HMS Medway completes maiden sea trials
The Royal Navy’s HMS Medway has successfully completed its maiden sea trials in the Firth of Clyde, the navy announced on 11 December.
During the 15-day trial, the vessel’s engines, manoeuvrability, sensors and main cannon were tested by a mixed civilian/Royal Navy crew. Throughout the trial period, all onboard systems were evaluated including the integrated platform management system, which controls and monitors most of the ship’s systems; and the combat management system, which is used to collate sensor information and assist command team decision making.
The ship's automated small calibre gun, the 30mm cannon on the forecastle, accurately fired rounds at an inflatable target and the off-ship fire monitors tested correctly.
The ship is the second of five 2,000t new Batch 2 River-class vessels built by BAE Systems.
Medway is now back in Scotstoun, where the vessel is undergoing a final period of planned maintenance, as well as processing and analysing results from the trials to meet criteria which will allow it to be accepted by the Royal Navy. The vessel will sail to Portsmouth, its future home, in 2019.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping]()
Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
-
![Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost]()
Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost
The US Government has awarded a significant contract to move along its Polar Security Cutter programme.
-
![Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory]()
Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory
The deal, which has been planned since August 2024, is part of an ongoing attempt to bolster Australia’s defences against the potential of Chinese aggression.
-
![TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid]()
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
-
![As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?]()
As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?
The tripartite submarine project is under political pressure from a grass-roots Australian Labor Party movement, but it could also have practical issues in its way.
-
![Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting]()
Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting
DDG 129, which will become the USS Jeremiah Denton on commissioning, was moved to dry dock to begin its technical fitting and testing.
