Firing tests of torpedo launchers for the new Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers (AWD) have been
held in Adelaide.
The tests were part of acceptance testing of the weapon systems
for the second destroyer Brisbane and involved firing an MU-90
practice delivery torpedo from an MK32 Mod 9 Surface Vessel torpedo tube.
The system is made up of three main components – a launcher, an
air charging panel and a torpedo loading tray.
“All
three destroyers will have MK32 Mod 9 torpedo launchers installed in the port
and starboard magazine compartments of the ship,” Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare said.
“The launch system will be capable of deploying lightweight torpedoes against
enemy submarines,” Clare added.
The AWD Alliance has already taken delivery of the first shipset
of torpedo launchers for the first destroyer Hobart from
subcontractor Babcock after Factory Acceptance Testing was successfully
completed in June.
The testing took place at the Techport Australia facility and
included launching the MU-90 practice delivery torpedo from the surface vessel
torpedo tubes into a custom designed test rig.
The AWD Alliance is responsible for delivering three of the most
complex surface combatants ever built in Australia and is made up of Defence Materiel Organisation, ASC and Raytheon Australia.
A computer-generated image of an air warfare destroyer.
