Upgraded HMNZS Te Kaha F77 frigate of New Zealand Navy began sea trials.

According to an article published by the Official magazine of the Royal New Zealand Navy, in September of this year, the HMNZS TE KAHA frigate of Royal New Zealand Navy began these sea trials, focused on getting TE KAHA’s plant, including two diesel and a gas turbine engine, operating smoothly, as well as some testing and calibration of some of the new electronics systems.
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Royal New Zealand Navy HMNZS Te Kaha F77 Anzac-class frigate. (Picture source Royal New Zealand Navy)

The HMNZS Te Kaha (F77) is one of ten Anzac-class frigates, and one of two serving in the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). She was laid down at Williamstown, Victoria on 19 September 1994. The ship was assembled from six hull modules and six superstructure modules; the superstructure modules were fabricated in Whangarei, New Zealand, and hull modules were built at both Williamstown and Newcastle, New South Wales, with final integration at Williamstown. She was launched on 22 July 1995 and commissioned into the RNZN on 22 July 1997.

The HMNZS Te Kaha is a purpose-built warship constructed to the German MEKO 200 design. Te Kaha is designed to fight and evade her enemies and take battle damage. Her primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of New Zealand by undertaking maritime security patrols and surveillance operations to protect our sea lines of communication or trade routes.

The HMNZS Te Kaha is armed with one 5 in/54 (127 mm) Mk 45 Mod 2 gun, one Phalanx CIWS Close-In Weapon System, two M2 .50 Cal Browning machine guns, eight-cell Mk 41 VLS (Vertical launching System) for Sea Ceptor surface-to-air missiles AGM-119 Mk 2 Mod 7 Penguin Missile launched from SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite, two triple 324 mm Mk 32 Mod 5 tubes or launched from SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite.

The HMNZS Te Kaha is powered by a CODOG (combined diesel or gas) turbine system including one General Electric LM2500+ gas turbine providing 30,000 hp (22,000 kW), two MTU 12V1163 TB83 diesel engines providing 8,840 hp (6,590 kW), and two shafts with controllable pitch propellers in CODOG configuration. It can reach a maximum speed of 27+ knots (50+ km/h; 31+ mph) with a maximum range of 6,000 nautical miles (11,000 km; 6,900 mi) at 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph).

The HMNZS Te Kaha can accommodate, operate, and maintain one naval helicopter. The ship has a crew of 178 Officers and sailors.