One thought that has been buzzing around in my mind since this was first broached is the capability of ship's personnel to cope with increased operational tempo and additions to the usual numbers of F-35's. Additional aircraft means additional sorties, additional pressure on maintainers, armourers, re-fuellers, handlers, flight controllers etc. If they haven't trained for that kind of intensity, then things can come unstuck fairly quickly.
Fixed that for you.
Historically it's been done before in the Falklands when a flight of RAF GR3's staged down to the task force to take one of the carriers to overload capacity.
Thanks Stobie for the link.I read it and understood as much as I could.My only question is since the Type 26 is going to be around for some time does the design include some provision for directed energy weapons like lasers or railguns in the future.
Has it been confirmed that Merlin will take over in the AEW role from the ASaC7 Sea Kings?
No it hasn't, but deep down most commentators/enthusiasts know it.
I have a letter from Phil the accountant dated 29 sept 2012, regarding ASAC7.
Just to add I am unable to load the letter up to the site as proof but am more than happy to send it out to anyone that wants a copy.I have a letter from Phil the accountant dated 29 sept 2012, regarding ASAC7.
He states "Crowsnest is a core funded project, but the project has no reached its main investment point yet"
He goes on to say "no definite in service date yet and were there to be a gap, ships would be able to use their own surveillance and control equipment"
I however disagree with this as I know that all radars have a horizon even Sampson, even to utilise wave bending techniques you can't break physics so ultimately the radar horizon is still there! This was spar ant in the post report on the loss of HMS Sheffield.
he states " 30 of the 38 Merlins Mk1 to be upgraded to Mk2, mk1 obsolescence means they are unsuitable to take Crowsnest.
He states in his final paragraph that "rnrp expresses concern that a Merlins Mk2 fleet that is required to cover both Airborne Surveillance and Anti Submarinne Warfare roles. The concept behind Crowsnest is that a bolt on role fit this will provide an inherent flexibility that allows either role to be filled, dependant on the Cmdrs requirements"
No I'm no genius, but 30 airframes to cover 2 Asw sqns, 1 sqns for small ship flights and another for ocu, add to the mix no MPA and sanitation of the Clyde for Casd then we have a severe shortage of capacity. Taking onnoard that it takes 3 airframes to endure 24 hour coverage over the task group, hence why we embark. 3 airframes in the first place.
More cuts
No dramas, thanks for the info. Given the Searchwater radar probably need replacement as well as the airframe, is there a chance that a podded system such as Lockheed Martin's Vigilance pod could be obtained, thus possibly opening up the opportunity to put such a system onto Wildcat helos as well?
Believe both LM vigilance and Thales with cerebus are still being looked at, Thales system now using a bolt on option too, so suppose that would be a cheaper option using current kit
The first of the radars was delivered just under 11 years ago, & last less than 9 years ago. They're a lot newer than the airframes. All the associated electronics & software were replaced at the same time as the radars.
Fair enough. Sounds like migrating the existing Searchwater 2000 radar into a podded solution might be a feasible option?
Chances are this is for 3 of the T22s, I seem to recall there being the wish to see one scrapped in the UK to see how well UK based companies could handle it. Probably checking if the way is clear for some of the T23s, if they end up getting scrapped rather than sold which seems more likely.