HMAS Adelaide (FFG 01)

HMAS ADELAIDE (FFG-01) is a Long-Range Escort Frigate with roles including area air defence, anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance, and interdiction. The Ship can simultaneously counter threats from the air, surface and sub-surface.

Built in the United States, ADELAIDE was commissioned on 15 November 1980 and was the first of six ADELAIDE class guided-missile frigates to be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy. ADELAIDE is the second ship in the RAN to carry this name. The first was a light cruiser that served from 1922 to 1945.

Along with her five sister ships, ADELAIDE is powered by gas turbines for its main propulsion and can be underway from a cold start in less than 30 minutes. In addition, two forward mounted auxiliary propulsion units provide a secondary means of propulsion and excellent manoeuvrability in confined waters.

ADELAIDE?s principal weapons are the Standard medium range anti-aircraft missile, Harpoon anti-ship missile, 76mm gun to counter both air and surface threats and one 20mm Phalanx close-in-weapon system for anti-missile defence.

For long range anti-submarine tasks, ADELAIDE is equipped with a flight deck and hangers for two S-70B-2 Sea hawk helicopters. For close in anti-submarine defence, the ship is fitted with two Mk32 triple torpedo tubes.

ADELAIDEs sensors include long range radars for air and surface surveillance, electronic warfare surveillance sensors and a medium range sonar for the detection of submarines. A sophisticated computer based command and control system processes information as well as target data received by data link from other ships and aircraft.

Launched: 21 June 1978 
Commissioned: 15 November 1980
Displacement: 4,100 tonnes
Length: 138.1 metres
Beam: 14.3 metres
Armament: 76mm rapid fire gun, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, Standard surface to air missiles, Phalanx Mk15 close-in weapon system, 2 triple anti-submarine torpedo tubes for Mk 46 torpedoes 
Main Machinery: Two General Electric LM2500 gas turbines geared to one controllable pitch propeller 
Speed: 30+ knots
Ship's Company: Approximately 210
Aircraft: Up to two SeaHawk helicopters

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