tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post1992095850847699499..comments2024-02-29T11:45:01.870+01:00Comments on UK Armed Forces Commentary: State of the Royal Navy: a roundup - Part 1 Gabrielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01623558391676151582noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-14937441383087777792014-06-10T11:59:12.198+02:002014-06-10T11:59:12.198+02:00I always felt one of the few shortcomings of the T...I always felt one of the few shortcomings of the T23 has been the absence of a CIWS, so when the T26 spec started to continually show and mention the addition of a system i started to think they may actually get them as standard. Challengernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-65842633312099506302014-06-10T09:56:57.136+02:002014-06-10T09:56:57.136+02:00Hard to tell. In order to fit Phalanx to all ships...Hard to tell. In order to fit Phalanx to all ships, more gun mounts would have to be purchased, as the current stock would not be enough. I fear that fitted for but not with is a likely outcome. Gabrielehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01623558391676151582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-37631454873131390302014-06-10T02:32:31.662+02:002014-06-10T02:32:31.662+02:00On the subject of names i have also heard that cit...On the subject of names i have also heard that city names aren't going to be used again because as the previous poster stated it's difficult to have a ship affiliated with any place other than it's namesake.<br /><br />Perhaps if we didn't stick with the alphabetical naming (although i think we probably will) then using county names would be more inclusive and make affiliation easier? Challengernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-22683084714442506352014-06-10T02:27:10.097+02:002014-06-10T02:27:10.097+02:00Will Phalanx CIWS be fitted as standard when built...Will Phalanx CIWS be fitted as standard when built or will their simply be room left for them in the design? Challengernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-68692100741208073052014-06-09T12:06:33.894+02:002014-06-09T12:06:33.894+02:00We've had some good news this year, yes. Much ...We've had some good news this year, yes. Much needed, all of them. <br />Fort Victoria, though, not too sure if that has to be put into the good news column, as it is not clear what impact it will have on MARS FSS. Gabrielehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01623558391676151582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-12788411337242730182014-06-09T11:39:29.757+02:002014-06-09T11:39:29.757+02:00Hi Gaby. Great stuff always!
Some thoughts:
On T2...Hi Gaby. Great stuff always!<br /><br />Some thoughts:<br />On T26 I think that the windows that you see aft of the bridge are actually doors: compare with most recent hi res visualisations (last year); there are mutliple doors in the same location. Seem to match<br />On T26 names, Warship World report a letter from MoD saying that there will be no more place names because of the number of affiliation requests from an ever smaller fleet: hard to twin, say Sheffield with anywhere but Sheffield! Since Echo and Enterprise were last, I'm going for F and G (F for the 2087 equipped ships). Based on age, number of ships, battle honours, previous vessels and classes to be honoured and good old fashion names, I'd go for:<br />Formidable<br />Furious<br />Fearless<br />Falcon (the first was in 1334!)<br />Firebrand<br />Fame <br />Fortune<br />Fisher (theres always an admiral now: Duncan and Anson)<br /><br />Glorious<br />Galatea<br />Gladiator<br />Greyhound<br />Gurkha<br /><br />many of these names go back to the 17th or 16th century<br /><br />I think that 2014 is a turning point for the RN. There are many worries but:<br /><br />809 NAS announced<br />Merlin HM2 and Wildcat into service on time<br />Merlin HC4 given go ahead with full spec (remember the worries about whether there would be folding tail?) + sensible interim solution<br />ASaC7 life extension and Crowsnest acceleration to all but close this vital gap<br />QE launch - masses of publicity<br />Ex Deep Blue begins the long road back to carrier operations (worth looking at in detail: talk of prototyping a Merlin TAG with mixed squdadron crews and maintenance personnel - perhaps a hint of how they intend to keep separated ASaC squadrons whilst sharing helicopters between ASW/ASuW and ASaC roles on board)<br />Fort Victoria has £47m refit: must be staying in service for a while longer. If so, we could regain a tanker since 4 Tides are replacing a Leaf and 2 Rovers). This would be incredibly welcome<br />T45 increasingly fitted with not fitted for: Phalanx, 2 Lynx proven, roll out of digital ESM, CESM and Harpoon<br />Sea Ceptor production approved and on time<br /><br />For once, reasons to be pleased?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-33662761606931772152014-06-08T23:41:35.109+02:002014-06-08T23:41:35.109+02:00Gaby
Many thanks indeed to you for that informati...Gaby<br /><br />Many thanks indeed to you for that information.MikeWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-4072722613572043402014-06-08T23:01:24.829+02:002014-06-08T23:01:24.829+02:00Type 26 should get, for what we know:
48 CAMM mi...Type 26 should get, for what we know: <br /><br />48 CAMM missiles in 8 stacks of 6 cells each, arranged four on the bow and four aft of the funnel mast; <br /><br />16 MK41 Strike cells or 24 Sylver A70 cells can be fitted. Not too clear if they will indeed be fitted, or not. <br /><br />No clarity at all on what kind of anti-ship missile solution will be adopted. No space for Harpoon-like tubes in the models seen so far, so ship needs Strike Lenght VLS and a VL missile in the cells. <br /><br />Two 30mm guns. <br /><br />Two twin Stingray magazine torpedo launchers<br /><br />One 127mm gun, apparently the BAE MK45 Mod 4 <br />Gabrielehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01623558391676151582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-44190768097435003212014-06-08T22:48:50.709+02:002014-06-08T22:48:50.709+02:00Gaby
