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It all depends on whether Appledore have space for them.
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Catch-22 says they have a right to do anything we can't stop them from doing. -
Examples of what can be fitted on an OPV platform
Italian OPV with telescopic hanger extended
With hanger recessed , AB212 embarked & 76mm Super Rapid with Stealth cupola.
Chilean Navy OPV with 40mm & helipad (off which the ex-IAC Dauphins fly!)
Comment
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303. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he has evaluated ongoing requirements in respect of vessels and equipment for the Naval Service; the degree to which this keeps pace with international developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12248/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): Following a two-stage tender competition a contract was awarded in October 2010 to Babcock Marine in the UK for the provision of two new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Naval Service. Preparations for the construction of these new vessels have commenced and the first new vessel is scheduled for delivery in early 2014. The second vessel will follow one year later. The acquisition of these modern new vessels, combined with a continuous process of refurbishment and repair, will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a satisfactory level and that the most up to date equipment is available to Naval Service personnel.
On the issue of Naval Service training and technology, I am satisfied that Naval Services training techniques and the technologies involved are up to date in all respects. The Naval Service training plan is structured to provide the capabilities needed to execute the roles assigned to the Naval Service by Government.
Catch-22 says they have a right to do anything we can't stop them from doing.Comment
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305. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with the adequacy of vessels and equipment for the Naval Service to maintain its role in terms of patrols, surveillance and monitoring activity along our coasts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12250/11]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): The Naval Service provides the maritime element of the Defence Forces and has a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. The Naval Service operates eight general purpose patrol ships. All eight ships are involved in coastal and offshore patrolling and surveillance for the State in that part of the seas where State jurisdiction applies.
The primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State’s obligations as a member of the European Union. However, as the need arises, Naval Service vessels are deployed to other duties such as aid to the civil power, search and rescue or recovery, and drug interdiction operations.
The current Exclusive Fishery Limits extend to 200 miles offshore and cover an area of 132,000 nautical square miles. The Naval Service currently patrols the entire 200 mile limit and periodically patrols beyond these limits to protect specific fisheries. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary. The number of Patrol Vessels on patrol in Irish waters at any one time varies between three and eight. The Naval Service is committed to having at least three vessels on patrol within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone at any one time. All vessels are multi-tasked in the sense that they also undertake general surveillance, security and other duties while on patrol.A contract was placed last year for the provision of two new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Naval Service, each of which will be almost 90 metres in length. The acquisition of these longer new vessels will ensure that the Service can continue to carry out its drug interdiction role in support of the Joint Task Force and other tasks in increasingly difficult and dangerous sea conditions in the Atlantic. Preparations for their construction have commenced at Appledore in the UK and the first vessel is scheduled for delivery in early 2014. The second new vessel will follow one year later.
I am satisfied that the acquisition of these modern new vessels, combined with a continuous process of refurbishment and repair, will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a satisfactory level and that the most up to date equipment is available to Naval Service personnel.
Catch-22 says they have a right to do anything we can't stop them from doing.Comment
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This is a presentation from STX at a conference on OPVs (registration may be required but it is free).
They were involved in the design of Roisin, Niamh and the new OPVs ("in co-operation with Babcock UK").
There is a picture of the design of the OPV - looks like a lengthened Niamh - could be a 57mm or a 76mmComment
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Nice find DEV.
(damn you for getting there first!)
Catch-22 says they have a right to do anything we can't stop them from doing.Comment
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That's a really interesting document DeV - recommended reading for everyone - I know next to nothing about naval matters, but I'd been wondering lately about the breakdown of costs on ships and this presentation does a great job of explaining it.
Embarrassed to say I hadn't considered speed as having such a large impact on price.Comment
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Equally, how small an impact length has on price.Originally posted by pym View Post
If we go back 5 years in this topic I remember a man saying "steel is cheap and air is free".
The Bigger the better.
Catch-22 says they have a right to do anything we can't stop them from doing.Comment
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Indeed, to that end - is there any potential for future naval vessels to have a helicopter refueling capability for long range operations with the CG/Air Corps/RAF?
Would it be utilised enough to make it a worthwhile investment?Comment
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Let's start with a deck capable of landing a 10 tonne Heli(See EPV thread) we can work from there.
I'm sure there is a modular fuel bowser in the inventory in TEU size.
Catch-22 says they have a right to do anything we can't stop them from doing.Comment
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[QUOTE=DeV;338722]http://www.offshorepatrolvessels.com...ril%202011.pdf
This is a presentation from STX at a conference on OPVs
Very informative post,shows how the powers concerned think.Comment
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I was informed yesterday that the new OPVs would be capable of carrying the Larger NS ribs(normally currently only seen pulled on a trailer, or carried on Eithne's helideck) without modification. A useful capability increase, which will allow boardings to take place in even worse conditions.
Catch-22 says they have a right to do anything we can't stop them from doing.Comment
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Looks like some else is watching when our stuff comes up for saleCovid 19 is not over ....it's still very real..Hand Hygiene, Social Distancing and Masks.. keep safeComment
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lads, great thread this, but can someone post a pic of the actual OPV the Irish Navy are getting please?Comment
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