Posted on 03/07/2013 2:15:16 PM PST by sukhoi-30mki
British Destroyer to Participate in U.S. Missile Defense Trials
Royal Navy Type 45 destroyers could join future missile intercept testing conducted by the U.S. missile defense agency (MDA), the British Ministry of Defence announced. MOD have teamed with UK industry-run Missile Defence Centre (MDC) to support the integration of Type 45 destroyers and its primary Sampson radar, as a sensor supporting ballistic missile defense networks.
The Sampson radar is part of the vessels’ Sea Viper air and missile defense system. These tests will task the Sampson radar in detecting and tracking ballistic targets but will not include actual intercepts of ballistic missiles with the Sea Viper missile system. Future integration of European sensors will come into effect when the US deploys its missile defense network in Europe, toward the second half of the decade, under the planned European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA).
The UK Missile Defence Centre was established in 2003 following signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between the UK and US on how to jointly conduct ballistic defence studies. By establishing a joint industry and MOD centre the UK government can best meet the UK’s long-term policy and research requirements.
Command and control center of HMS Diamond. Photo: MOD, Crown Copyright
The UK Missile Defence Centre was established in 2003 following signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between the UK and US on how to jointly conduct ballistic defence studies. Building on its relationship with the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA), the joint Ministry of Defence and industry-run UK Missile Defence Centre (MDC) has agreed to take part in a trial which will include, for the first time, a Royal Navy Type 45 taking part in a major research and development program. While there is no program to fit Type 45 with Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence (TBMD) capability, much of the MDC’s research over recent years has been geared towards understanding potential the Royal Navy’s newest destroyers may have in this arena.
“It will be a step change to be able to work so closely with such a ship in an emerging area of Defence. Working with an operational platform will make a significant difference to our level of understanding and could contribute both financially and technically towards any future programme” Simon Pavitt, Head of the MDC said.
Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer HMS Diamond. HMS Diamond, the Royal Navy’s third Daring class destroyer built by BAE Systems in Govan, made her first return visit to the River Clyde Wednesday 9th February 2011. Photo: MOD, Crown Copyright
Members of the Warfare department are pictured sitting radar consoles in the Operations Room onboard HMS Diamond during Action Stations, under the watchful eye of FOST Seariders. FOST (Flag Officer Sea Training) has overall responsibility for naval training and maintaining standards from the initial training of recruits through to whole-ship training ready for operations.
The UK still has a Navy? Who knew?
Excuse my ignorance, but what’s up with those white uniforms with the covered heads in the C2 room?
The hoods are anti-flash hoods worn at action stations or emergency stations (general quarters in USN terms). The white overalls are a bit of a mistery. Traditionally white overalls were worn by engineering officers but it looks like they might be combat system operators.
Thank you, Dundee. Regards, BC
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