Navy's new destroyer put through its paces
Published Date:
01 May 2008
Defence Correspondent on board HMS Daring
The rugged Scottish island of Arran flew out of view as HMS Daring pulled through a high speed figure of eight.
It was just one of many acrobatic tricks performed by the Navy's brand new type 45 destroyer during sea trials off the west coat of Scotland today.
On the 33rd day of her second set of sea trial, a crew made up of BAE systems and Royal Navy personnel took the 7,300 tonne vessel to a top speed of 30 knots in just 70 seconds.
With waves crashing out behind her, former Pompey based sailor Mike Cox spoke of his excitement at the new technology.
The 57-year-old served in the Falklands conflict in the submarine HMS Ardent that was sunk by Argentine forces.
He said the Navy would have benefited greatly from the new destroyer.
Mr Cox, who lived in Waterlooville before joining BAE to test Darings aviation systems, said "What we would have given to have a piece of kit like this.
"It's so fast and so smooth – it really is a world class warship.
"When we were sunk in the Falklands we had helicopters carrying radar, but with Daring we would have seen the enemies miles away.
"This has set a benchmark for other Navies to live up to."
The full article contains 222 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
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Last Updated:
01 May 2008 3:02 PM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Portsmouth
