Is it not a problem that the offensive ASW of a general purpose frigate (e.g. T31) is limited to the the helo? Most comparable vessels appear to have offensive ASW capability through torpedoes or VLS as well as a helo. Also, if they were not intending to add TAS to the 5 GP T26 is it likely they wil...

Would such a ship, with TAS, be acceptable to RN? I think it would. With that it has the ability to detect and counter submarine, surface, airborne threats and also has some land attack capabilities on the side. Its nothing great, but it would have the ability to operate across all domains, with ca...

Why is it that all of the proposed T31 variants are devoid of strike length VSL? Is it prohibitively expensive or is it a space issue? The actual tubes are not too expensive, but strike length VSL is very intrusive on the ship design, very big and goes though many decks, the systems that fill them ...

I have no idea - that's what why I'm asking you guys. The consensus seems to be on forums like this that the BAE and Venator 110 designs don't seem to cut the mustard. I just wondered why they could include say 16 strike length VSL - wouldn't that, if feasible, improve it's credibility and exportabi...

I thought the T31 was also supposed to be a creditable escort since 6 T45 and 8 T26 is insufficent?

Why is it that all of the proposed T31 variants are devoid of strike length VSL? Is it prohibitively expensive or is it a space issue?

shark bait wrote:Both should be there because a hull sonar is next to useless at detecting subs. If its serious about finding subs it has a variable depth sonar.

Ok thanks for the info

Why do you suggest a towed sonar? Would it not be better (cheaper) to reuse the hull sonar from the T23's?

That's what I was trying to ask - can we design a credible light frigate without MK41 VSL - I.e. Can we have credible ASW and ASuW offensive capability through box launchers and torpedo tubes? I have no knowledge of what next gen harpoon (if it is being designed)/other box launched missiles are avai...

Thanks for the useful response. Given that the batch 2 rivers are capable of doing the maritime security type of work, what is the point of spending a fair whack of change on a patrol frigate? Is it not possible to build a low end credible frigate for ca. £350-400million? Something like a beefed up ...

What would be the minimum requirement for a credible frigate? As the following text will convey, I know eff all about naval or military matters. I’m 100% civilian, with a general interest in the RN. To my limited understanding, wouldn’t any credible T31 have to have the following: Hull mounted sonar...

Wait I thought I read (only Wikipedia or such other "reliable" source) that it was £8 billion allocated for the 8 x T26, I thought as the original £11.5 billion allocated for 13 x T26 was insufficient the 5 ("at least") T31 would be allocated the other £3.5 billion?