HMS DARING on the Clyde begins second trials (Photo: Lesley Wild)

HMS DARING embarks on second trials off Scotland's west coast
Second set follows successful first trials last year...

HMS Daring, the first of class Type 45 Destroyer for the Royal Navy, has set sail to start the second stage of sea trials. The trials will involve extensive testing in open water off the west coast of Scotland and will last for five weeks.

The 7350 tonne vessel is on course to complete a series of tests, which will focus specifically on the weapons systems, radar and platform performance and will include;

• Long Range Radar and navigation systems trials
• Medium caliber gun blast trials
• Weapon alignment tests
• Extensive endurance tests

The second stage trials follow the extremely successful stage one sea trails, which focused on the platform functions of the ship including the propulsion system. These trials were completed less than seven months ago with Daring’s performance exceeding all expectations.

Speaking after Daring set sail from the Scotstoun yard, BAE Systems Surface Fleet Solutions’ managing director Vic Emery OBE said; “Daring has already proved that she is a force to be reckoned with following her excellent performance last summer.

“This second stage of trials heralds the programme’s success to date and is a clear result of the commitment from our workforce and the strong partnership with the UK Ministry of Defence and Royal Navy.

“Daring has already exceeded many expectations and I hope this set of trials will be an opportunity to build on her previous achievements and demonstrate the outstanding capability that she will deliver to the UK Armed Forces.”

The Type 45 Anti-Air Warfare Destroyers are the most advanced ships of their type in the world to date and will provide the backbone of the Royal Navy’s air defences for much of the first half of the 21st century. During the first stage of sea trials, Daring sailed approximately 4100 miles, using on average 35 cubic metres of fuel per day and refuelled just once. This is equivalent to a quarter of the fuel consumption of a Type 42 and of a Type 23 despite Daring being more than a third larger than both classes of ship.