Recently a few Sea power confrences in Aus. have displayed a multi role corvette. Designed by AUSTRAL it is based on a trimaran concept, much like the Littoral Combat Ship design recently sold to the USN for replacement of FFGs. The benefit of a Corvette are something the RAN should consider. The MRC can cruise at 30-35 Knots with a payload of 75 tonnes, these can include 12 Bushmasters or ASLAVS, Also it can carry a single helicopter such as the NH-90 recently planned for the RAN. Its multi purpose mission deck can carry 100 seated passengers, a theatre hospital or act as a command and control centre.
For the RAN it is well placed to operate in Operation Relex II And Operation Cranberry. The corvette can operate much like the Armidale-class patrol boats, but with the helo and large storage capacity, mixed with high speed, it can not only intercept illegal immigrants but hold them without calling a Major Fleet Vessel. A MRC is able to carry any new RHIBs the SOCOMD aquires and transport SAS or 4RAR. This is of benefit should any new conflict open within the pacific islands as it can quickly deploy a Special forces team with vehicles and supplies in rapid time.
The corvettes major advantages are in its ability to be cost effective and with only 35 crew, it is able to carry out ops that normally use a Major Fleet units with a crew of 200. In Op. Relex II, a major fleet unit is supported by a Orion and Armidale class patrol boats, with a corvette possibly 2 could be used in place of a single MFU which would be able to cover more area without losing to much capability, and it would still use 140 less personel then currently involved. It would also be of benefit perhaps to the Australian customs, although they already have a modern fleet of vessels. In relation to this, a corvette could lead a pursuit much like in August 2003 when an Aus Customs vessel chased across the southern ocean to South Africa the Sth American ship Viarsa 1, making the longest hot pursuit in Australian maritime history.
Corvettes are currently being delievered to several Euro countries, and are a consideration for the USN and USCG. With this in mind, is it an idea the ADF should look at, its expansion of the navy is growing, and with an ever changing role at sea, perhaps this could be of benefit. If so, how many would be needed to be effective?
For the RAN it is well placed to operate in Operation Relex II And Operation Cranberry. The corvette can operate much like the Armidale-class patrol boats, but with the helo and large storage capacity, mixed with high speed, it can not only intercept illegal immigrants but hold them without calling a Major Fleet Vessel. A MRC is able to carry any new RHIBs the SOCOMD aquires and transport SAS or 4RAR. This is of benefit should any new conflict open within the pacific islands as it can quickly deploy a Special forces team with vehicles and supplies in rapid time.
The corvettes major advantages are in its ability to be cost effective and with only 35 crew, it is able to carry out ops that normally use a Major Fleet units with a crew of 200. In Op. Relex II, a major fleet unit is supported by a Orion and Armidale class patrol boats, with a corvette possibly 2 could be used in place of a single MFU which would be able to cover more area without losing to much capability, and it would still use 140 less personel then currently involved. It would also be of benefit perhaps to the Australian customs, although they already have a modern fleet of vessels. In relation to this, a corvette could lead a pursuit much like in August 2003 when an Aus Customs vessel chased across the southern ocean to South Africa the Sth American ship Viarsa 1, making the longest hot pursuit in Australian maritime history.
Corvettes are currently being delievered to several Euro countries, and are a consideration for the USN and USCG. With this in mind, is it an idea the ADF should look at, its expansion of the navy is growing, and with an ever changing role at sea, perhaps this could be of benefit. If so, how many would be needed to be effective?
