Mechanization means puncturing the deck for the underlying equipment like the mechanicals and power. Really doubt it given the additional cost and complexity. Again, there is nothing wrong with manually trained guns, especially if the intent is to use them for ship self-defense or in support of nearby VBSS.
For such a large ship, she really is lightly armed but I guess it's understandble given that she was a former USCG vessel. Hopefully in the near future, the govenrment will allocate funds for a new class of OPVs which should be cheaper to operate by virtue of being smaller and newer
If there was a need for secondary gun, there are a number of non-deck penetrating guns available on the market. Does the fire director for the 76mm include an IR/FLIR? And has the Phalanx been retained?
CIWS was removed as part of FMS terms. Unknown on the FLIR but highly doubt it. For the most part, a revamp or new FC suite will be required to enhance Del Pilar's capabilities. Heck the helo component hasn't even been delivered/integrated yet - that will increase the cutter's reach depending on the selected solution.
So PF-15 will have a Helo? Like an S-70i?
Nice. Will this be the first ever PN ship to have a dedicated ASW helo? A S-70i might be a stretch as it will probably cost more than the ship itself
Very curious as to why it was removed. Any ideas?
As the ship does not have a sonar, to have an ASW capability the helo will have to be fitted with a dipping sonar, on board processing equipment and torps and that will cost a bomb.Nice. Will this be the first ever PN ship to have a dedicated ASW helo? A S-70i might be a stretch as it will probably cost more than the ship itself
It would be better for the PN to get new helicopters [more expensive though] which are smaller, will be cheaper to operate and will be less maintainence intensive than the ex-RAN Sea Kings. Please note that I have nothing against the Sea Kings, they are versatile and proven helicopters, I just dont feel it would make sense for the PN to be operating a 20 odd year old helicopter.
Sea king Helicopters are good and had been tested, i agree on that, but i think it's time for the phil. navy to buy brand new helicopter for there use, like the Phil. Air force who had buy 8 sokol multi-purpose helicopters who are brand new and not second handI think Pres. Aquino should get on the phone to his Aussie counterpart and work out some creative deal for the helos.. these would complement nicely the refurbished cutters being acquired from the US.
Anyone have an idea how much a 2nd-hand Sea King goes for?
Australia offers five Sea Kings for sale
Australia offers five Sea Kings for sale
By Greg Waldron
Australia plans to sell five Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Westland Sea King helicopters, with the aircraft to be withdrawn from service in December 2011.
The package includes five complete helicopters, three airframes, a simulator as well as equipment and parts, said minister for defence materiel Jason Clare.
Clare said the aircraft will be marketed globally, including defence expos in the UK and Canada in September. Tender submissions will close on 1 November.
"This is a really versatile helicopter and a proven capability. The Sea Kings could be used for a range of things like fire fighting, disaster relief, search and rescue, by another navy or commercially," said Clare.
Is there a Naval variant of the Sokols? Or could those be navalized at least?
It probably could be navalised but it would have to integrated and certified with a radar, FLIR, etc. Pakistan has 3 Lynxs in store, which are practically new, and are for sale. They couldn't afford to buy spares and found it was cheaper buying 6 helicopters from China instead!
Sure, if the money is there, always buy brand new. But how much money is available and who knows? maybe the Sea Kings will be available for an attractive price.. besides a 20-year old chooper (well maintained) somehow seems a natural fit for a 20-year old ex-USCG cutter.
Good question. Comparing it to the Jayhawk, the SK is shorter in length has a similar loaded weight but its rotor diameter is around 8 feet larger.
Actually those 5 RAN Sea kings helicopters to be sold are about 28 to 30 years old being built during the early 80's while the Ex-Hamilton cutter WHEC-715 is about 44 years old being commissioned back in 1967 which was recently transfered to the PN...Sure, if the money is there, always buy brand new. But how much money is available and who knows? maybe the Sea Kings will be available for an attractive price.. besides a 20-year old chooper (well maintained) somehow seems a natural fit for a 20-year old ex-USCG cutter.
Thanks.. I knew they were old but not that old
just maintain them properly and you'll still get many years of good use out of them.Allowing CIWS to remain would expose current classified FC technology as well as require GDP to have a fairly sophisticated working combat systems suite. Not to mention additional maintenance, parts and cost that do not fit into current PN requirements. Despite now being effectively the AFP's largest surface combatant, GDP is not intended right now to stand up to a hardcore missile engagement. Think more of OPV...