24 April 2009

Australia's New Minehunter

1 Mei 1999
Royal Australia Navy's Huon class mine hunter ship (photo : GovAu)

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has taken on-time delivery of the first of six new coastal mine hunting vessels (MHC), HMAS Huon, following months of extensive acceptance trials. The Huon-class design is based on Intermarine's Gaeta-class MHCs currently in service with the Italian Navy. Huon's hull was constructed at Intermarine's Saranza Shipyard in Italy, and arrived at prime contractor ADI Limited's (Australia) Throsby Basin in Newcastle for fitting out in August 1995.

HMAS Huon is equipped with the Thomson Marconi Sonar Ltd. Type 2093 variable depth sonar, designed for simultaneous operation in combinations of search, detection, classification, and route survey modes. The dual-frequency search and classification capability of the Type 2093 enables the sonar to operate under most bottom and sea conditions, at a range claimed to be twice that of a hull mounted sonar and with a threefold increase in detection depth. The RAN's new MHC also has two remotely controlled mine disposal vehicles, equipped with a mine disposal charge, searchlights, closed circuit television, and high-definition sonar.

According to ADI, the Huon-class programme is the first instance in which the majority of the detailed design work for a major Australian high-technology maritime project has been carried out in Australia. The detailed design accounts for 80% of the total ship design and entails specifying and formulating installation requirements of all the ship's systems. ADI reports that the other Huon-class MHCs are also on schedule and within budget. The second-of-class, Hawkesbury, has commenced sea trials, and the keel for the final ship is expected to be laid in June 1999. All six Huon-class ships will be based at HMAS Waterhen in Sydney.

Sumber : Jane’s

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