BRITAIN’S next-generation destroyer has surpassed expectations on her first outing at sea.

A month around the waters of western Scotland saw HMS Daring sail faster, turn better and stop more quickly than her builders expected – or the RN asked of her.

The Type 45 destroyer’s handling was tested extensively in the Firth of Forth, chiefly off the Isle of Arran, as well as in the more open – and considerably rougher – waters off Benbecula.

A mix of RN and civilian crew took Daring to sea for her maiden voyage.

The destroyer conducted various speed and engine trials, turning and general handling manoeuvres, clocking up 4,500 miles on the counter.

To date, the top speed achieved by the ship is 31½ knots – the Navy wanted 28 from her.

“We have learned a tremendous amount,” said Cdr David Shutts, Daring’s Senior Naval Officer. “She’s not the finished product, but you can see where she’s going.

“What has surprised us most is her acceleration – 0 to 26 or 27 knots in little over a minute.”

Despite reaching those speeds, Daring used a fraction of the fuel which a Type 42 destroyer or Type 23 frigate would have devoured conducting the same trials.

“This is without doubt the best first-of-class warship I have seen in my 44 years in shipbuilding,” enthused Vic Emery, head of surface shipbuilding at BAE Systems which has built Daring jointly with the VT Group.

“She moves like a Bentley or a Rolls.”

Ian Chambers, head of sea trials for BAE, added: “You get a sense of what she’s going to be like while you’re building her, but it’s only at sea that it really hits you.

“She’s absolutely awesome.”

Daring is now alongside at Scotstoun on the Clyde, where her sister Dauntless is being fitted out. Daring returns to sea next spring, followed by Dauntless later in the year. Type 45 No.3, HMS Diamond, will be launched further up the Clyde at Govan this autumn.

Read September’s Navy News for a feature on Daring’s trials.