HMAS Hobart (DDGH-39) leads the modern Royal Australian Navy (RAN)'s new trio-class guided missile destroyer. The class is based on the Spanish Navy's original design, the Alvaro de Bazan class, which is classified by the RAN as an "Air Combat Destroyer". HMAS Hobart was ordered on October 4, 2007 and laid by construction company ASC on September 6, 2012.
Other companies involved in the construction include BAe Systems and Forgacs Marine and Defense. Hobart launched on 23 May 2015 and became operational in September 2017 (a significant delay from the original December 2014 date).
The warship displaces 6,890 tons under load, has an overall length of 483 feet, a beam of 61 feet, and a draft of 17 feet. Propulsion comes from a CODOG (combined diesel or gas) unit with 2 GE Marine 7LM2500-SA-ML38 diesel engines of 23,500 hp each and 2 Caterpillar 3616 diesels of 7,580 hp each.
These systems propel power to 2 shafts below the stern, propelling the vessel to a speed of 29 knots for a range of 5,000 nautical miles.
Internally, the ship has a crew of 186 and an air task force of 16. At the heart of the airborne system is the Lockheed Martin "AEGIS" AN/SPY-1D(V) S-band radar system. Northrop Grumman offers the AN/SPQ-9B X-band Pulse Doppler Horizontal Search Radar. The Fire Control System (FCS) consists of the Raytheon Mark 99 series with two continuous wave radars.
The Sagem VAMPIR infrared search and track system facilitates the arrangement. Various other systems will be added for electronic warfare (EW) and deception of incoming enemy aircraft, missiles and torpedoes.
As for weapons, Hobart put together a range of projectile and missile weapons. 1 x 5" Mark 45 Mod 4 gun mounted on the turret in the forecourt. The 48-unit Mark 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) can fire RIM-66 Standard 2 or RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles at air targets.
Surface threats are mounted by Two Harpoon anti-ship quad launchers in the boat handle 2 x Mark 32 Mod 9 double torpedo launchers assist EuroTorp MU90 series torpedoes against underwater threats Close range threats can be handled by 2 x 25mm M242 Bushmaster chain gun and 1 x 20mm Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS). All in all, Hobart would be a perfect airspace denial weapon platform.
Above the stern is a helideck carrying a Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, which itself is equipped with various submarine and anti-ship hunting subsystems, including search and location systems, sonar and missiles. A full-service hangar provides maintenance facilities for birds.
Like the Spanish ships, the Hobart was pre-engineered with inherent stealth features such as smooth lines and faceted shapes. The chimney is intentionally short and integrates nicely with the front and rear superstructures. Supports a main mast (mast type) and connects to the bridge superstructure.
Throughout the Hobart design, projection is limited, which helps reduce the ship's radar signature and return.
HMAS Hobart (DDGH-39) is now in service, providing much-needed power to the modern RAN's stockpile.
June 2017 - HMAS Hobart was handed over to the Royal Australian Navy on 16 June 2017.
September 2017 - HMAS Hobart (DDG-39) officially entered service with the Royal Australian Navy on 22 September 2017.
- Blue Water Operations
- Fleet Support
- Hunter
- direct attack
483 feet (147.22 m)
61 feet (18.59 m)
17 feet (5.18 m)
6,890 tons
29 kn (33 mph)
5,040 nautical miles (5,800 miles; 9,334 km)
1 x 5" Mark 45 Mod 4 deck gun with turret.
1 x 48 cell Mark 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS), supporting RIM-66 Standard 2 and RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles.
2 x 4 cell Harpoon anti-ship missile launcher.
2 x Mark 32 Mod 9 Twin Torpedo Launchers (EuroTorp MU90 Torpedoes).
2x 25mm M242 Bushmaster Chainguns
1 x 20mm Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS).
1 x Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk Navy Helicopter equipped for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) missions.