The Royal Australian Navy is expanding its surface fleet with the massive Hunter class frigate, which aims to be the most capable anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ship. As the replacement for the aging ANZAC class, this modified British Type 26 design is built to project Australian power across the increasingly contested Asia Pacific. We analyse the incredible engineering behind this multi-purpose warship, which combines an acoustically quiet hull optimized for ASW with dense weaponry capable of fleet air defense, surface strikes, and land-attack missions.
We explain the benefits of the ship’s combined diesel-electric and gas propulsion system, its deep-water variable depth sonar, and the role of its embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopter. The Hunter class uniquely integrated the British hull with the American AEGIS Combat System and the domestic CEAFAR2 AESA phased array radar. The frigate is armed with the Mark 41 VLS Vertical Launching System, Standard Missile 2 SAM, and stealthy Naval Strike Missiles.
Credit to : Sea Power Reports