Change of Government allows the Truth to be told for a while! Otago is battling a weight problem, 100 tonnes
Yes I had heard it was around the 100 mark,but also this has caused most of the ice strengthening to be under the waterline instead of around it(not a good thing)the extra weight also cancels out any growth in the platform (again not a goo thing) but wait theres more the sea boat davits are not mil spec (ie I mean continuious use) ,these ones are designed once every six months for a life boat check!!!!
will be asked in the future proceedings is, to what extent did the political imperiatives of the Beehive shadow the direction of the project? That will be Tenix/BAE's line of attack as defendants. In some respects the Crown (NZ Govt) does not have much of a case but is obliged to follow through with it. Actually I think, given the NZ Government, that there is the opportunity to just to walk away from these ships and start afresh. The political mileage would be huge and provide some justification for purchasing a more capable vessel. Personally I can't see that happening, but I think we can all rule out a 3rd OPV, if the weight issue can't be solved.
IMO the OPV's need to fullfil their primary requirements of Southern Ocean EEZ patrols, they are either designed to do them or NZ buys something else that will.
Interesting that a change of Australian Govt saw fit to cancel the Seasprite programme at $1B, wonder if the change of NZ Govt would serioulsy consider doing the same to Protector's patrol ships?
its not the davits that were the problem, it was the RHIB, that old gemini was designed for about 3 insertions into the water every year, but the navy requires almost daily use. This problem has been fixed with the purchase of the new zodies, Canterbury already has its two new RHIBS and successfully trialed them at sea Over the last 2 weeks
Giving the IPV back to the RNZNVR won't work. Firstly its not cost effective to have a $35 million vessel going to sea once a month. Secondly the lost of the IPV as seen the VR shrink to around 260-290 (Dunedin is down to 25 people), and it would take time to build that capability back up given the current recuirtment process. I think giving one to the RNZNVR would work if all the divisions pitched in. I agree Otago & Wellington should have roles beyond EEZ patrol, but my thinking is in terms of modular outfits for diving, MCM, surveying etc.
I think this is where we need to look at the Danish designs again both the Thetis and Ablsaom class to acheive a more capable force all around. The question is how much more combat capability to we need.
The navy seems to be moving the VR towards a force made up mainly of ex regular personnel. Talking to a CPO I served with, he was saying that the RNZNVR now only have two enlistment dates for people of the street, and that people have to wait around (and therefore lose interest) before they are signed up. The main reason for this is that the individual units are no longer responsible for their own recuritment. At the same time the RNZN has finally allowed direct transfer to the VR from the RNZN (when I tried the writers just laughed at me - even though I quoted straight from the BR).
Yes. The space on the quarter deck of the OPV, along with the crane offers a wide range of options in relation to modular capability. The advantage of the modular capability, given the weight issues, is that removes the need for permanent fitting. The only significant change might be ensure that a suitable power supply was availabe and changes to allow module docking.
My view is that the Thetis, with its 76mm and long range would be all we need for the majority of the events in the South Pacific, and could take the Southern Ocean duties off the OPV. I think you are correct in saying that we could buy two Absalom, with core weapons (127mm, ASW and 1 module of ESSM etc) and purchase the remaining equipment (Harpoon, 2 x ESSM, troop accomodation modules etc) for 1 ship only when a higher level of capability is required.
Actually, the French BATRALs are also built around a company group: The forward-deployed TdM Guepard Intervention Companies (140 men light infantry with vehicles including a tank platoon).
The reality is that the limited resources New Zealand puts into defence, will means that we always use ships for roles they are not intended. I see nothing wrong with that so long as it doesn't affect operational tasking. Maybe long after I am in my six foot box things might change
No one said they were the same as Canterbury. They are an attempt to balance the combat needs of the navy, with the need for increased sealift. Anyway it could only carry and land light forces over the beach as the cargo deck is used for containerised troop accomodation, plus 70 berths for command and control staff.
Couldn't agree more, but we've already committed to the OPV's, we've got to replace Endeavour, Manawanui and Kahu. I think the best anyone can hope for is another OPV and frigate. I don't think the navy wants a whole new class of ship if it can avoid it.
Yes - we all watch the exchange rates on TV each night as we prepare to flee to Australia.
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