ADBR is reporting the RFT for the OPV was released today!RFT is scheduled for release in early 2017, with Second Pass Approval (source selection) in Q3 2017. A very tight schedule!
Defence Technology Review : DTR NOV 2016, Page 1
ADBR is reporting the RFT for the OPV was released today!RFT is scheduled for release in early 2017, with Second Pass Approval (source selection) in Q3 2017. A very tight schedule!
Defence Technology Review : DTR NOV 2016, Page 1
It is a concept (in other words no detailed design) and uses LNG as fuel in removable tanks .... not cheap and not a mature design.Hey folks, have you guys seen this new 80m OPV 2020 from Fassmer. Really nice looking and apparently capable ship.
https://www.fassmer.de/shipbuilding/products/navy-vessels/opv-2020/
Wonder if this would be offer as part of their tender.
Though, if their base design is adopted it may be an option for a future batch, especially as the LNG facilities currently being developed up north mature. Not tomorrow but maybe in the 2030s.It is a concept (in other words no detailed design) and uses LNG as fuel in removable tanks .... not cheap and not a mature design.
The LNG range is only 2500 nm and then you have a bunch of 20' ISO tanks behind the bridge containing the fuel residue. Added to that the bunker facilities for LNG in Australia are currently limited. This will change but it does not mean these facilities will be at all ports around the coast.
Most of the range will still be provided by Gas Oil
So ..... No, I doubt it will be offered where you can get more systems on either the in service OPV80 (or designed OPV90) for the cost of the duel fuel engines and gas fuel supply system.
It is not that simple to plumb in LNG. The facilities for LNG bunkering will increase particularly as the MARPOL annex VI caps bite 2020 and CO2 become an issue for commercial ships . However warships are not subject to this and LNG systems are a space hog. Short haul work well or liner trades (with ready access to bunkering) but the space and weight for long range LNG is not to be underestimated.Though, if their base design is adopted it may be an option for a future batch, especially as the LNG facilities currently being developed up north mature. Not tomorrow but maybe in the 2030s.
Thanks VolkIronically dual crewing would have worked better on Collins than the Armidales as both crews would share the maintenance on a single hull where the ACPBs had three crews for every two boats with maintenance the responsibility of a civilian contractor who subcontracted work all over the place, the crew having virtually no control.
Sorry ..... bollocks.I really like the look of Fassmer's "80m Naval OPV". Seems to tick a lot of boxes, is potentially well armed with up to 76mm gun, RAM, 2x 25mm guns and 8x ASM, as well as a helo deck and hanger for up to 10t. Although I think it's highly likely that these will be armed with nothing more than a bloody peashooter and nothing else. The "ca 80 persons" crew would definitely be an issue though if trying to maintain a crew size similar to the ACPB is being actively considered. A requirement that speaks more of a broader financial consideration than anything, as well as the potential lack of self defence and offensive weaponry.
My opinion, as speculative as it is, is that this new OPV may well be bigger and have a bit more range, but will ultimately be about as useless as the ACPB when it comes to border protection and enforcement of Australia's territorial integrity. I know some around here don't agree that smaller patrol craft should be just as well armed as major surface combatants, but I think that's a limiting perspective, especially considering that most other navies in our region have an abundance of small, cheap missile boats and larger OPV style vessels armed to the teeth. We certainly don't have enough major surface units to both conduct operations on the other side of the world and provide 24 hour deterrence at our borders, which is why I think arming the OPV's well is a consideration that really needs to be looked at seriously, or at the very least, have the capability to upgrade the vessels armament when needed.
With an even more uncertain security situation in SEA and the SCS, we need better armed ships capable of doing more. The "good enough" mentality during the 80's, 90's and 00's is I think, far from good enough in the current security environment.
