Aethulwulf wrote:I wonder what are these other ideas in play, which might precede the FSS...
Maybe the +1 ship will not be the same as the two FSS.
Maybe the +1 ship will cover solid support specific to amphibious ops, and also be an Argus replacement.
In which case, could it turn into +2 ships? Could they then also take over from the Bays in their roles in the Caribbean and the Gulf?
Very Very interesting.
Lots of maybes but if nothing else it shows that serious consideration is being given to the overall balance of the RFA and the wider Amphibious capability rather than just swinging the axe as most expected. Great news!
It also shows that the MDP is along way from being complete which is a pity as it's about time for some clarity after the recent uncertainty.
Hopefully this heralds a return to the original FSS concept with the well dock to help balance the Amphibious fleet and ensure it is fit for purpose through to the 2030's.
Fleet-Solid-Support-Ship-render.jpg
Two of these vessels configured for the FSS role and a third replacing Argus with a 6 Merlin hanger and 3 or 4 landing spots would be a welcome and cost effective result especially if the well docks were double LCU capable.
Lots of options with various possible outcomes but could this be another case of it being cheaper in the long run to build your way out of trouble?
My question would be, with the announcements made already it's difficult to see where a meaningful amount of money is going to be saved to plug the 'black hole'. Are we once again kicking the can down the road or is new money being allocated to plug the gap?