Colin Parkinson
Army.ca Myth
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Mark VI patrol boat - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
Ok. Let's get some.Mark VI patrol boat - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
I don't care what the rational heads say, I agree! Let's just wait until next year, when the US Navy divests itself of them & we can acquire them for dirt cheap (If they don't go to the USCG, which I hope they do.)Ok. Let's get some.
Those things are probably about ORCA-sized (armed, mind you) and we let LT(N) command them...I like how they let O-3s command them, that's pretty cool...
I realize they aren't MCDV replacements, though. Maybe useful for NST?
Excellent find. This is in the realm of what I think the RCN should be looking at for MCM. Some systems autonomous, others tethered and a mothership. This makes me wonder if the AOPS could do this role. It has plenty of space and cranes. So then the question, if any ship with cranes and space can carry the robotic systems and boats needed for MCM is there a need for a specialized MCM vessel anymore.Back to mcm and unmanned tools, many of you must have seen this recent article, may be not...
Autonomous systems – the future of Royal Navy mine warfare | Navy Lookout
www.navylookout.com
...and this, older one about Venari-85
This one also lacks hangar for a cyclone and stern ramp, but the work area independent of the heli-pad seems nice.
Those things are probably about ORCA-sized (armed, mind you) and we let LT(N) command them...
I read somewhere that one of the reasons that the USN was getting rid of them was that they are maintenance hogs.Ok. Let's get some.
It would also fit in a CSC mission Bay, I'm guessing. Though, I'm not sure you'd want a frigate babysitting a mine clearance operation, but at least the option is there.Excellent find. This is in the realm of what I think the RCN should be looking at for MCM. Some systems autonomous, others tethered and a mothership. This makes me wonder if the AOPS could do this role. It has plenty of space and cranes. So then the question, if any ship with cranes and space can carry the robotic systems and boats needed for MCM is there a need for a specialized MCM vessel anymore.
And if that's the case maybe the RCN needs to look at a specialized OPV instead of a MCM vessel.
Excellent find. This is in the realm of what I think the RCN should be looking at for MCM. Some systems autonomous, others tethered and a mothership. This makes me wonder if the AOPS could do this role. It has plenty of space and cranes. (...)
And if that's the case maybe the RCN needs to look at a specialized OPV instead of a MCM vessel.
Update: Canada issues Royal Canadian Navy ISTAR UAS request for informationYeah, but SKELDAR is just a temporary stop-gap, no? I thought the RCN has a program going on to get other UAS.
It's a very nice vessel, but not the speediest thing around at 17kt. Range (according to wiki FWIW) is 3000 NM compared with 5500 NM for the RIVER class, too.maybe another scandinavian ship like the
Knud Rasmussen-class patrol vessel - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
1700t
72m
18 crew
helicopter deck
stern launch and recovery
ice class 6
Currently, the SKELDAR contract for the RCN was to have UAS operated by contractors. There were only a few systems AFAIK, and the concept was trialed. Now it looks like a 20 year contract for systems to expand the sensor envelope of the frigates out to their weapons ranges. SKELDAR is likely able to bid on the new contract. Perhaps this needs to be cut an paste into the Navy UAV discussion thread or the future capability thread.Update: Canada issues Royal Canadian Navy ISTAR UAS request for information
I think you are referring to this current tender. I'm not sure if it's to replace SKELDAR or compliment it. If the latter, that means the RCN would be fielding 3 different UAV systems, including the PUMA used by MCDV'S.
People/Politicians will ask why we need a baby AOP's. The replacement is going to have to be distinct from the AOP's and fill other roles.maybe another scandinavian ship like the
Knud Rasmussen-class patrol vessel - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
1700t
72m
18 crew
helicopter deck
stern launch and recovery
ice class 6
Also, it would be beneficial to start with a design that has some support from Allies, a class with more than 2 other vessels, say. The RIVER batch 2 is a 5 ship class and is built by BAE. We certainly have some experience with the company and the ship is a big leap over the MCDV. The ARAFURA class of the RAN is just being built now and looks to be about 14 hulls (18 if you count the 4 ships built for Brunei of the same design). It's about 1700 tonnes, makes 22kts, has a fight/work deck, 4000kt range and will have an MCM biased subclass. It carries and deploys 3 RHIBS. The RAN arms it with a 40mm Bofors and a pair of .50 cal. On paper, it looks good to tick off all the boxes.People/Politicians will ask why we need a baby AOP's. The replacement is going to have to be distinct from the AOP's and fill other roles.
So far we all seem to agree on:
Range: must be ocean capable and cross the Atlantic, Sea State?
Size: No smaller than MCDV, but no bigger than 2500DWT
Roles: Mine hunting is a critical function the RCN needs to maintian and improve
Speed: Faster than the current MCDV
Ice: Ice Strengthened
That being the case, I feel the 30mm is the better choice. Higher max elevation to engage air UAVS or helo, higher rate of fire, hitting power and more ready rounds in mount storage. Plus, CSC program would be ordering 30 + units of the weapon, there's likely a cost saving in adding another 7-8 units.Ice strengthened - not necessary and will cost too much in speed and range. AOPS is the ice ship, missions where ice is an issue we can use AOPS.
Gun - 25mm like AOPS or 30mm like CSC will have. The commonality is important here, and targeting systems for those weapons are contained with the weapon. Current 40mm or higher require targeting radar particularly if you want to get any effectiveness out of the new ammunition types (3P for example).
Complement - honestly think that this can be cut down to 30 or so for the core crew, of course with spaces for many more.