I have not been following the progress of th...Gaby<br /><br />I have not been following the progress of the Type 26 very closely because a) I have been very busy recently and b) I am a landlubber anyway.<br /><br />I know it will involve some work for you but could you possibly, if you have a few spare moments at any time, do a short summary of the armament the type 26 will carry. I do not know the latest position with regard to weaponry but have read separately at various times of the fitting of Sea Ceptor (CAMM), of VLS (for anti-ship and land attack?), of the BAE MK 45 gun, of CIWS, of torpedo launchers (helicopters only?) etc, etc.<br /><br />A short summary piece of the latest situation would be very much appreciated. Need only be a bare list!<br />MikeWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-20180141636844812532014-05-31T15:05:18.501+02:002014-05-31T15:05:18.501+02:00Was wondering how long old Tireless was going to s...Was wondering how long old Tireless was going to soldier on for! <br /><br />It's no surprise the remaining Trafalgar's are being worked so hard as they gradually decommission. With the Astute's taking so long to commission and then actually enter useful service the SSN force as a whole is becoming dangerously stretched. It's a problem of boats being retired faster than their replacements become available which won't go away until Astute No.7 arrives in the early 2020's and in the meantime results in old boats being sent off on increasingly lengthy (8+ month) deployments and lingering in service several years past the expected dates.Challengernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-22592137974308186722014-05-31T14:59:05.358+02:002014-05-31T14:59:05.358+02:00Yep, with remote controlled submersibles being gra...Yep, with remote controlled submersibles being gradually introduced to the mine-hunter fleet, the Hunt and Sandown hulls themselves not needed replacements until 2028 on-wards, the Echo class still being quite young and now a new order of 3 OPV's on the way it seems that MHPC isn't dead it's just slowed down a little with the emphasis moving away from the P for the time being.Challengernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-36780473615615626522014-05-31T14:54:42.198+02:002014-05-31T14:54:42.198+02:00I fully agree that the planned fleet of Merlin HM2...I fully agree that the planned fleet of Merlin HM2, whilst able to roll Crowsnest on/off in a short amount of time which i think is a great idea and shall bring a lot of added flexibility, will none the less be very overworked to provide both capabilities over a wide range of platforms with just 30 air-frames available. <br /><br />I was all for using those 8 extra HM1 Merlin's they have in storage but i have heard rumours from multiple people over the last few months that suggest it's already too late as they have long since been cannibalised for spare parts to go towards the RAF Merlin HC3/4 upgrade and marinisation program.Challengernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-5445940061203370942014-05-31T14:47:08.325+02:002014-05-31T14:47:08.325+02:00I fully agree that the planned fleet of Merlin HM2...I fully agree that the planned fleet of Merlin HM2, whilst able to roll Crowsnest on/off in a short amount of time which i think is a great idea and shall bring a lot of added flexibility, will none the less be very overworked to provide both capabilities over a wide range of platforms with just 30 air-frames available. <br /><br />I was all for using those 8 extra HM1 Merlin's they have in storage but i have heard rumours from multiple people over the last few months that suggest it's already too late as they have long since been cannibalised for spare parts to go towards the RAF Merlin HC3/4 upgrade and marinisation program. Challengernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-46940164955082905592014-05-31T14:37:03.332+02:002014-05-31T14:37:03.332+02:00Agreed that it would be good to see one of the ex ...Agreed that it would be good to see one of the ex Merlin squadrons reform with Chinooks, their is little point in building up a force of 60 air-frames if we aren't going to use anymore than we currently do, especially seen as the whole fleet (young and old) is going through an upgrade and maintenance program to provide a mix of HC4/5/6 variants which removes the need to rotate them between the front-line and storage to stretch out their service life's as we have done with certain other fleets in the recent past. <br /><br />With 84 Chinooks and Puma's in service (at least until 2022) i'd say both Odiham and Benson will both be needed for sometime yet. If the unfortunate happens and the Puma retires without replacement then that will be the logical time to review the need to keep two helicopters stations going. Challengernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-16042964310641147582014-05-31T12:49:03.353+02:002014-05-31T12:49:03.353+02:00With regards to MHPC, the current focus is on deve...With regards to MHPC, the current focus is on developing the USVs and UUVs which will deliver stand-off Mine counter measures. This is why it may appear that the P has been dropped, but it hasn't. <br /><br />The Hydrographic capabilities are in no urgent need of development as the Echo class are still young. But this will start to change by the end of the next decade.<br /><br />The Patrol capability is simply a design feature of the future vessels which will deliver both stand-off MCM and Hydrography. The first such vessel wont enter service until 2028 at the earliest.<br /><br />Imagine the MHPC vessel as the mule of the Navy, doing all of the low end tasks such as MCM, Hydrography and sometimes low intensity constabulary duties such as anti-piracy, counter narcotics and patrol etc<br /><br />The destroyers and frigates being the work horses of the Navy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-66046077309603681422014-05-31T12:18:41.749+02:002014-05-31T12:18:41.749+02:00When did the P get dropped from MHPC?
