HMAS Darwin
HMAS Darwin is a long-range escort frigate that undertakes roles including area air defence, anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction. The ship is capable of countering simultaneous threats from the air, surface and sub-surface.
The class are modified variants of the American Oliver Hazard Perry-class FFG-7 frigates. Darwin and her five sister ships, Adelaide, Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and Newcastle were the first RAN ships to be powered by gas turbines for their main propulsion. This, combined with a modern repair by replacement policy, has allowed both a reduced complement and a high availability for sea.
Darwin can be underway from cold in 30 minutes. In addition, two forward-mounted retractable auxiliary propulsion units provide a secondary means of propulsion plus excellent manoeuvrability in confined waters.
Darwin's principal weapons are the Standard medium-range SAM and Harpoon anti-ship missile, both of which are launched from the Mk 13 launcher on the forecastle. A 76mm gun to counter both aircraft and surface threats is fitted forward of the funnel and one 20 mm Phalanx CIWS for anti-missile defence is located above the helicopter hangars.
For long-range ASW tasks, Darwin is equipped for two Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopters. They are all-weather, twin-engine helicopters with a crew of three. Their primary role is undersea warfare for which they carry sonobuoys and up to two torpedoes. Other roles include OTHT, surveillance, boarding support, SAR and utility operations. For close-in ASW defence the ship is fitted with two Mk 32 triple torpedo tubes.
The ship's sensor package includes long-range radars for air and surface surveillance, ESM sensors and the Australian Nulka anti-ship missile defence system. Darwin is also fitted with the EO Tracking System (EOTS) with combined optical and IR sensors for detection and tracking. An Australian software based command and control system processes information as well as target data linked from other ships and aircraft.
Darwin was laid down by Todd Pacific Shipyards at Seattle, WA in 1981 and commissioned into the RAN on 21 July 1984. Here she is seen alongside in Woolloomooloo at the RAN's Fleet Base East in Sydney Harbour.
HMAS Darwin
HMAS Darwin is a long-range escort frigate that undertakes roles including area air defence, anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction. The ship is capable of countering simultaneous threats from the air, surface and sub-surface.
The class are modified variants of the American Oliver Hazard Perry-class FFG-7 frigates. Darwin and her five sister ships, Adelaide, Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and Newcastle were the first RAN ships to be powered by gas turbines for their main propulsion. This, combined with a modern repair by replacement policy, has allowed both a reduced complement and a high availability for sea.
Darwin can be underway from cold in 30 minutes. In addition, two forward-mounted retractable auxiliary propulsion units provide a secondary means of propulsion plus excellent manoeuvrability in confined waters.
Darwin's principal weapons are the Standard medium-range SAM and Harpoon anti-ship missile, both of which are launched from the Mk 13 launcher on the forecastle. A 76mm gun to counter both aircraft and surface threats is fitted forward of the funnel and one 20 mm Phalanx CIWS for anti-missile defence is located above the helicopter hangars.
For long-range ASW tasks, Darwin is equipped for two Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopters. They are all-weather, twin-engine helicopters with a crew of three. Their primary role is undersea warfare for which they carry sonobuoys and up to two torpedoes. Other roles include OTHT, surveillance, boarding support, SAR and utility operations. For close-in ASW defence the ship is fitted with two Mk 32 triple torpedo tubes.
The ship's sensor package includes long-range radars for air and surface surveillance, ESM sensors and the Australian Nulka anti-ship missile defence system. Darwin is also fitted with the EO Tracking System (EOTS) with combined optical and IR sensors for detection and tracking. An Australian software based command and control system processes information as well as target data linked from other ships and aircraft.
Darwin was laid down by Todd Pacific Shipyards at Seattle, WA in 1981 and commissioned into the RAN on 21 July 1984. Here she is seen alongside in Woolloomooloo at the RAN's Fleet Base East in Sydney Harbour.