THE R.A.N.
AND THE ANZAC FRIGATE PROJECT

Eight ANZAC Class frigates are being constructed as part of the overall plan to upgrade the Royal Australian Navy in the 1990s and as replacements for the remaining River Class Destroyer Escorts. A further two ships are being built for the Royal New Zealand Navy.

Selected in 1989, the ANZAC ship is based on the German Meko 200 Frigate design. Modular construction methods are employed with sections for the ships fabricated in three separate locations - Williamstown in Victoria, Newcastle in New South Wales and Whangarei in New Zealand - prior to final assembly at Williamstown.

HMAS ANZAC (pictured above), the lead ship, was commissioned in may 1996 with follow on vessels to be delivered at the rate of approximately one per year. A 'combined diesel or gas' (CODOG) propulsion plant enables the ship to sustain speeds of 27 knots and allows an operational range in excess of 6,000 nautical miles.

ANZAC is fitted with an advanced package of air surveillance radars, omni directional hull mounted sonar and electronic support systems which interface with a state-of-the-art combat data system. Systems fitted include the SPS49 long range air surveillance radar, target indication radar and a missile director that incorporates TV and infra red tracking, a laser range finder and fire control radar. Navigation aids include a Krupp Atlas automatic radar plotting aid (ARPA) and two inertial navigation units interfaced with global positioning system (GPS).

ANZAC's main armament comprises of one 5" (127mm) Gun, capable of firing 20 rounds per minute, ship launched torpedos and a mark 41 verticle launch system for the sea sparrow point defence missile. A helicopter is embarked to enhance anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities. Initially an S-70B-2 Seahawk will be carried by ANZAC, however this will be replaced in due course by a new type of intermediate helicopter equipped for surveillance and maritime strike.