United Nations Troops landing at Lebanon

[Dogwatch]

Some photos of the Italian navy LPD being used in the Humanitarian Role in Lebanon

[Goldie fish]

Thats what its all about really. "armed to the teeth aircraft carrier used to save babies" is how the headline should read.

[fiannoglach]

That's what we really need! Just imagine, travelling overseas with all your troops, logistics, med and air in one package!

It's really overdue...........OSOK

[hptmurphy]

Its the future ok..but are the politicians wise enough to see it.. If we took all the piecemeal aid they give to poverty stricken areas and out it in to a vessel of this type it would be far more use than sending a few quid to bombed out persons in somethird world shit hole.

[yooklid]

what we really need is one of these

http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...apan/osumi.htm

[Dogwatch]

what we really need is one of these

http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...apan/osumi.htm

If the Blohm & Voss MRV is wishful thinking, which sources say it is,



then the japanese version is just a wet dream....... unfortunately

[yooklid]

She has remarkably small crew needs for her capabilities.

[Dogwatch]

She has remarkably small crew needs for her capabilities.

LST Osumi Class:
Specifications
Standard Displacement 8,900ton
Boundary Dimension Length: 178m
Width: 25.8m
Depth: 17.0m
Draft: 6.0m
Main Engine Mitsui 16V42M-A Diesel x2;
2 shafts propulsion
Horsepower 26,000ps
26,400ps (LST4002)
Maximum Speed 22kt
Crew 135
138 (LST4002-4003) Gun 20mm Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) x1
Special Equipment Landing Craft Air Cushion x2 on board

135 is a huge crew for the NS to try get together, other ships would be cut or lost. The RNZN MRV is somewhere around 80 which would be manageable.



Still though, those LCAC's would be nice!

[yooklid]

You're a real buzz killer.

[Goldie fish]

Where must i slap you to bring you back to reality?

[mutter nutter]

You're a real buzz killer.

x2

[hptmurphy]

Could hardly see it as an upmarket PV

[Goldie fish]

Handy if you have to escort trawlers back to port though. Park them in the dock and off you go.

[Sea Toby]

Actually the Kiwi MRV has a crew of 53, plus 10 air force personnel for the SeaSprite helicopter. Plus, it does have berths for 35 trainees, and the 250 troops. Not much of a crew for a ship at 8,870 tons. And the price was capped at $100 million American. The Canterbury is longer and wider than the small Italian flattops, although without a well dock the Italians have. Canterbury also cost significantly less, the Italian small flat tops cost $120 million American each, back during the 1980s. More than likely they would cost closer to $200 million now.

[Te Kaha]

I was living in Japan for quite sometime and managed to see the Osumi at Kuri JMSDFB. From a distance unfortunately. A great ship though, its the real deal, the Lexus of MRV/LPD's. I got all excited when the NZ Govt announced they were looking for a MRV with Helo capacity to place the Frigate Canterbury and Charles Upham Sealift vessel. I started dreaming (as you do) of a San Marco Class or Osumi Class type vessel for the RNZN. Sailing up Sydney Harbour with four Oceanhawks on the deck thinking ... Now you Aussies wont look down on us Kiwi's. Oh well, in the end we got a tarted up RoRo ferry with a 25mm Bushmaster flogged off a LAV.