The Royal Navy Discussions and Updates

[Musashi_kenshin]

well they should be very good at escorting the carriers and the Amfibs and using them for showing the flag and anti piracy seems a bit of waste of a dedicated AAW vessel

I agree. They only have one purpose - sheparding whichever carrier is going on operation.

More could be ordered later, but more importantly the frigate force will be replaced in the future. The large variant being planned could have a potent missile load as well, just with a less expensive radar.

 

[WillS]

I suspect any further T45 orders will be for one of the variants that have been discussed for the last few years - perhaps land attack versions based on the T45 hull.

The proposals for frigates based on a smaller T45 hull type seem to me to be unlikely. The current RN fashion for major surface warships ise "steel is cheap and air is free" leading to the building of large hulls with plenty of scope for future expansion.

 

[Super Nimrod]

A couple of land attack derivatives would be very nice to support the new expeditionary capability. Bigger gun with excalibur rounds, Tomahawk or Scalp, Navalised GMLRS or similar, bigger hanger so you could carry a couple of Apache as well as a Merlin, a few more marines.

A small hull stretch along with the above and you may even be able to retain some of the Aster and a basic anti submarine capability. Ooops I really am getting carried away now ...........nfloorl:

 

[Neutral Zone]

On the subject of the Harriers, did the RN ever consider the AV-8B Plus as the basis for the Shar FA2?

 

[Super Nimrod]

Neutral Zone/ Swerve/ Harry, Looks like you guys had some inside info re the AV8B. See todays MOD story

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/D...inesEmbarkHarriersOntoHmsIllustriousvideo.htm

Perhaps they are just trying them to see if they will work on the current carriers should we need to borrow, lease or buy a few at short notice if the F-35 gets delayed or as attrition replacements for the current GR's

 

[riksavage]

According to the Telegraph, the announcement on the carriers is expected any day now, confirmed in Parliment by the PM.

The Telegraph also quoted:

"However, according to trade union sources, at a meeting with the Ministry of Defence this week officials were told that the work-share plan with France was unlikely. Last week, France's defence minister, Herve Morin, said Paris might not decide whether to build a new carrier until 2008.

I have nothing against the French and respect their military abilities and industrial base, but the decision not to share build is good news for me, it would have lead to delays, infighting and political meddling - a recipe for disaster!

 

[Padfoot]

Some pics of HMS Daring.


http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i258/cyrilranch/DaringonthemovebyLesleyWild-3.jpg

http://www.inverclydenow.com/upload-files//Advertisements/hms-daring2.jpg

http://www.inverclydenow.com/upload-files//Advertisements/hms-daring-rear.jpg

http://www.inverclydenow.com/upload-files//Advertisements/hms-daring4.jpg

A Type 42 Destroyer for comparison:

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/upload/img_400/1121776941b.jpg

 

[RubiconNZ]

Def what I would describe a "funky" looking ship, interesting funnel configuration. It is good she is looking nearly ready to go.
Cheers for the pics,
Rob

 

[Super Nimrod]

When you see people on the deck it really brings home how big she is. Its very near to being cruiser size as has been said elsewhere.

Something else I find interesting is that the stealthy topsides tumblehome is at a much greater angle than I somehow percieved it was from all the mock-ups and artists impressions.

 

[type45]

Its looking very very good. A big modern sophisticated ship, just what the doctor ordered. Would like to see a couple more on order though. Can 6 really be enough to defend the fleet? Its absolutley great news that the carriers are to be announced also. All in all a good week for the Royal Navy (at last)

 

[harryriedl]

When you see people on the deck it really brings home how big she is. Its very near to being cruiser size as has been said elsewhere.

Something else I find interesting is that the stealthy topsides tumblehome is at a much greater angle than I somehow percieved it was from all the mock-ups and artists impressions.

when it finally joins the fleet it would be interesting to see how it compares with with the T42 side by side because in the pics it looks like it would dwarf the older vessels in all dimensions.

the Samson array looks massive

 

[Musashi_kenshin]

Can 6 really be enough to defend the fleet?

If they aren't sent on flag-waving and anti-drugs operations (i.e. kept within range of whatever they need to protect) then it should be. Of course more would be nice, but sometimes you just need to use what you have sparingly.

Its absolutley great news that the carriers are to be announced also. All in all a good week for the Royal Navy (at last)

Woah-ho-ho, we don't know for sure we will hear an "order" being placed this week. We were in a similar position before the Easter break - I just hope we hear something soon, rather than leaving it until the last day or two before recess.

Of course providing the carriers are ordered it would indeed be a good week.

 

[XaNDeR]

Type 42 has great anti air capabilites , but not so good anti ship or anti sub though. The UK subs provide more anti ship power , the type 42's were mostly intended for anti air combat

 

[type45]

I wouldnt go over the top. The Type 42 has OK Anti Air capabilities. It hasnt got over the horizon capability like the T45 will have. What do you think of the chances of the T45s being fitted with Anti-Ship Missiles in the future?

 

[Musashi_kenshin]

What do you think of the chances of the T45s being fitted with Anti-Ship Missiles in the future?

If it's required, it apparently won't take much effort because the hard work has been done (e.g. the wiring for where they would go). But I don't know what the upgrade priorities would be for the Type-45s.

 

[StingrayOZ]

A few more T-45 would be handy...

I know of a few countries where a british presence may be required. Also if you want to escort your amphibs or other ships to and from a carrier group a few more would come in handy.

 

[Super Nimrod]

There is a space between the VLS tubes and the bridge or the tubes and the gun that is assigned specifically for anti ship missiles if I remember correctly. The T45 is designed to be upgradeable without major structural work

 

[contedicavour]

Sampson aside, the T45s resemble a lot to the Doria/Forbin DDGs. The common items before the UK split from the original Horizon project are still influencing the ship's look.
Just a shame that at the end only half of planned ships will have been built... 6 for the RN and 4 for France and Italy. Hmmpphhh...

cheers

PS what about rumours about Saudi interest in the T45s ?

 

[Musashi_kenshin]

The common items before the UK split from the original Horizon project are still influencing the ship's look.

Just a shame that at the end only half of planned ships will have been built... 6 for the RN and 4 for France and Italy.

Blame the French for refusing to give up their disproportionate amount of control on the project. Also what France and Italy wanted to run with was not in the Royal Navy's interested.

PS what about rumours about Saudi interest in the T45s ?

There ARE none. All that happened was that it was reported they were "interested" in 2-3. That was months ago and nothing has happened since.

 

[Alpha Epsilon]

There ARE none. All that happened was that it was reported they were "interested" in 2-3. That was months ago and nothing has happened since.

Whilst there hasn't been any news for some time, I don't think talks have been broken off. But I would expect any Saudi T45s not to impact a minimum of 6 for the Royal Navy.