The Royal Navy Discussions and Updates

1805

New Member
True.

Even so, doesn't seem like the dock is worth that sort of handicapped aviation capacity. But there must be some poor designing going on, I mean a Mistral at "full load" is roughly equivalent to this Ocean devil-spawn so BAE must be able to offer something better than this. Even as kind of an "Ah well, we could do something like this if you want it" thing, it doesn't seem very enticing IMO unless it's dirt cheap.
Well I wonder if this BAE/EADS merger takes place, whether the shipbuilding side of things will get separated off, I not sure it sit that well with BAE, let alone EADS (if it gets approval).

There will probably need to be a decision made with the ACA once the CVFs are completed, I understand some infrastructure purchased is actually owned by ACA.
 

RobWilliams

Super Moderator
Staff member
Well I wonder if this BAE/EADS merger takes place, whether the shipbuilding side of things will get separated off, I not sure it sit that well with BAE, let alone EADS (if it gets approval).

There will probably need to be a decision made with the ACA once the CVFs are completed, I understand some infrastructure purchased is actually owned by ACA.
Doubt it, decent earner from a BAE point of view so no way will they let it go.

Seeming as EADS has nothing to offer in the naval market (i think) it's probably not especially interested in that apsect either considering BAEs lack of export success in that area. It's the US aviation market potential they're really after, any other areas which generate profit for BAE are really just sideshows to the main goal.

If they wanted to make some cash in that arena, they'd be better off buying a chunk of DCNS.
 

StobieWan

Super Moderator
Staff member
Last I heard, they had *one* working SSK which was 20 years old.They have another two in very extensive rework.

That's not a spec ops infil capability I'd want to bet money on.
 

RobWilliams

Super Moderator
Staff member
Last I heard, they had *one* working SSK which was 20 years old.They have another two in very extensive rework.

That's not a spec ops infil capability I'd want to bet money on.
Nice :lol2

Doubt EADS would dip their hand in that area anyway. As bad as they may think BAE staff are at exporting warships in general, at least they'll have a better idea on what the markets are like than someone slotted in from EADS.

@1805

Personally I bet the ACA facilities will end up with Babcock, IIRC they do most - if not all - of the UK RN maintenance/refits and at least the drydock that can handle a QE must logically become theirs ultimately. Might be shared with external contractors but Babcock will be in charge of running the bulk of the facilities.
 

Systems Adict

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
True.

Even so, doesn't seem like the dock is worth that sort of handicapped aviation capacity. But there must be some poor designing going on, I mean a Mistral at "full load" is roughly equivalent to this Ocean devil-spawn so BAE must be able to offer something better than this. Even as kind of an "Ah well, we could do something like this if you want it" thing, it doesn't seem very enticing IMO unless it's dirt cheap.
Hmmm...

BAE probably COULD do EXACTLY what you've stated, but will it fit in with what the UK RN has, in the way of equipment ??

Current Military strategy & doctrine seem to be pointing AWAY from UNIQUE, one-of-a-kind hulls & being ALL things to ANYONE who has a need, covering everything from Helo ops, to humanitarian aid & a bit of war-fighting. Hence the well-dock.

HOWEVER...

UK PLC is rather skint, so having a CHEAP vessel that can do EVERYTHING stated in the attached data sheet (Post #8777) probably means that a ball-park figure was thrown out by the Govt & the design was tailored to meet it.

Additionally, MANY new designs are put together with the thought of 'other' foreign national nations, whom may wish to expand their capability. It's well know that such nations aren't as flush with cash, so smaller better suits their requirements, but perhaps not their dreams...

After all, if UK PLC could tag onto an order with x2 or x3 other nations, procurement & manufacture costs go DOWN.

SMALL appears to be the way to go now, UNLESS EVERYONE buys the same product, or a hull form that can be manipulated to suit each nations need.

(methinks this is beginning to sound like the GCS solution that BAE are offering..... :smash:smash)
http://www.baesystems.com/product/BAES_020346/global-combat-ship
 

Systems Adict

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
Doubt it, decent earner from a BAE point of view so no way will they let it go.

