Destroyer shoots through sea trials (From Daily Echo)

Destroyer shoots through sea trials

2:18pm Friday 2nd May 2008 in Hampshire Business By Echo Business

THE world's most advanced warship, which was part-built in Hampshire, is due to finish a key stage of its sea trials ahead of schedule today.

HMS Daring, jointly built by Hedge End-based VT and Farnborough-based BAE Systems as the first of six destroyers ordered by the Royal Navy, is on its 33rd day of sea trials off Scotland's west coast.

The £1bn ship, constructed in Glasgow and Portsmouth, will finish the power and propulsion trials today, two days ahead of schedule.

The Type 45 anti-air warfare destroyer will provide the backbone of the Royal Navy's air defences and is due to be handed over to the armed forces in December this year.

The 7,350-tonne vessel has a top speed of 31 knots and is expected to go into service in 2010.

HERE