22 Jan 2007 | Ref. 019/2007
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HMS Dauntless is readied for launch
Glasgow, United Kingdom. - Employees at BAE Systems are making final preparations for launch of Dauntless, the second in the fleet of Type 45 destroyers, which will be among the most advanced and capable naval vessels in the world.
Thousands will attend the launch tomorrow at BAE Systems’ Govan shipbuilding facility in Glasgow, with over 13,000 invitations already issued to senior government, Royal Navy and MOD figures, employees, local communities, youth groups, charities and schools.
Dauntless will be launched by Lady Burnell-Nugent at 15:25. Prior to the launch there will be a demonstration by a Royal Navy Merlin helicopter and music from the Royal Marines Band.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Vic Emery, managing director of BAE Systems Surface Fleet Solutions, said: “The launch of Dauntless is a momentous occasion not only for BAE Systems and the Clyde, but for our many partners on the programme, for the Royal Navy, Scotland and the UK as a whole.
“All those who have been involved with the programme can be immensely proud with what we have achieved so far. Dauntless has the highest level of outfitting at launch of any warship ever built, demonstrating how we are delivering constant improvement and ever-greater efficiency.
“The Type 45 Destroyers will be the most advanced warships of their kind anywhere in the world, providing a level of naval capability far in excess of anything that has gone before”.
The fleet of up to eight Type 45 anti-air warfare destroyers will, in concert with the Future Aircraft Carrier, will provide the backbone of the Royal Navy’s air defences for much of the first half of the 21st century.
Each destroyer will be able to engage a large number of targets simultaneously, and defend aircraft carriers or groups of ships, such as an amphibious landing force, against the strongest future threats from the air. The vessels will contribute to worldwide maritime and joint operations in multi-threat environments, providing a specialist air warfare capability until 2040.
About BAE Systems:
BAE Systems is the premier transatlantic defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 88,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded 12 billion pounds (US22 billion dollars) in 2005, excluding the Group's former interest in Airbus.
Would all journalists and photographers requiring access to Govan for the launch please contact Catherine Thurogood to arrange media passes. There is a higher-resolution version of the attached release if you require it.
Caption: HMS Dauntless is readied for launch at BAE Systems’ Govan shipbuilding facility
For further information please contact:
Mike Sweeney, BAE Systems
Tel: + 44 (0)1252 383074 Mob: + 44 (0)7801 716452
mike.sweeney2@baesystems.com
Catherine Thurogood, BAE Systems
Mob: +44 (0) 7801 717860
catherine.thurogood@baesystems.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384719 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
www.baesystems.com
