With the reduction in the number of escort ships in the navy I was thinking about cheap ways to increase the number of escorts. I thought the navy could build a class of uprated HMS Clyde's, Apparently it was considered after the reduction in escort numbers to improve Clyde's communications, sensors, and armament and install a basic command system, Would a class of ship like this help to fill the gaps left by the reduced Frigate force. I can’t see it happening though but i think they would make an excellent addition to the navy.
Nice thought.
The Clyde's would "look very similar" to the F2000 design in some respects, especially WRT the "upgrades" your discussing.
85 - 95m long,
Main gun (BAE (Bofors 57mm) / Oto 76mm Super rapid), with a pair of 30mm "auxiliaries" for self defense.
VLS system, with Trackers,
Integrated command system
ESM/ECM system
Integrated Comms System, with "LINK" capability
Sonar
Exocet / Harpoon
Helicopter facilities (with / without hanger)
FLIR, with laser range finder & colour camera tracking system to be integrated with ALL guns
S & X band radars for Navigation & short range TI capabilities
E/F Band Radar for long range TI capabilities
These facilities, plus a few other nice to haves would give you FFG (Type 22/23 capability) in a corvette sized skin.
If UK govt wishes to spend the funds, I KNOW that there are 3 ships ready for purchase, if the price is right...
http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/nakhoda/
Systems Adict
PS any word on when HMS Daring is next going to sea ??
As I'll be "off-line" for a few weeks, I'm "away on Company Business"....