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Successful firing
Volume 50, No. 17, September 20, 2007 |
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| LIFT OFF: HMAS Sydney fires the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile against an airborne target. |
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On August 20, HMAS Sydney, an FFG-7 Class Guided Frigate, successfully conducted the inaugural and first-of-class firing of the new generation Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) against a Kalkara unmanned airborne target. The missile was controlled in flight and the target destroyed.
This firing, as part of the FFG Upgrade Program, used the recently installed Vertical Launch System and was supported by the upgraded combat system and the Australian Distributed Architecture Combat System software being developed and delivered by ADI Ltd now trading as Thales Australia.
HMAS Sydney, undergoing a multi-million dollar upgrade that includes its combat system, is now equipped with two missile systems to combat anti-ship missiles and aircraft.
HMAS Melbourne has completed initial contractor sea trials.
HMAS Darwin is nearing completion of the production and installation phase, at Garden Island Sydney, with commencement of Contractor Sea trials scheduled in December.
Preparations have commenced for the handover of the fourth and final ship for upgrade, HMAS Newcastle, in October. |
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