Seeming as EADS has nothing to offer in the naval market (i think) it's probably not especially interested in that apsect either considering BAEs lack of export success in that area. It's the US aviation market potential they're really after, any other areas which generate profit for BAE are really just sideshows to the main goal.

If they wanted to make some cash in that arena, they'd be better off buying a chunk of DCNS.

http://www.baesystems.com/baesystems/faces/wcnav_externalId/BAES_102639?_adf.ctrl-state=r1env97wd_4&sparam=EADS%20merger&

Reading between the lines this 'merger' isn't quite one company taking over another, it's more, two companies who'll be managed by ONE Board of directors.

The idea being that BAE does X, Y & Z, but EADS does V, W & X.

So both companies KEEP on doing what they are doing, as there is actually very little commonality / cross-over. Whole thing points towards a SINGLE European defence manufacturer who can COMPETE with the likes of BOEING or LOCKHEED-Martin, on a LEVEL playing field.

It's gonna take a whole lot of governmental agreement from Italy, Germany, France, Spain & the UK, (as well as the US), before it can be finalised & according to press coverage I've seen on the web, it' likely to be late Oct 2012, before anyone can find out if it's ACTUALLY gonna go ahead...

Till then, we can all speculate.....

:p:

SA
 

RobWilliams

Super Moderator
Staff member
Hmmm...

BAE probably COULD do EXACTLY what you've stated, but will it fit in with what the UK RN has, in the way of equipment ??

Current Military strategy & doctrine seem to be pointing AWAY from UNIQUE, one-of-a-kind hulls & being ALL things to ANYONE who has a need, covering everything from Helo ops, to humanitarian aid & a bit of war-fighting. Hence the well-dock.
Which is why when I was talking about it earlier with respect to the RN, I said that I'd like to see them finishing with Ocean then waiting till Albion/Bulwark finish and combine the tasks operated by all 3 ships into 2 LHDs. Less ships, less specific and still hugely flexible.

HOWEVER...

UK PLC is rather skint, so having a CHEAP vessel that can do EVERYTHING stated in the attached data sheet (Post #8777) probably means that a ball-park figure was thrown out by the Govt & the design was tailored to meet it.

Additionally, MANY new designs are put together with the thought of 'other' foreign national nations, whom may wish to expand their capability. It's well know that such nations aren't as flush with cash, so smaller better suits their requirements, but perhaps not their dreams...
Very true, I suppose I just got so used to BAE essentially only building for the RN in the maratime sector, I didn't think about other nations potentially coming to BAE and asking for a mock up. That and it pretty much does look like an Ocean with a well dock

After all, if UK PLC could tag onto an order with x2 or x3 other nations, procurement & manufacture costs go DOWN.

SMALL appears to be the way to go now, UNLESS EVERYONE buys the same product, or a hull form that can be manipulated to suit each nations need.

(methinks this is beginning to sound like the GCS solution that BAE are offering..... :smash:smash)
http://www.baesystems.com/product/BAES_020346/global-combat-ship
Well, the RN seems to be bucking that trend with the T45/T26+ others, in that whilst they may be getting smaller in number the tonnage per ship is actually increasing, sometimes in a reasonably substantial amount to offset this issue.

Nah, won't be a multi-nation effort for an LPH/LHA/LPD. Most of the people who want them already have them, and those who might - for whatever reason - be looking for them have other things on the agenda first.

Just a little thing, don't need to go too crazy with all the capitalising. I can manage to assimilate text and pick out the key words myself :)
 

RobWilliams

Super Moderator
Staff member
Reading between the lines this 'merger' isn't quite one company taking over another, it's more, two companies who'll be managed by ONE Board of directors.

The idea being that BAE does X, Y & Z, but EADS does V, W & X.

So both companies KEEP on doing what they are doing, as there is actually very little commonality / cross-over. Whole thing points towards a SINGLE European defence manufacturer who can COMPETE with the likes of BOEING or LOCKHEED-Martin, on a LEVEL playing field.

