Navy Recognition:

The prime contractor for the Hunter program, ASC Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of BAE Systems Australia, has signed the contract with Altrad Services after a competitive tender process. The Hunter Class is based on BAE Systems’ Type 26 Global Combat Ship design, the world’s first bow-to-stern digitally-designed anti-submarine warfare frigate. On 29 June 2018, the Australian Government announced BAE Systems was selected as the preferred tenderer to deliver nine frigates to the Royal Australian Navy and that BAE Systems would acquire ASC Shipbuilding.

The Hunter class frigate will be modified to meet Australian requirements, including incorporating the Aegis combat management system, CEAFAR2 phased array radar, Australian communications systems, and the integration of the Seahawk Romeo Maritime Combat Helicopter. It will be constructed on an acoustically quiet hull and feature unique sonar capabilities, modular digital design, and open systems architecture to facilitate through-life support and upgrades as new technology develops.

Altrad Services will prepare the steel supplied by BlueScope Steel AIS, by blasting it and painting it with a primer, prior to being cut and fabricated into blocks. The completed blocks will then pass through the new block paint facility, ensuring the blocks are in a condition to paint and be ready to be transformed into prototype blocks…

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