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It looks like the NS are going in the the right direction in terms of vessel size etc, but surely a reduction in fleet numbers would be a step backwards given that the number often quoted as a minimum for complete national coverage is 12?
Two problems to be considered in that 3 of the current fleet are beyond the notional 30 year period but 2 of these could continue quite easily for another five years.
The peacocks are the real fly in the ointment while being very usefull and could have 10 years left in them yet the are the most limited when it comes to Patrolling.
Eithne has a notional life of at least 5-10 years and is probably the best all rounder being able to act as a logs base for Blue / Green Ops.
To move on something will have to be sacrificed.
The other figure that seems to be overlooked is fuel with the OPVs Roisin and Niamh being heaviest on fuel.
So withing 10 years which is not a life time 5 of the current fleet possibly 6 could be laid up with two confirmed replacements and the remainder being curtailed due to fuel costs.
While the Last thing the new FOCNs wants to do is restrict his options but I do thing that Emer and the Peacocks will be targtes within 12 months and the Peacocks if only to surrender their weapons and FCS to the new OPVs.
The third OPV/EPV will result in the loss of Aoife and Aisling.
Within 5-6 years we will possibly have 4 OPVs. 1 x EPV and Eithne.
Fuel costs as opposed to the cost of new builds will be the main consideration.
Sell nothing until replacements have been ordered or they wont be replaced.
Agreed. No point in being without ships for any period. It would be easy for the older ship to be sent for the breakers yard, pending replacement, only for "Unforseen financial difficulties" to cause the cancellation of their replacements.
Catch-22 says they have a right to do anything we can't stop them from doing.
That's how the dreaded bean counters operate I'm afraid. I'd even go a little further and say sell nothing until the replacement is passing Roches Point.
That's how the dreaded bean counters operate I'm afraid. I'd even go a little further and say sell nothing until the replacement is passing Spit light.
Fixed.
Catch-22 says they have a right to do anything we can't stop them from doing.
Among it's impressive stats are an ability to operate in wind speeds of up to 40 knots over the deck and rolling angles of +/- 15 degrees.
Thales UK(formerly Shorts) up the road in Belfast have trialled a ground attack version of the Starstreak as a lightweight precision strike weapon from the Camcopter.
UAV ops have always been a consideration in the design of both OPV and EPV, it is definitely an emerging necessity, and does away with having to bribe the bluffwaffe to come out for tea in the irish sea.
Catch-22 says they have a right to do anything we can't stop them from doing.
Knocker, I think the EPV will be able to land a helicopter but not hangar it. Small scale cross deck operations with helicopter capable vessels or land based aerial resupply missions.
Has a possible refueling capability been mentioned?
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