It's gonna take a whole lot of governmental agreement from Italy, Germany, France, Spain & the UK, (as well as the US), before it can be finalised & according to press coverage I've seen on the web, it' likely to be late Oct 2012, before anyone can find out if it's ACTUALLY gonna go ahead...

Till then, we can all speculate.....

:p:

SA
Very true, although it wouldn't be too far south of normal to assume that there may be some personnel transfer in a few key jobs in specific areas. Say a BAE employee goes into managing some parts of Airbus or someone from EADS gets plugged into the EF or Hawk programmes, at least I reckon that'll happen at a higher level. Although wouldn't be surprised to see if there was greater mixing on a basic employee level, BAE may have ways of going about things that're more economic than EADS and vice-versa.

Although I do agree that - largely - it'll still be very much the same as it is now. Doubt there'd be much in terms of workshare change in the green for the UK though from Airbus, they're more than capable to cope with their substantial order book in the commercial sector.

IIRC the date that's been put down as the deadline is the 10th Oct and the UK/France/Germany/US (+ recently i've been hearing more about Spanish involvement then when the whole thing started) all have to agree to it. But with France/Germany wanting ~13.5pc each and EADS/BAE want it ~9pc max, doubt it. Then all the job security stuff and yadda yadda.

The US is a double edged sword, they may put a stop to it because of risks of leaking of sensitive technology or it may be used by those in Congress to reduce BAE's market in the US in favour of US companies like LockMart or Boeing.

But this chatter really is for the BAE/EADS merger thread though rather than the RN :)

http://www.defencetalk.com/forums/geo-strategic-issues/bae-systems-eads-potential-merger-12167/
 

Systems Adict

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
Just a little thing, don't need to go too crazy with all the capitalising. I can manage to assimilate text and pick out the key words myself :)
Apologises.

I've a bad habit of doing that, as well as stating the obvious.

However, it is (IMHO) slightly beneficial, in that it makes it VERY CLEAR when I'm trying to get a point across, thus preventing confusion for some readers. I know that some people skim read posts, missing the point, or drawing different conclusions. I feel that by emphasising, it's my way, or the highway.

I will however, try to refrain & keep it to a minimum.

SA
 

the concerned

Active Member
I just read in (air combat) that the mod is looking at keeping illustrious after 2014 when she is suppose to retire. Do you think that she will replace hms ocean until they have got both cv's up and operational. then look at what they need.
 

RobWilliams

Super Moderator
Staff member
Apologises.

I've a bad habit of doing that, as well as stating the obvious.

However, it is (IMHO) slightly beneficial, in that it makes it VERY CLEAR when I'm trying to get a point across, thus preventing confusion for some readers. I know that some people skim read posts, missing the point, or drawing different conclusions. I feel that by emphasising, it's my way, or the highway.

I will however, try to refrain & keep it to a minimum.

SA
That's alright, just seemed a bit perculiar when I was reading it :)

Must point out it wasn't mean in an aggressive sort of way or anything, if the smile doesn't come up at the end of it then it could easily be misconstrued.

Do agree though, one thing it doesn't do it let people get the wrong idea about your writing :)
 

RobWilliams

Super Moderator
Staff member
I just read in (air combat) that the mod is looking at keeping illustrious after 2014 when she is suppose to retire. Do you think that she will replace hms ocean until they have got both cv's up and operational. then look at what they need.
How I remember it was Illustrious acting as an LPH until 2014 when Ocean comes out of a hefty refit and Ocean serving until 2018 although I do hear about some life-extension work meaning possibly until 2022.

That certainly backs up the general feelin that there'll be an LPH serving till the QEs turn up which then she'll be decommissioned.
 

Systems Adict

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
Must point out it wasn't mean in an aggressive sort of way or anything, if the smile doesn't come up at the end of it then it could easily be misconstrued.
No worries, I'm usually the one apologising for being too bolshi, as I often get a bit too focused...


Do agree though, one thing it doesn't do it let people get the wrong idea about your writing :)
I hope not, being close to the subject matter (i.e. working alongside the RN / RN vessels) means that about 95% of what I speak of has a whole lot of truth in it.

...The other 5% is based on my personal spin, or reliance on anecdotal comments from trusted individuals.

