Australian Navy sets up training platform for Hobart-class destroyers

The Royal Australian Navy’s new weapon system training platform for the Hobart-class destroyers has recently recently been certified.

A leading seaman electronics technician took to the firing panel recently during a weapons certification firing trial of the Mk 25 25mm Typhoon at West Head Gunnery Range, Flinders Victoria.

The event marked the final stage of the acceptance of the Air Warfare Destroyer Close Range Defence System part task trainer comprising of the Mk 25 Mod 2 Typhoon, operating console and simulator.

On completion of the firing certification process, the system will be available to provide initial training to weapon system operators and maintainers posted to the HOBART Class guided missile destroyer (DDG).

The Navy is planned to have three Hobart Class destroyers to provide air defence for accompanying ships in addition to land forces and infrastructure in coastal areas, and for self-protection against missiles and aircraft.

The West Head Gunnery Range occupies an area of approximately 16 hectares on the Mornington Peninsula, and is located approximately 70km south of Melbourne.

The Range was originally used by the Army in the 1890s as a shore battery and was taken over by the Royal Australian Navy in 1958.

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