HMS Chiddingfolds completes modernisation phase

The UK Royal Navy’s Hunt-class mine countermeasures vessel, HMS Chiddingfold has successfully completed its eight-month modernisation period at Portsmouth Naval Base.

The upgrades to the frigate, performed by BAE Systems, involved equipping Caterpillar C32 diesel engines while replacing old Napier Deltics to enhance operational life with improved efficiency and reliability and reduce emissions.

HMS Chiddingfold’s commanding officer lieutenant commander Richard Rees said, "It is a real boost for the ship’s company and the project as a whole to see the ship back in the water after a long time in dock, and we are excited to be the first to try out the new systems."

The frigate has also been equipped with machinery monitoring systems and computer systems, while obsolete equipment was removed.

HMS Chiddingfold has been designed to support minesweeping and minehunting as well as patrol missions for the Royal Navy.

Armed with MSI DS 30B 30mm naval gun, the ship features two-man decompression chamber for the safety of the mine clearance divers, which are capable of diving to depths of 80m.

Additional features of the vessel include surface warning and navigation radar, Kelvin Hughes Type 1007 naval radar operating at I-band.

The new machinery will be tested prior to HMS Chiddingfold’s sea trials, which are scheduled later in 2012.