The Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) has successfully conducted a certification firing trial of a key weapon system training platform, the Mk25 25mm Typhoon, for its new Hobart-class air warfare destroyer (AWD).
Following the completion of the firing certification process, the system will be deployed to provide initial training to weapon system operators and maintainers posted to the Hobart-class destroyers.
The certification trial, which took place at West Head Gunnery Range, Flinders Victoria, marked the final stage of the acceptance of the Air Warfare Destroyer Close Range Defence System part task trainer comprising of the Mk25 Mod 2 Typhoon, operating console and simulator.
Leading Seaman Electronics technician Jacob Ward said: "As an electronics technician I am much more used to maintenance and fault diagnosis than I am to testing a brand new capability.
"It was a pretty good experience to be part of the team certifying a key weapons system and knowing that it will be used for years to come in sailor training."
The RAN is planning to deploy three Hobart-class destroyers for enhanced air defence capability, for accompanying ships in addition to land forces and infrastructure in coastal areas.
Equipped with advanced sonar systems, decoys and surface-launched torpedoes, the Hobart-class vessels can be used in law enforcement operations, defence aid to the civil community, collection of environmental data, rescue operations and diplomatic roles.
The AWD ships are based on the Navantia-designed F100 frigate, and it will provide air defence for vessels, land-based forces and infrastructure in coastal lines, in addition to anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations.
Image: The radar and Electro Optical Tracking System (EOTS) infrared on display at West Head Gunnery Range, Flinders, Victoria. Photo: © Royal Australian Navy.
