Polo ??? “Viper” turns into “Lazybones”; British warship serves “naked”
The second of the UK's latest Type 45 destroyers has been delivered, but its main weapons system failed in testing, with shipboard missiles unable to launch. Media reports have revealed — Columbia Jacket — that the destroyer, hailed as one of the world’s most advanced warships, will need to serve "naked" for several years due to its main weapons system being non-functional.
Type 45 Destroyer "Dauntless"
On December 3rd, BAE Systems delivered the second Type 45 destroyer "Dauntless" to the Royal Navy fleet. However, British media have reported that this warship, which costs £1 billion, will need to serve "naked" for the next few years because its primary weapon system does not work.
Costing £1 billion
According to reports, the "Dauntless" cost a staggering £1 billion, with luxurious interiors described by the Royal Navy as "comfortable like a four-star hotel."
The military also had high hopes for the Type 45 destroyers. Vice Admiral Richard Ibison of the Royal Navy stated during the reception of the "Dauntless," "This is an efficient anti-aircraft vessel with the capability to integrate with the Army and Air Force for various missions."
Missiles rendered useless
However, despite being such a powerful destroyer, the main weapon system it was equipped with—the "Sea Viper" missile system—continuously failed in launch tests. The system’s primary weapon is the vertically launched "Aster" air defense missile, which can also be equipped with "Harpoon" anti-ship missiles and "Tomahawk" cruise missiles.
It is reported that the "Sea Viper" missile system was jointly designed by the UK, France, and Italy, consisting of multi-functional radar, advanced command systems, and missiles, providing multi-layered, all-around air defense protection for the ship.
Out of the overall £1 billion spent on building the Type 45 destroyer, £400 million was allocated to this system. But this expensive weapon system has consistently "refused" to function in recent tests, leaving the ship armed with missiles that cannot be fired, let alone hit their targets accurately.
This outcome left everyone disappointed and embarrassed. In response, the Ministry of Defence explained that "issues with the missile system do not indicate problems with the 'Dauntless' destroyer itself, as its sea trials produced satisfactory results."
However, such explanations seem insufficient. British media criticized that another destroyer, the "Daring," delivered earlier this year, was almost equivalent to having no weapons for nearly a year. Even more humiliatingly, the ship's air defense system will not be fully operational until 2011.
Development Background
The UK began developing the Type 45 missile destroyer in October 1999 to replace its aging Type 42 destroyers. The primary function of the Type 45 destroyer is to provide air defense firepower for the fleet against enemy aircraft and missiles. (Source: Legal Evening News)
Related thematic articles:
- The mysterious death of Wugang officials leaves relatives crying injustice while his wife remains silent.
- Shanghai's high-end apartments are auctioned off in bulk; a mysterious buyer acquires 54 units for 353 million yuan.
- Shanghai's high-end apartments are auctioned off in bulk; a mysterious buyer acquires 54 units for 353 million yuan.