Royal Australian Navy Discussions and Updates 2.0

[koala]

If I had to guess, it would have something to do with the (lack of) resistance to damage of carbon composite (particularly fire) compared to an aluminium structure.

I hop some of our engineering members explain, but the wings of recent Boeing and Airbus are composites with massive jet engines underneath, and from searching composite materials are better for ballistic protection. anyone's thoughts?

 

[justinterested]

I hop some of our engineering members explain, but the wings of recent Boeing and Airbus are composites with massive jet engines underneath, and from searching composite materials are better for ballistic protection. anyone's thoughts?

The Type 26 frigate features a main mast constructed from advanced carbon fibre composite materials, manufactured by the Norwegian firm Umoe Mandal. It would probably weigh less than aluminium.

 

[spoz]

There are a number of reasons why the use of carbon fibre is limited; effects of damage and fire, ability to flex and to form faraday cages; and maintainability amongst them. It is used, but in fairly carefully selected places.

 

[Bob53]

So now you're being political by replying to yourself? Knock it off. Stick to talking about the RAN and stop yelling at clouds.

He is right though Karen!

 

[SammyC]

The Type 26 frigate features a main mast constructed from advanced carbon fibre composite materials, manufactured by the Norwegian firm Umoe Mandal. It would probably weigh less than aluminium.

A couple of points.

I don't think the weight for the Hunter is in the mast frame. The "heavyness" is in the radar panels and associated gear that has to be in the mast. I suspect the weight differential between aluminium and carbon fibre doesn't make a huge difference in this context. Whats a few kilos when the radar weighs tonnes

The T26 is different in that it is a much lighter radar mounted higher. Carbon fibre might have a weight advantage in this application.

Carbon fibre is a great material, but it can be an absolute pain to maintain. Repairing cracks in it are not easy, and sometimes it is cheaper to scrap and build a new one.

Carbon fibre has its weaknesses. It can be brittle. There are plenty of high end yachts that have suffered sudden mast failures as an example. It delaminates over time and is suseptible to water ingress. Carbon fibre usually has an outer layer for water protection, but once that is damaged, salt degrades the resin.

Any yachtie will tell you that anything carbon fibre means expensive to buy, expensive to keep and every weekend looking after it.

 

[Murse]

A decade of Collins subs mismanagement results in promotions all round, but alarm bells for AUKUS - Strategic Analysis Australia
I'm not sure the Collins LOTE is the right route after reading this.
I would seriously consider a Japanese or Korean stop gap from a safety perspective, not just a capability one.

 

[Lolcake]

A decade of Collins subs mismanagement results in promotions all round, but alarm bells for AUKUS - Strategic Analysis Australia
I'm not sure the Collins LOTE is the right route after reading this.
I would seriously consider a Japanese or Korean stop gap from a safety perspective, not just a capability one.

Or we perform the minimum amount of maintenance to keep them afloat and use the 11bn for bigger and better things like the two extra virginia options.