FFG Upgrade - Successful Missile Test

(September 20, 2007) -- A significant milestone in the FFG Upgrade Project took place on 20th August when the first of class Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) firing successfully took place on HMAS Sydney.

This inaugural firing represents the culmination of many months of detailed development and integration of the FFG Upgrade Baseline Build 2 software, including the Thales Australia Distributed Architecture Combat System (ADACS), Mk92 Mod 12 Fire Control System and the Mk41 Vertical Launching System (VLS).

The firing was conducted by the ship's crew supported by Thales Australia, and achieved a direct hit on the target.

Thales Australia has now successfully demonstrated the key Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) capability contracted by the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and required by Royal Australian Navy.

Norman Gray, Managing Director Thales Australia said "Thales continues to meet its commitment to the FFG Upgrade Project and achieving this milestone sends a clear message that the project is on track.

"As a company we are very proud of this latest success on the FFG program. The successful missile firing is a clear demonstration of the great work being performed by Thales, DMO and Navy on the FFG program," Mr Gray said.

Source : Thales Australia

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