Rectifier contract for new destroyer

Gresham Power Electronics, the Salisbury based defence and commercial power solutions designers and manufacturers, has won a major contract for the Australian Navy to supply helicopter starting rectifiers and DC power distribution systems for the new Hobart Class air warfare destroyer.

The Hobart AWD is based on the existing F100 frigate platform designed by Navantia and already in service with the Spanish Navy.

It is a baseline design that required minimal modifications for Australian use and employs power systems provided by Gresham.

The scope of supply from the company follows, in part, systems previously supplied to Navantia in Spain in support of its F-100 program. Additional requirements and up-ratings are required to cope with some differences in the application. The contract, negotiated on behalf of the AWD Alliance by ASC Shipbuilding, is worth over $1.76 million and supply will take place over the next three years.

The primary role of an air warfare destroyer is to control air, surface and sub-surface environments. To do this, their missions will involve providing air defence for accompanying ships, land forces and nearby coastal infrastructure.

Other missions will include collection and evaluation of intelligence, constabulary (law enforcement) operations, assisting in evacuations and diplomatic roles. Once deployed, an AWD is capable of operating in all weathers and can provide a capability to all ADF assets.

The ships will have a range of about 4000 nautical miles, allowing them to stay out at sea for prolonged periods. The ships also have the capability to launch helicopters from their decks.