Both of ANZAC's frigates are currently over in Canada getting an extensive midlife upgrade. So what are the upgrades our frigates are actually getting?
Yes both, there was a delay with HMNZS Te Kaha, due to a mix up with cables, however this has been rectified and Te Kaha is on track to be back home November/December 2020 and HMNZS Te Mana is still on track to be delivered back on the original schedule.
Update HMNZS te Kaha is now doing her sea trials.
First off let's look back and see what our frigates already had and could do. Our ANZAC's are classed as a multi-role frigate meaning they can fit in anywhere as part of the fleet, from air support to ASW to fleet support. However, the frigates were built in the late 1990s and based on late 1980's designs. So they are getting on in age. HMNZS Te Kaha was laid down in 1994 and launched in 1995 commissioned in 1997. So from commission date to now (time of article), she is 22 years old. The tech on board is old and outdated. The wear and tear means the are getting harder to maintain.
- More Pic's of HMNZS Te Kaka - Sea trials
- Successful DLF launch by HMNZS TE KAHA
- Te Kaha Before & After Refit
Due to this, most navies have maintenance schedules and mid-life refits, etc and the RNZN is no different. The problem is since when are now down to only two frigates it makes it very difficult to have a decent refit period because you run the risk of the 2nd frigate needing some maintenance and therefore have no frigates on standby.
Below are their current stats;
Displacement: | 3,600 tonnes full load |
Length: | 118 m (387 ft) |
Beam: | 15 m (49 ft) |
Draught: | 4 m (13 ft) |
Propulsion: |
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Speed: | 27 knots (50 km/h; 31 mph) |
Range: | 6,000 nautical miles (11,000 km; 6,900 mi) at 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph) |
Complement: | 178 Officers and ratings (25 Officers, 153 ratings) |
Sensors and processing systems: |
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Electronic warfare & decoys: |
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Armament: |
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Aircraft carried: | One Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite helicopter |
Upgrades
These upgrades are the final phase of the upgrades that have been ongoing, they have already had the engines, ventilation and various other systems upgraded over the years. They are now getting Sensors and weapons upgrades.
Sensors and processing systems: |
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Electronic warfare & decoys: |
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Armament: |
Guns and missiles:
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Aircraft carried: | One Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite helicopter |
HMNZS Te Kaha supporting her new mast, radar and other sensors.