First chance to glimpse future

Head of Maritime Systems, RADM Trevor Ruting with the first Armidale boat, NUSHIP Armidale.

A side-on view of the first patrol boat.

Photos: ABPH Kade Rogers

By Graham Davis

Introducing NUSHIP Armidale - indeed an impressive “miss” even without her final “dress.”

Our picture was taken in the Henderson, WA, workshops of the builders Austal.

With Defence Maritime Systems as prime contractor, Austal has been contracted by Defence to build 12 Armidale Class patrol boats.

The contract, worth $550 million, will see a fleet of 57 metre long aluminium patrol boats constructed. They will replace the 15 Fremantle Class patrol boats now with the RAN.

The first boat should be delivered next May.

The base contract called for a Rafael 25 mm Typhoon cannon to be fitted to the class, while two RHIBs will also be carried.

In addition the contract requires the builders to provide 15 years of service and maintenance.

DMS/Austal must provide 3,000 operational days annually from the craft with an additional 600 days should operational requirements surge.

Of the 3000 days, 1800 will be directed towards Coastwatch operations.

Already a good ship, the Armidales are set to be even better with an announcement by the Defence Minister, Senator Hill on August 18.

He said a $25 million Australiandesigned radar identification system will be installed in the boats. The radar will boost Navy’s capability to track down illegal vessels, Senator Hill said.

The Adelaide based company BAE Systems would be contracted to provide the PRISM 111 radar system.

It is expected that BAE will also be subcontracted to provide throughlife support for 15 years by the prime contractor, DMS.

Senator Hill told of the radar when he visited Austal’s plant and viewed NUSHIP Armidale.

“This Australian designed and developed radar identification system will provide an increased surveillance capability and better protection for Australia’s coastline,” he said.

“PRISM 111 is a passive electronic system that can detect microwave frequencies such as those used by marine radars, and identifying the type of radar being used.

“In combination with other sensors this system will help the Navy to identify who is in Australian waters and increase the ability to track down illegal vessels.”

The PRISM 111 was selected after evaluating available systems worldwide.

The system is already fitted to the Navy’s mine hunters and has proven both effective and reliable.

Speaking generally of the Armidales, Senator Hill said construction of the lead boat is progressing on time and on budget. The hull structure is 75 per cent complete with the boat 23 per cent complete overall.

“This project is demonstrating the ability of Australian industry to design, construct and deliver an important class of ships to the RAN on time, on budget and at a high quality,” Senator Hill said.

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