normally its the subs that are laying mines - and clearance divers ridding them (establishment, brown, green)
I would have thought that they were clearing as our grumpy neighbours to the north like using them
Royal Australian Navy Discussions and Updates
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I would have thought that they were clearing as our grumpy neighbours to the north like using them
Yep - clearing and making safe. Not glamorous work and often very dangerous. I recall reading that the pre-cursor to the D-Day landings was the co-ordinated mine clearing that was needed to open lanes of approach to Normandy. The expectation was that there would be around 50% or higher losses among the minesweepers. Didn't get that high but there were losses.
MB
Fassmer OPV-80 in Chilean Navy modified for Antarctic waters.
Maybe a handy mod for RAN if Fassmer is selected.
ASMAR set to launch Chile's fourth OPV | IHS Jane's 360
Maybe a handy mod for RAN if Fassmer is selected.
ASMAR set to launch Chile's fourth OPV | IHS Jane's 360
Or perhaps even this (I have posted this before), noting it appears this rendering was published after the shortlisting with Damen. Lursen and Fassmer sent off to develop their designs
80 m Offshore Patrol Vessel (Naval OPV) - Fassmer Shipbuilding Company
I have a strong suspicion that I've read somewhere that the RAN explicitly defined their being used not further south than about the latitude of Invercargill in NZ which is about 45 South.
oldsig
This may be correct, but that begs the question - what does the RAN intend to use further south?
MB
What do they use now? Frigates. I can't see that changing much. While it's fair enough for example that NZ is looking to use OPVs to patrol the high latitudes our navy is big enough not to need to compromise to get sufficient vessels available - and our twelve OPVs will have tasks enough around our northern shores as it is.
oldsig
Yes, that is correct, but it is out of necessity that the RAN uses frigates in that part of the world at this point in time.
I was under the impression that they were seeking a cheaper alternative that was at the same time more suited to the latitudes involved.
MB
Well we took an ANZAC class down to the sea of the icebergs a few summers back and it got pounded something chronic by the seas down there causing some damage. They haven't taken one back since. I would think that it would be rare for the RAN to venture below 50S let alone 60S. You have to have the correct gear for down that way.
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Further south than 45 does not mean ice. You can travel quite close to the Antartica for most of the year without the need to deal with flow ice. Ice class is really only needed to work area where the ice risk exists. The 'maximum' extend of Antartic waters are to 60 degrees South in the Polar Code. The Polar code requirements depend on what sort of conditions the vessel will operate in so the OPV will still be able to operate in these waters subject to that code.
Well there was no way the Armidales would (or even could) go that far south, in fact it was necessary to station frigates up north during the wet because the weather then was often too rough for PBs. The OPVs will be a massive improvement over the PBs, freeing up a significant number of frigate sea days as it is so Southern Ocean ops, while a nice to have, probably isn't worth the extra expense and compromise adding the capability would require.
The AWD uses a different grade of steel (less brittle in extremely cold conditions) than the Spanish build ships specifically because of the RANs experience sending majors down south on rescue missions etc. Logically the SEA 5000 ships will do the same.
The AWD uses a different grade of steel (less brittle in extremely cold conditions) than the Spanish build ships specifically because of the RANs experience sending majors down south on rescue missions etc. Logically the SEA 5000 ships will do the same.
The extra expense and compromise of adding that capabilty to the OPV's would be more than offset over the operational life of the type with reduced manning and running costs surely. Sending frigates into the southern ocean on what amounts to either policing or rescue, seems a large waste of resources to me.
MB
IIRC the latitude limits defined by SEA 1180 were between 10 degs North to 48 degs South.
It's late, I've just finished work and too lazy to look it up.
AH-1W and UH-1Y on HMAS Canberra
I noticed on the RAN Facebook page that both a Supercobra and a Venom were landing and being refuelled/secured. It also took part in the 'Freeplay' phase of RIMPAC. I can't post a link as I'm still a newbie but I was wondering if this is a indication of the potential preferred replacement for the Tigers?
I noticed on the RAN Facebook page that both a Supercobra and a Venom were landing and being refuelled/secured. It also took part in the 'Freeplay' phase of RIMPAC. I can't post a link as I'm still a newbie but I was wondering if this is a indication of the potential preferred replacement for the Tigers?
I wouldn't read too much into it. One of the main RAN objectives for RIMPAC was procedurally and physically qualifying various allied platforms to allow future cross decking - hence the AAV, LCAC, Osprey, Sea Stallion, Supercobra etc coming aboard Canberra, and Canberra's LCMs docking with USN vessels. Interoperability with *especially* the USMC is important at the moment - especially as we develop our own amphibious doctrine while learning from theirs.
Doesn't mean we're abou to go buy AAV, LCAC, Osprey, Sea Stallion, Supercobra etc however much I'd like to see some of those.
oldsig
Is there even any alternative other than buying a US attack helicopter to replace the Tiger?
I really can't see us buying more Tigers and I don't see any other real options other than acquiring an American design.
I suggest that the reason is that we aren't planning on spending money on something that is expected to be of limited utility while other higher priorities exist and other solutions are available.
oldsig
This is where we need a coast guard, Too many roles that the RAN is being given that would be better suited a coast guard styled force. Being able to help out in a pinch is good, But I don't think the RAN should be put into the position that there tossing up between what's the right mix between a combat ship and something to conduct fisheries interdiction.
I know it won't happen but would love to see a coast guard (similar system to the USCG in which the USN can make use of it if needed) with all the future OPV's, current (future) ice breaker and all the vessels from the CMU (Customs Marine Unit) making it up.
But that's just my 2 cents.
I know it won't happen but would love to see a coast guard (similar system to the USCG in which the USN can make use of it if needed) with all the future OPV's, current (future) ice breaker and all the vessels from the CMU (Customs Marine Unit) making it up.
But that's just my 2 cents.
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