manoeuvrability in harbours;
- Improvements to underway replenishment arrangements for manpower efficiencies;
- Changes to funnel tops to improve the ship's air wake; and
- Bunk size increases to improve habitability.
AWD Combat System Modifications
- The Hobart Class will use the Aegis Weapon System Baseline 7.1and the AN/SPY-1D(V) Phased Array Radar.
- Enhanced Anti Submarine Warfare capabilities and the addition of a torpedo defence system;
- ASW decoys for torpedo defence;
- Enhanced undersea communications;
- Integration of the MU90 torpedo.
Other changes
- Modification of the MK45 gun and Gun Fire Control System, including provision for Extended Range Munitions (ERM);
- Addition of the Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC);
- Modification of the IFF UPX-29 to the current tactical standard;
- Addition of an Horizon Search Radar (HSR) for improved anti-ship missile defence;
- Upgrades to the Surface-to-Surface Missile System to improve target selectivity in congested water, littoral and coastal operations;
- Upgrades to the Very Short Range Defence system to improve its integration and utility against asymmetric surface threats;
- Upgrades to the Electronic Warfare system, including the addition of electronic attack capabilities;
- Addition of X/Ka Satcom and INMARSAT Fleet Broadband and INMARSAT C capability;
- Improved Infrared Search and Track capabilities;
- Improved Electro-Optical Surveillance capability;
- Addition of Nulka Launchers for active missile decoys;
AWD-Unique Platform Modifications
- The ship's displacement will be increased to 7,000 tons for an improved service life margin [were initially to displace 5800 tons].
- Cold weather operation will be improved to allow for deployment into Australia's southern waters.
- The hangar will be modified to accommodate a range of helicopters.
- Increased total cold room capacity for improved endurance;
- Incorporation of a fixed gas detection system to warn of the presence of harmful gases in compartments where personnel exposure risks exist;
- Modification of the 220V/50Hz network to 240V/50 Hz, incorporation of Residual Current Devices (RCD) and the Australian pin configuration for general purpose outlets, and
- Modification of existing stowage, and increases in the overall number of stowage facilities, for thermal protective suit and life raft containers.
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