I concur this project may be an opportunity lost.I really like the look of Fassmer's "80m Naval OPV". Seems to tick a lot of boxes, is potentially well armed with up to 76mm gun, RAM, 2x 25mm guns and 8x ASM, as well as a helo deck and hanger for up to 10t. Although I think it's highly likely that these will be armed with nothing more than a bloody peashooter and nothing else. The "ca 80 persons" crew would definitely be an issue though if trying to maintain a crew size similar to the ACPB is being actively considered. A requirement that speaks more of a broader financial consideration than anything, as well as the potential lack of self defence and offensive weaponry.
My opinion, as speculative as it is, is that this new OPV may well be bigger and have a bit more range, but will ultimately be about as useless as the ACPB when it comes to border protection and enforcement of Australia's territorial integrity. I know some around here don't agree that smaller patrol craft should be just as well armed as major surface combatants, but I think that's a limiting perspective, especially considering that most other navies in our region have an abundance of small, cheap missile boats and larger OPV style vessels armed to the teeth. We certainly don't have enough major surface units to both conduct operations on the other side of the world and provide 24 hour deterrence at our borders, which is why I think arming the OPV's well is a consideration that really needs to be looked at seriously, or at the very least, have the capability to upgrade the vessels armament when needed.
With an even more uncertain security situation in SEA and the SCS, we need better armed ships capable of doing more. The "good enough" mentality during the 80's, 90's and 00's is I think, far from good enough in the current security environment.
The RAN Hydrographic survey (LADS) aircraft is heading to the NZ South Island to establish whether the recent earthquake has altered the seabed topography in the worst hit areas, a very worthwhile task and a demonstration of the utility of this unit
Navy LADS Dash 8 deploys to New Zealand | Australian Aviation
Actually the RAN's LADS capability goes back to the early 90's, prior to the Dash 8 airframe it was operated from a Fokker F27 airframe.Thanks for sharing, a capabilty that I did not know existed within RAN interesting it's operated by civilians with RAN operators in the back.
I wonder if the new RAAF Gulfstream 550 could carry the equipment also as a joint capabilty.
Well I hope that they bought their thermals - it aint exactly tropical here in Christchurch at the moment.The RAN Hydrographic survey (LADS) aircraft is heading to the NZ South Island to establish whether the recent earthquake has altered the seabed topography in the worst hit areas, a very worthwhile task and a demonstration of the utility of this unit
Navy LADS Dash 8 deploys to New Zealand | Australian Aviation
Now I'll feel obliged to buy the next Aussie I meet ANOTHER beer.The RAN Hydrographic survey (LADS) aircraft is heading to the NZ South Island to establish whether the recent earthquake has altered the seabed topography in the worst hit areas, a very worthwhile task and a demonstration of the utility of this unit
Navy LADS Dash 8 deploys to New Zealand | Australian Aviation
How about assisting us with a few Rugby Players.Now I'll feel obliged to buy the next Aussie I meet ANOTHER beer.
If this level of assistance goes on much longer I'll be flat stony broke.
Mate we had Aussie cops here in Christchurch after the quakes helping out our cops. Next time I met an Aussie cop I'll have to buy 'em a very large beer. They were absolutely brilliant and did your country proud. Every one of us locals who came into contact with them have nothing but the highest respect and gratitude for them. Yes it is about mates and Julia Gillard had right when she said that we're family. It goes both ways.How about assisting us with a few Rugby Players.
There has been plenty of occasions when Kiwis have been there for us and will be in the future, thats what Mates are for.
Sounds like a positive development for ASC.The Australian government has contracted Danish firm Odense Maritime Technology (OMT) to develop new shipbuilding facilities at state-owned ASC, it was announced on 7 December.
Defence industry minister Christopher Pyne said the project will feature the design and construction of a new shipyard at ASC's yard in Adelaide, South Australia. The value of the project was not disclosed.
A statement from the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) said OMT would work with stakeholders including the DoD, the South Australian government, and ASC to "deliver a surface vessel shipyard that supports both the minor and major surface vessel programs now and into the future".