Daring Ready to Take to the Waves

The first of the Royal Navy's new powerful Type 45 destroyers, Daring, has successfully completed her final set of contractor sea trials, bringing her a step closer to operational service.>> During the five week trial, the 7,350 tonne vessel was put through her paces as the full range of communications equipment was tested to ensure that all elements of the system can communicate.>> Previous trials have seen Daring demonstrate her speed and manoeuvrability in varied conditions, as well as testing her state-of-the-art radar and missile systems. These further sea trials have reaffirmed her capability.>> Minister for Defence Equipment and Support Baroness Ann Taylor said:>> "The Type 45 destroyers are the most advanced ships of their type in the world to date and will provide the backbone of the Royal Navy's air defence. The combat system trials are vital, giving the Royal Navy confidence that the ship has the ability to defend herself and her company from even the most sophisticated anti-ship missile.>> "I am delighted that Daring has passed a further milestone with the completion of these sea trials. This highlights once again the outstanding progress being made on the Type 45 programme.">> Daring is fitted with the Fully Integrated Communications System (FICS), a state-of-the-art communications system comprising satellite communications, high frequency and V/UHF capabilities via the ship's own dedicated radio and communication plan management system.>> The FICS was tested to its limits during the trials, with 30 or more operators using all aspects of the system from all over the ship simultaneously. This was the ultimate test to prove that FICS can seamlessly operate and manage a full range of communication frequencies, and included a video conference via satellite between the ship at sea and a land-based team.