Failing that I use google, or wikipedia....

LoL





SA
 

StobieWan

Super Moderator
Staff member
My ratio is far worse so I read your posts with interest :)


Best thing about sites like this is the chance to hear some diverse opinions from folk who've been there, got the tee shirt, so to speak.
 

fretburner

Banned Member
How many airforces could throw a couple of squadrons at a naval asset,and those that could would most probably face a large multi national task force with various assets including counter air power.
That is true. Outside of NATO and their allies, the only airforces capable of sending a couple of squadrons against 1 ship is perhaps limited to Russia and China.

Either way, it's not especially a comparison as if there was a possibility of wave after wave of fighters that she'd find herself alone without any other assets being available.

Can only deal with what we're given, so until the USAF or USN throws a few squadron at Diamond, we won't ever know.
Agreed. You will need several squadrons to attack a group.

Don't the Navy do an anti-air simulation on a large scale like the USAF's Red Flag? I know they do a lot of ASW and ASuW excercises.
 

RobWilliams

Super Moderator
Staff member
Agreed. You will need several squadrons to attack a group.

Don't the Navy do an anti-air simulation on a large scale like the USAF's Red Flag? I know they do a lot of ASW and ASuW excercises.
I doubt that the UK does, perhaps when a QE is carrying fixed wing aircraft they may have a play a bit more often in terms of attacking ships/defending from air attack but for now I believe it's something the UK doesn't really do, I think.

EDIT: Also, what's everyones thoughts on the idea that Sea Cepter could replace Aster 15 on the Type 45s? The theory behind each of the missiles seems to overlap quite heavily in some places.

I mean in terms of range/speed for the A-15/CAMM it's actually pretty close; 30km/>25km + Mach3/>Mach2.5

Then the obvious fact it can be quad packed in the A-50 VLS, so that'd be a pretty easy way to balloon the AAW capacity of the T-45 for very little effort.

Probably a load of things i've not mentioned/forgotten/don't know about the idea of swapping them out though.
 
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RobWilliams

Super Moderator
Staff member
Found this interesting little nugget of information on Astute, most probably know this but this isn't something i've seen published very often

The fitting of the Chalfont Special Forces delivery system will also allow covert, submerged deployment of Special Forces from the sea to land.
http://www.newsdeskmedia.com/files/rn-a-global-force-2011-12-ship.pdf

Glad to see this capability being retained as - IIRC - it was lost with the decommissioning of the last Swiftsure class SSN.
 

swerve

Super Moderator
EDIT: Also, what's everyones thoughts on the idea that Sea Cepter could replace Aster 15 on the Type 45s? The theory behind each of the missiles seems to overlap quite heavily in some places.

I mean in terms of range/speed for the A-15/CAMM it's actually pretty close; 30km/>25km + Mach3/>Mach2.5

Then the obvious fact it can be quad packed in the A-50 VLS, so that'd be a pretty easy way to balloon the AAW capacity of the T-45 for very little effort..
That's "in excess of 30km"/"in excess of 25km", altitude 13km/altitude ?, according to the data sheets. The question is, how much in excess of, in both cases?
 

RobWilliams

Super Moderator
Staff member
That's "in excess of 30km"/"in excess of 25km", altitude 13km/altitude ?, according to the data sheets. The question is, how much in excess of, in both cases?
MBDA puts it at 30km rather than "in excess of".

EDIT: Scratch that, data sheet is 'in excess' but under performance tab it's just 30km

No idea on CAMM service ceiling, won't know for a few years IMO but just thought it'd be an interesting idea :)
 

StobieWan

Super Moderator
Staff member
They're similar *ranges* and I thought they used effectively the same seeker head - however, Aster 15 has those thrusters to perform terminal engagements. I'd put my money on Aster against a fast and agile sea skimmer but I'd certainly want to have a look at CAMM in a quad pack role on the Darings simply as a way of rounding out numbers - nothing wrong with being able to easily add another 16 or so missiles to the total loadout in a tough littoral environment where you were looking at lots of fast jets (San Carlos for instance)

CAMM is a lot cheaper as well.
 
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