Poiuytrewq wrote:Hi Donald, I'm intrigued by your proposal. It's clear you have given this a lot of thought
First question, for deployments like APT(N) or Falklands patrol, does an OPV really need a Merlin capable flight deck? Would Wildcat capable be enough? Is this the compromise that could allow the RB2's to gain the critical embarked helicopter?
Thanks.
Falkland Island SAR helicopters (S-70) are large, so the ship there needs "so-so" large flight deck. I guess it is the same for SAR helos around Britain Island.
It is also worth noting that the T23's "23 m long flight deck" is SMALLER than that on MEKO200, FFG-7 or many other frigates. Yes, Wildcat-capable 20m flight deck may work for RB2, but it will significantly limit other navy's helos (SH-60 and NH-90, which is the world standard now) to land (I'm afraid they are not well trained to land in such a small flight deck).
I might be wrong, but keeping a "23 m long flight-deck" will worth doing.
Second, in your opinion, as part of your deck extension refit, could a stern ramp be included for a single 8m RHIB? Lots of usable space under the flight deck in the EMF compartment. This may allow for 2 CB90 type craft to be davit mounted either side of the Wildcat hanger.
River B2's stern is rather "crowded". It has two ladder machines there. I do not think adding a stern ramp is doable.
I also think the space below the flight deck will be fully used, when River B2 carries two USVs or a Wildcat. Up-arming itself will need additional crew. For example, adding 57 mm gun and 20mm CIWS will require at least 10-15 more crews. Adding ASW-USV system or adding a Wildcat will require 15-20 more. With chaff/flare and torpedo defense, another 5-10 will be needed. Here, the "50 RMs bank" is almost filled.
In addition, CB90 is very large, 15.9 m long and weighs 15-20 t. Even Danish Absalon is NOT carrying it. What they carry is SB90E, 11 m long, 7.2t weight, not CB90. SB90E has the similar size as the ARCIMS USV, so River B2 (mod) can carry two of them aside the crane, easily.
I'm not a big fan of drastically uparming the RB2's
Actually, I am also NOT a fan of up-arming River B2. It is fun to think about it, but it destroys the figure-of-merit of River B2 OPV in many cases. Contradiction, it is.
River B2 is an ocean-going patrol vessel, 25 knots fast, has long range and endurance, but simple and cheap to operate so that she need only 36 crew onboard (with rotation, ~60 crews will be assigned, but it does not mean 60 will be onboard), and can be "at sea" as long as 300 days an year. Extremely efficient asset. No escorts can beet them.
My proposal for the ASW-corvette-version is for a "war-time urgent shallow water ASW corvette". In peace time, the (modified) River B2s will be just doing EEZ, fishery, and (part of) FRE, while the ASW-USV operated directly from the ground will patrol the shallow water around UK. If RN is to go to war in vast brown water (such as around Falklands Islands), mod-River B2 will carry ASW-USVs, and become a "ASW corvette" version. This is my proposal.
The "Floreal-like" may be more clear candidate. It can be used for APT-S, and possibly APT-N (non-hurricane) if needed. This means we only need two or even only one OPV in such version.