Video of a test launch of the GBSDB (Ground Based Small Diameter Bomb). Wonder if it is something that the Aussie Army and ADF is watching closely?
Possibly, particularly if it evolves into a genuine alternative to the MLRS / HIMARS type systems.
They seem increasingly interested in extremely precise combat systems, so something like this would fit in well with those requirements.
I want to know if they are looking at fitting it to Mk41 vls? Even with a different, already certified booster it could make for a very effective, affordable land attack weapon.
It would indeed. Wonder what range they could get?
Perhaps, the video showed a unique launcher however, so I assumed they would pitch it as a rival...
Perhaps just for test purposes.
FormerDirtDart
Well-Known Member
What "unique launcher"? It's a standard MLRS/HIMARS missile pod on a test stand.
It's design intent is to be a plug-and-play system for MLRS/HIMARS
PRECISION GUIDED WEAPON FOR MULTIPLE-LAUNCH ROCKET SYSTEMS - SAAB
The Riverine Patrol capability is programmed to begin delivery from 2018 (2016 IIP)
With $200-$300m allocated.
One of the requirements is for the craft to be able to deploy ATVs (all terrain vehicles) and I searched some of the obvious contenders such as the CV 90 and the newish US MK IV they didn't seem capable of doing that.
So far there hasn't been too much attention paid to this capability on the forum and because decisions are imminent if the timetable is to be met I ask if any member has further info?
With $200-$300m allocated.
One of the requirements is for the craft to be able to deploy ATVs (all terrain vehicles) and I searched some of the obvious contenders such as the CV 90 and the newish US MK IV they didn't seem capable of doing that.
So far there hasn't been too much attention paid to this capability on the forum and because decisions are imminent if the timetable is to be met I ask if any member has further info?
Not sure if this will help, but if I remember correctly, Birdon Marine in Port Macquarie have the license to build the CV 90, and another crowd in Port Macquarie have submitted an all terrain vehicle for consideration - Bale Defence.
I could not say if they are working together
MB
FormerDirtDart
Well-Known Member
To meet the ATV landing requirement it's going to need to be something like an LCVP.
All the CB90 type assault craft, or other riverine/coastal type craft simply don't have ramps wide enough for more than a man carrying equipment, or maybe a motorcycle. But, no way an ATV.
For a typical one person 4-wheel ATV you're going to need something like a 1.25 meter wide ramp.
The plus with a LCVP type craft is that you'll have excess carriage capacity to add a good deal of weapons and armor.
But, you're going to max out at around 20-25 knts loaded.
LCM's deffinitely as there are a few Damen designs that have them aboard, LCU's not so sure but you never know.
It all depends on how big we want to go with any possible future LCH acquisition. Do we want to keep it in the same ball park or go so much larger and more capable that some can barely wrap there heads around what could be done with them compared to what we had.
An interesting find I found was, "The CCB is also equipped with remotely operated weapon systems, advanced thermal imaging and a hydraulic crane system." (Wikipedia Mark VI patrol boat). The crane system seems interesting, it maybe able to deploy an ATV or two, over the side of the vessel, seems crazy but it maybe viable.
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FormerDirtDart
Well-Known Member
Lowering an ATV over the side into over a meter of water does not seem "viable"An interesting find I found was, "The CCB is also equipped with remotely operated weapon systems, advanced thermal imaging and a hydraulic crane system." (Wikipedia Mark VI patrol boat). The crane system seems interesting, it maybe able to deploy an ATV or two, over the side of the vessel, seems crazy but it maybe viable.
They're simply going to need a craft with a shallower draft than something like the Mk VI, and something that was designed with the intent on beaching
I think a more realistic expectation would be a boat not overly more complex than the somewhat recently procured 8.2 meter Regional Patrol Craft
View attachment 6782
I would offer that the same companies that worked on the RCP project could produce craft similar to the literal bevy of bow-ramped craft produced by Muson Boats in the US.
There was a prototype military boat on show in Auckland last year that looked to be about the right size and had enough space to hold an ATV, although it would need a ramp. Worst case secenario, the boat becomes the ATV :sick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcJboVv4CZk
Sealegs Release Game-Changing Military Vehicle - Sealegs Recreational
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcJboVv4CZk
Sealegs Release Game-Changing Military Vehicle - Sealegs Recreational
Dockstavarvet do have a specialized version. It has a wide loading ramp for an ATV and does 40 knots. It is based on the CB90 hull and designed for the Stockholm Fire Brigade.
Follow the link and go to page 45 and look at the NB 461 FENIX.
http://ww2.dockstavarvet.se/2015.pdf
Also have a look at page 43, it shows a CB90 MkII, this has been stretched a metre and has what looks like a toilet and shower and a facility for launching and retrieving an inflatable boat.
Looking it over there is quite simply no existing riverine patrol craft with ATV capability used by any military. As we are looking at them in the context of SF use (based on them being listed as an acquisition in the DWP for the SF's) nations using such craft tend to have weapons in the front preventing any large enough area to deploy/retrieve an ATV.
Unless they intend to have the ATV launched/retreived from the rear of the craft it is one of those thing's that may have to either be scrapped or modified (Motorbike instead of ATV).
I don't see us going an designing a whole new craft to suit our requirements, But if we are going to go that way lets bring on some of our allies to jointly design it (reduce the risk).
Unless they intend to have the ATV launched/retreived from the rear of the craft it is one of those thing's that may have to either be scrapped or modified (Motorbike instead of ATV).
I don't see us going an designing a whole new craft to suit our requirements, But if we are going to go that way lets bring on some of our allies to jointly design it (reduce the risk).
What ever happened to the Commando Operation Watercraft (COW)?
I seem to remember that they could carry an ATV or 2 with 10 pax with the ATV launched via a ramp.
Are they still in service & are they potentially a design that could be re-used.
Cheers
I seem to remember that they could carry an ATV or 2 with 10 pax with the ATV launched via a ramp.
Are they still in service & are they potentially a design that could be re-used.
Cheers
t68
Well-Known Member
Not sure if all ended up at auction but some certantly did,
2002 Commando Operational Watercraft (COW) S178 7.8M Auction (0004-5004675) | GraysOnline Australia