LONDON, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- The British Ministry of Defense announced the second of the Royal Navy's new Type 45 destroyers has successfully completed its first sea trials.
The Type 45 destroyer named HMS Dauntless was tested over a four-week period on the ship's maneuverability and speed performance, among other combat-related trials during difficult winter conditions.
Officials say the HMS Dauntless, built by the BAE Systems and VT Group shipbuilding joint venture BVT Surface Fleet, was successful in meeting the Royal Navy's rigorous sea trial standards.
"The successful completion of HMS Dauntless' first set of sea trials ends 2008 with a particularly hectic period of activity for the Type 45 program," David Twitchin, British Ministry of Defense Type 45 program director, said in a statement.
"This year has witnessed the joint industry/Ministry of Defense team delivering unprecedented success on a major warship program."
The next set of sea trials for the HMS Dauntless is scheduled for July.