BAEs 'f...When did the P get dropped from MHPC?<br /><br />BAEs 'frigate factory' that they are preparing for the Type 26 needs as many hulls built as possible. Even with the planned 13 Type 26s, there will be a significant gap in complex warship building once production has come to an end. If he government cuts to 8 hulls, then it would kills the industry. No government can afford to do that.<br /><br />13 will be built.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-2577163095158925292014-05-30T09:10:49.588+02:002014-05-30T09:10:49.588+02:00Heard rumours that the T26 design has issues with ...Heard rumours that the T26 design has issues with top weight. Wondering if an initial order for 8 may be with reduced mission bay as it's not as important on a primarily TAS ASW ship.<br /><br />Be interesting if the 5 GP versions will ever be built or if they go to a smaller design that can be built in larger numbers now that the P has been dropped from MHPC. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-56183855925585452542014-05-29T19:04:09.920+02:002014-05-29T19:04:09.920+02:00I suspect the number of airframes per squadron has...I suspect the number of airframes per squadron has long ceased to be fixed. The JSFAW in theory should eventually work with the 8 HC3 (HC5 once updated) as they have the fat fuel tanks the SF requested so long ago, but it has also been suggested that they might jump ship directly to the HC6. <br /><br />I do hope they form an additional squadron, and make good use of all the helos. Gabrielehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01623558391676151582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-76745884658482233262014-05-29T19:02:13.279+02:002014-05-29T19:02:13.279+02:00I suspect a number of crews and machines will, in ...I suspect a number of crews and machines will, in a way or another, end up being always working on AEW, yes. It is the most likely final result. How exactly it will be managed, we'll have to wait and see. These 30 helicopters are going to work hard...Gabrielehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01623558391676151582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-24388524165305204452014-05-29T19:00:40.658+02:002014-05-29T19:00:40.658+02:00Rolled it on! Put it online minutes ago. ; ) Rolled it on! Put it online minutes ago. ; ) Gabrielehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01623558391676151582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-64292900571766931012014-05-29T16:11:05.807+02:002014-05-29T16:11:05.807+02:00Good post as always. keep up the good work. Roll o...Good post as always. keep up the good work. Roll on part 2.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-87253373766206474632014-05-29T15:19:29.834+02:002014-05-29T15:19:29.834+02:00Im hoping the choice to have "installable&quo...Im hoping the choice to have "installable" AEW is for deployment to platforms other than QEC.<br /><br />We have seen the Sea Kings operating off the back of T45, and away from the fleet completely in Afganistan.<br /><br />Possibly it also allows for just 2 - 3 converted AEW airframes on QEC pulling replacements from ASW T26 if necessary.<br /><br /><br />In summary I think all they are doing is building contincency and robustness. Im not sure we are thinking a crazy Thunderbird 2 roll of retasking every 5 minutes with new pods for all occasions !?<br /><br />Beno<br /><br />P.S. Great article. i do love your stuff Gabe.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-28096356823700875102014-05-29T14:53:51.535+02:002014-05-29T14:53:51.535+02:00There is also the MSHATF at Benson so would have i...There is also the MSHATF at Benson so would have imagined it would go to the Army instead of outright closure. <br /><br />If there is not enough space at Odiham then that is just fine! Keep a squadron there.<br /><br />Even 12 aircraft per squadron would only make 48. Enough for embedded OCU, spares and maintenance aircraft with 12 spare?<br /><br />I don't actually know the no of Chinook per squadron for the Odiham force, especially with No 7 and JSFAW.Daniele Mandellinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-16025820855900042802014-05-29T13:30:50.073+02:002014-05-29T13:30:50.073+02:00Really....I doubt HMG and MoD are that smart to ac...Really....I doubt HMG and MoD are that smart to actually think of cheaper alternatives....<br /><br />Agree with all posts, there should be dedicated ASAC Merlin's.<br /><br />Once the Cold War ramps up again, which it will, and there are Russian SSN's lurking, RN will need extra ASW capability once they have removed most of it. <br /><br />Nothing ever changes.Daniele Mandellinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-442909239199162925.post-81239381810895664822014-05-28T23:18:11.199+02:002014-05-28T23:18:11.199+02:00Any speculation on what may happen to the "sp...Any speculation on what may happen to the "spare" Indian VIP Merlin cabs? 12 ordered, 3 delivered, 3 apparently already sold on elsewhere. Six potentially needing new homes - possibly at a reduced price. Any chance for Crowsnest perhaps?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09072697695662624630noreply@blogger.com