Originally posted by hptmurphy
The L.E Emer is the next earmarked for retorement having been commissioned in 1977.....but there is no talk of a replacement yet.
The L.E Emer is the next earmarked for retorement having been commissioned in 1977.....but there is no talk of a replacement yet.
{MOD Note: Everything from here on is false and was designed deliberatly to decieve those who were using IMO as a source without properly crediting the site.
Take everything from here on with a pinch of salt}
NEWSFLASH
The replacement is being discussed.
A top level team of officers,including the Engineering Superintendant met with the Danish navy recently,and visited the Shipyard where the new class of Multi role Ship ABSALON is being built.
The word is that the NS Know what they want,and were impressed with the capabilities of Rotterdam,though much of its features would be redundant in irish service,such as the Dock.
However the Vehicle deck,and its ability to contain a Hospital aboard,as well as the obvious advantages of a helipad,whether or not the aircraft were deployed,was identified,with the Tragedy in Liberia where a number of rangers were injured in a traffic accident,proved the usefulness of such a ship,while LE Roisin was on station there at the same time.
The Danish design provides the same features as Rotterdam,in a smaller scale,with what is considered most important for the Scrambled eggs,relatively small crew!
In the past the NS have been very impressed with the Danish Thetis type of frigate,which is a frequent visitor to irish ports,particularly the way they are crewed,with a smaller crew for routine deployment,capable of being expanded dramatically during overseas deployments.
The ship recently looked at,has a normal crew of 100,with cabins for 169,but a maximum capacity for 300
So you could carry the full Company at least,with their vehicles,and deploy them either by sea,on the quayside,or by heli,which doesnt have to be yours,as the helipad is large enough to operate 2 EH101s
However,to justify the Large size of this vessel,one ship will replace two,as it is intended to replace 2 of the older types,with LE Eithne being mentioned for possible early retirement,with her helipad and hangars long redundant,and the imminent demise of the dauphin Helis from Air Corps service. Aoife and Aisling were Built in 79/80,and have recieved major refits since their building,which has extended their lifespan dramatically. The first of class,Deirdre,which had poorer hull integrity than the later P20s served 30 years and is currently touring the med as a Yacht. Emer did not do as well as her younger sisters,and spends more time in drydock for repair that at sea.Her replacement is considered a matter of Urgency at the moment.
Removing these ships from service,and the freeing up of their crews for this newer vessel would be the logical step.
The white paper stated 8 ships as we know,but size was not mentioned.
When it comes to Financing,the sharing of facilities with CIT in the new maritime college in Ringaskiddy will see a reduction in costs for transporting students daily to Bishopstown,combined with the fees paid by CIT for the use of their land,and the selling off of much of the obsolete training equipment that was being used to train Naval cadets has given the NS purse some freedom. Combined with this the ability to use this vessel to train civilian cadets,as well as Naval cadets,though as yet undecided,will also see the NS recieving an income.
However the real stumbling block is by design,the danish vessel is fitted with a 5 inch gun,however,in common with all danish designs,the weapons fit is modular,and probably open to negotiation.
The best thing about this design is that it provides the NS with true warship capabilities,as well as much required support capabilities for future overseas operations,while maintaining reasonable size at only 135M,and 6300 tonnes.
The recent government trend of providing the Defence forces with actually useful military equipment,lends hope to the plans to procure this type also. The Army got their modern APCs,the air Corps are getting their blackhawks(presumably),it follows that the Naval service will get a proper warship..
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