Each
ship’s combat management system is being upgraded and an infrared
search and track system is being introduced as well as a phased array
radar and a dual navigation radar system.
While the ships are on the hard stand at Henderson, a number of additional
and very complex engineering and structural changes are also being made
to the frigates which include enclosing the quarterdeck and modifications
to accommodate naval helicopters.
BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Glynn Phillips said: “The
team involved is averaging 33,000 hours per month or around 400,000
hours per ship and is successfully meeting project milestones.
“The scope of work is incredibly diverse as these ships are essentially
being ‘gutted’ and rebuilt from the inside out. It’s
especially challenging as the upgrade and the engineering changes and
maintenance work is being undertaken simultaneously and the engineering
changes vary depending on the configuration of each ship.”
Once undocked, each ship is required to undertake extensive sea trials
ahead of returning to service.
Program facts:
· HMAS Parramatta and HMAS Toowoomba are currently on the hard
stand at Henderson
· 28 tons of paint is removed from each ship. 14,000 litres of
paint is applied to each frigate during its upgrade
· 375 kilometres of welding wire is used on each ship and
· about 28 kilometres of new cable is installed in every upgraded
ANZAC frigate.
This year, key program milestones will include the undocking of HMAS
Parramatta in quarter two and HMAS Toowoomba in quarter three, the docking
of HMAS Stuart (due for completion in 2017) and acceptance into active
service of HMAS Ballarat following sea trials. |
