Feature—Armidale-class Patrol Boats
HMAS Armidale at sea
Three generations of Navy patrol boats (L–R):
Armidale-class HMAS Armidale, Fremantle-class HMAS Townsville,
and Attack-class, Ex-HMAS Advance.
The Royal Australian Navy's patrol boat group continues the significant and challenging period of transition as the Armidale-class patrol boats replace the Fremantle-class patrol boats.
HMAS Armidale was the first of the class and entered service on 24 June 2005. By the end of 2005–06, three Armidale-class patrol boats were conducting operations in Australia's northern approaches, with a further eleven vessels being prepared for operations or being built. The fourth and fifth vessels underwent operational workup in 2005–06 in preparation for commissioning in July 2006.
The Armidale-class patrol boat has improved capability and more comfortable living areas than the Fremantle-class patrol boat. In addition, the full fleet of 14 boats will deliver a 30 per cent increase in operational availability by employing a multi-crewing system, and have capacity for further 'surge' if necessary.
The Armidale-class patrol boats are presently capable of conducting boarding operations up to sea state three (1.25 metre wave height) and once fully developed up to sea state four (2.5 metre wave height), and can maintain surveillance up to sea state five (4 metre wave height). Capability enhancements over the Fremantle-class patrol boats include greater range and endurance, increased crew habitability (more comfortable, purpose-built and spacious living quarters), two 7.2 metre jet propulsion rigid hull inflatable boats (against one 4.7 metre rigid hull inflatable boat) and a Rafael Typhoon 25mm stabilised cannon that is linked to an electro-optical sighting system for improved accuracy in place of a Bofors 40/60mm manually aimed deck gun.
The mature Armidale-class patrol boat fleet will be divided into four divisions, named Attack, Assail, Ardent and Aware, reflecting the legacy of the inaugural Northern Australia Attack-class patrol boats. Attack division has been formed and reached its mature state in August 2006.
Attack, Assail and Ardent divisions will each be made up of four boats and six crews but Aware division, made up of only two boats, will have only three crews. These divisions will form the basis for the crew rotation model that permits greater availability of the boats (250 days per boat per year) while providing greater opportunities for leave, training and administration of personnel as they rest from operations.
To date, the Armidale-class patrol boats have been assigned to Operations Anode, Breakwater, Relex II and Cranberry, and will form the nucleus of the Navy's commitment to Operation Resolute.
HMAS Larrakia at speed during contractor sea acceptance trials (Source: Austal)
HMAS Armidale at sea
| SHIP | COMMISSIONING DATE | COMMISSIONING LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| Armidale | 24 June 2005 | Darwin, Northern Territory |
| Larrakia | 10 February 2006 | Darwin, Northern Territory |
| Bathurst | 10 February 2006 | Darwin, Northern Territory |
| Albany | 15 July 2006 | Albany, Western Australia |
| Pirie | 29 July 2006 | Port Pirie, South Australia |
| Maitland | September 2006 | Newcastle, New South Wales |
| Ararat | October 2006 | Melbourne, Victoria |
| Broome | February 2007 | Broome, Western Australia |
| Bundaberg | February 2007 | Bundaberg, Queensland |
| Childers | May 2007 | Cairns, Queensland |
| Wollongong | June 2007 | Port Kembla, New South Wales |
| Launceston | September 2007 | Launceston, Tasmania |
| Glenelg | To be advised | To be advised |
| Maryborough | To be advised | To be advised |