New Australian ship completes initial sea trials

NUSHIP Adelaide, a second Landing Helicopter Dock Ship for the Royal Australian Navy, has successfully completed its initial sea trials, BAE Systems said.

The future HMAS Adelaide will dock on Saturday at BAE Systems' facility in Williamstown for final outfitting and further system integration work before setting sail next month for a second set of trials.

"During sea trials, we essentially test the ship and all its systems in the 'at-sea' environment in which it will be expected to operate in the service of the Royal Australian Navy," said BAE Systems Director of Maritime Bill Saltzer. It is also the first opportunity for the new officers and crew to be engaged in on-board operations following the extensive training program that they undergo at our state-of-the-art training facility in Mascot, NSW.

"NUSHIP Adelaide performed exceptionally well in the first phase of sea trials. The ship is well ahead of where HMAS Canberra was at the same time in her production schedule, demonstrating again the benefits that come from continuous production."

The Adelaide is 757.3 feet long. Has a speed of more than 20 knots and has a range of about 9,000 nautical miles while sailing at 15 knots. It can carry more than 100 vehicles and more than 1,000 troops. It is expected to carry a normal complement of eight helicopters but has maximum hangar space for 18.

The Canberra and Adelaide were built by Navantia of Spain and BAE Systems Australia.