The UK Navy’s Scarborough, the second of three offshore patrol vessels (OPV) built by BAE, has successfully completed sea trials off the west coast of Scotland.
The three 90m OPVs are for the Trinidad & Tobago Coastguard and will be used for economic exclusion zone management tasks including disaster relief operations and drug trafficking.
During sea trials, the ship achieved a speed of 25.38kt and completed turning circles in 3.5 ship lengths and a stopping distance of 3.7 ship lengths.
The ship’s main platform systems, power and propulsion, components of the combat system, including the guns and the main surveillance radar, were also tested.
BAE will also provide maintenance and in-service support for the next five years and the UK Ministry of Defence will provide technical advice, quality assurance and operational sea training for the 60-man crews.
The design of OPVs is based on the River Class ships in service with the Royal Navy and will be delivered in October 2010.
