PORTSMOUTH, UK: HMS Edinburgh has emerged sleeker and faster as she embarks on sea trials following an extensive £17.5 million overhaul by BAE Systems, demonstrating the company’s capability in naval support and services.
The last of the Type 42 destroyers to undergo a major upkeep, HMS Edinburgh has been fitted with a new underwater spoiler to her stern, known as a transom flap, and a coat of new ‘intersleek’ paint that will cut fuel consumption by up to 15%. A newly refurbished diesel engine has also been fitted to the ship, whilst its IT network, accommodation areas, fresh water systems, galley and laundry facilities have all been revamped to ensure the 30 year old ship is fighting fit as she prepares to return to the Royal Navy’s fleet next month.
HMS Edinburgh’s commanding officer, Commander Paul Russell, said: “The close partnership between the ship’s company and BAE Systems has seen the refit programme surge ahead over the last few weeks, and the ship will be fit for operational service later this year. We now have to put Edinburgh through her paces at sea and turn a safe and fully equipped vessel into a war-fighting unit once again.”
Malcolm Fudge, BAE Systems’ project manager for the HMS Edinburgh refit, said: “We work side by side with the Royal Navy here in Portsmouth to maintain the surface fleet and have worked tirelessly over recent months to conduct this intensive refit.
“We are now embarking on a critical stage of the programme as we test the engineering work to ensure that she has been brought back to a fully operational standard before she returns to the fleet for her final years of service.”
The sea trials will test the ship’s propulsion machinery, radar and communication equipments, as well as its ability to conduct flying operations. HMS Edinburgh’s signatures will then be assessed for radar cross section, heat, magnetic and acoustics before trials culminating in live firings of medium and close range weapons.
The Fortress of the Sea is set to be formally accepted back into the Royal Navy fleet in late October, followed by a Rededication Ceremony in early November. BAE Systems will continue to support the ship through her Operational Sea Training early next year in preparation for her six month overseas deployment in May.
BAE Systems is a global defence, security and aerospace company with approximately 107,000 employees worldwide. The Company delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. In 2009 BAE Systems reported sales of £22.4 billion (US$ 36.2 billion).
