HMAS Adelaide II (FFG-01) 80cm – RAN Guided Missile Frigate

The HMAS Adelaide (FFG-01) was the lead ship of the Adelaide class of guided-missile frigates serving in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Built in the United States and commissioned in 1980, the HMAS Adelaide played a significant role in various naval operations, including peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. The vessel, designed to provide air defense, surface and undersea warfare capabilities, and protect maritime assets, was active for nearly three decades before its decommissioning in 2008. During its service, the HMAS Adelaide demonstrated the adaptability and strength of Australia’s maritime forces, participating in multiple international exercises and operations that highlighted its strategic importance.

To honor the legacy of this distinguished naval vessel, we proudly introduce the handcrafted HMAS Adelaide (FFG-01) model. Carefully crafted from high-quality timber, this model captures the intricate details and majestic design of the original ship. Each piece is meticulously constructed to reflect the vessel’s features, offering collectors, veterans, and enthusiasts a timeless keepsake that celebrates the proud history of the HMAS Adelaide. With its fine craftsmanship and authentic representation, this model is a standout addition to any collection.

Key Feature of the HMAS Adelaide II Model

• Hand-crafted take on the hugely popular HMAS Adelaide II.
• Designed from the ground up, build to hand-crafted precision using drawings.
• Model from wooden planks which are made and shaped by hand for precision.
• Comes with on-frame construction and painted to match the real colours and tones.
• No plastic used, including objects found on ship deck.
• Fully ready for display; comes with a ship display name and a history sheer.
• Dimensions: 80cm long x 12cm wide x 39cm high, Scale: 1:170

The History of the HMAS Adelaide

While the HMAS Adelaide II is an Australian frigate, it was designed and developed in the United States of America. It was commissioned on the 15^th of November, 1980, and was to be the first of six Adelaide Class guided missile frigates to be developed. This was the first of the six to be delivered, and would be the second ship to carry the HMAS Adelaide name. The first ship served during the 1920s until 1945.

Taking on the name of this famous ship, the HMAS Adelaide II had a lot of history to live up to. However, alongside its five sister ships – including the Canberra II, Sydney, Darwin, Melbourne, and Newcastle, the HMAS Adelaide II was designed using gas turbines. This provided a different means of power, and was backed up with auxiliary propulsion systems so that it could move with ease even in tight and confined spaces.

The ship was also designed with a gluttony of sensors to ensure that it could capture potential threats in the air, on the surface, and underneath. It could even provide staff with target data via data link from other ships, allowing for even better communication between ships and thus improved warfare capability. It used a range of anti-missile and anti-ship solutions. The HMAS Adelaide II also had capability to carry two S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopters, and came with torpedo powers to combat submarines if needed.

The ship was part of the Gulf War in the 1990s, serving as a major part of the Australian input into the conflict. At the same time, it also served as a crucial part of peacekeeping efforts in East Timor at the end of the 1990s. From 2001-2004, the ship served as part of the Arabian Gulf War, working alongside other international allies to help preserve peace within the region.

Serving as a key part of operations such as Operation Catalyst, then, the HMAS Adelaide II made its mark on key operations that took part within its lifespan. The ship was originally intended to be paid off in November 2006, but delays ensured that it was not decommissioned until January 2008 at the HMAS Stirling. The ship was prepared for scuttling in early 2010, though protests to the intended scuttling ensured that the ship was not scuttled, creating a diving wreck, by April 2011. Today, it remains a hugely popular diving wreck and has played a huge role in driving diving-based tourism to the NSW region.