Type 23 Frigate (Duke Class) (RN) [News Only]

[GibMariner]

I think that assumption is correct. Am I correct in saying the first five to be decommissioned are the GP versions? which should mean we never drop in numbers of ASW frigates, but could face an overall drop in frigate numbers.

I guess our current "ASW" T23 will become our "GP" T23 unless they are buying new sonars.

I too have lost track when it is suppose to enter service now it has been pushed back by 2 years.

I have Westminster, Northumberland, Richmond, Somerset, Sutherland, Kent, Portland and St Albans as having the Sonar 2087.

Which leaves Argyll, Lancaster, Iron Duke, Monmouth and Montrose as our "GP" variant, which happen to be the first 5 to be decommissioned.

Presumably, the 2087 will be removed from the 8 that will be in service longer and become the "GP" frigates until/if the "Type 31" are constructed.

[shark bait]

Presumably, the 2087 will be removed from the 8 that will be in service longer and become the "GP" frigates until/if the "Type 31" are constructed.

Presumably that is the case yes.

Another case might be similar to what they are doing with artisan where they have and extra system to cover the build stage so availability isn't reduced, but I haven't seen any indication that plan so purchase additional sonar sets.

[donald_of_tokyo]

Thanks GibMariner-san

I added the "commissioned year, decommission year, and then her age" in the list

1 HMS Argyll - 1991 2023 32yr
2 HMS Lancaster - 1992 2024 32yr
3 HMS Iron Duke - 1993 2025 32yr
4 HMS Monmouth - 1993 2026 33yr
5 HMS Montrose - 1994 2027 33yr
6 HMS Westminster - 1994 2028 34yr
7 HMS Northumberland - 1994 2029 35yr
8 HMS Richmond - 1995 2030 35yr
9 HMS Somerset - 1996 2031 35yr
10 HMS Sutherland - 1997 2032 35yr
11 HMS Kent - 2000 2033 33yr
12 HMS Portland - 2001 2034 33yr
13 HMS St Albans - 2002 2035 33yr

So the danger comes around 2029-2032, in which the planned decommission date of 7th to 10th T23 assumes 35year of operation.

If we assume T23 can well be active up till 35-years old, the 1-5th ship can handle 2-3 year delay.
On the other hand, around 2029, no delay can be there.

[shark bait]

35 is old, the internet didn't exist even 35 years ago.

Quite amazing how much the world can change in that time, and yet our frigates will be just as capable at the age of 35 as they we're when they we're commissioned.

[donald_of_tokyo]

35 is old, the internet didn't exist even 35 years ago.

Quite amazing how much the world can change in that time, and yet our frigates will be just as capable at the age of 35 as they we're when they we're commissioned.

Nowadays, there are several assets "35 years old". For example, F15, designed in 1960s, build in 1980s are still flying high in the air. With radar, communication, and pilot-interface updates, it will still be flying for 10-15 or 20 years (at least in Japan, as well as in US and others). It looks like fighting assets are more becoming a "vessel", and you can pour new "assets" in that vessel.

I think this is mainly because the new technologies are in networking field, and not in the armament itself. SeaSparrow launcher CAN handle ESSM. But it needs data up/down-link antenna and proper CMS to handle it.

In navy case, it is particularly happening worldwide.

Halifax-Class mid-life upgrade. See 13:18. They are digging a hole in the hull, throwing away all the electronics which was in the CIC, and installing completely new ones...

[GibMariner]

HM Ships Iron Duke & Sutherland taking part in Exercise Cold Response:
COLD WEATHER TRAINING

On the frozen slopes and lakes, along the icy waters of the fjords and in skies scarred by snow flurries, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines have demonstrated their ability to survive – and fight – in the harshest environment imaginable.

From the port of Trondheim to 100 miles from the northernmost tip of Europe, warships, Naval Air Squadrons and Royal Marines Commandos have contended with temperatures down to -30˚C as they practise the art of Arctic warfare.

As a truly global force it remains vital that the Royal Navy is able to operate and fight in every environment.

It is only by training in these extreme conditions that we can prepare our people for what might be expected of them and ensure that the routines and procedures that we use on board work.

Sister frigates HMS Iron Duke and Sutherland are taking part in Exercise Cold Response to demonstrate the ability of NATO and its partner nations to defend the alliance’s northern flank.

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/coldweathertraining

[GibMariner]

Royal Navy Warship rescues sailors from sinking vessel

HMS St Albans was recently called upon to assist a stricken Dhow whilst conducting maritime security operations in the Gulf of Oman.

HMS St Albans has been working in the Gulf with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), and was on a routine patrol for the UK when she was contacted by an Omani Air Force surveillance aircraft. The aircraft reported seeing a dhow drifting at the sea with its engine hatch open. Suspecting that the dhow might have engine trouble, St Albans made best speed to her location in order to offer assistance.

Read more: https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2016 ... ng-vessel/

[GibMariner]

Warships:Written question - HL7566

Asked by Lord West of Spithead

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 23 March (HL7103), why HMS Dauntless and HMS Lancaster are being placed alongside if there are sufficient people, spares and logistics support to run the Royal Navy.

Answered by: Earl Howe

HMS DAUNTLESS entered the engineering training ship programme in February this year. Engineer training ships, generally in a period prior to undergoing a refit or an upgrade, are used to deliver training and provide accommodation alongside.
HMS LANCASTER is presently alongside in Portsmouth and is being maintained with a minimal crew onboard until her refit. The Royal Navy has determined that HMS LANCASTER is not required as a training platform ahead of her refit, therefore a number of her crew have been redeployed in support of operational units and tasks.
Such planned programming enables the Royal Navy to optimise the use of its ships and personnel through the operational cycles.

http://www.parliament.uk/business/publi ... 12/HL7566/

HL7103 - http://www.parliament.uk/business/publi ... -16/HL7103

[The Armchair Soldier]

HMS Westminster has been fitted with Sea Ceptor:
http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-la ... estminster

Edit: Replaced broken link. Thanks SB

[The Armchair Soldier]

Another article with more information:

All Go for Sea Ceptor

MBDA has begun delivering hardware for the first Sea Ceptor local anti-air missile system installation after the Royal Navy approved a ‘commit to fitting’ for the Type 23 frigate HMS Argyll.

Meanwhile, the company has begun a campaign of final qualification firings at the Vidsel range in Sweden of the Common Anti-air Module Munition (CAMM) effector associated with the system.

[...]

To minimise ship impact, Sea Ceptor installation on the Type 23s has been engineered to use existing GWS 26 Mod 1 infrastructure and interface points. CAMM missiles will be fitted in the existing VL Seawolf silo (one canister per cell for a maximum of 32 missiles).

Read More: http://www.janes.com/article/54614/all- ... -dsei15-d4

[Ron5]

Another article with more information:

All Go for Sea Ceptor

MBDA has begun delivering hardware for the first Sea Ceptor local anti-air missile system installation after the Royal Navy approved a ‘commit to fitting’ for the Type 23 frigate HMS Argyll.

Meanwhile, the company has begun a campaign of final qualification firings at the Vidsel range in Sweden of the Common Anti-air Module Munition (CAMM) effector associated with the system.

[...]

To minimise ship impact, Sea Ceptor installation on the Type 23s has been engineered to use existing GWS 26 Mod 1 infrastructure and interface points. CAMM missiles will be fitted in the existing VL Seawolf silo (one canister per cell for a maximum of 32 missiles).

Read More: http://www.janes.com/article/54614/all- ... -dsei15-d4

I wonder if requirement to fit existing Sea Wolf cells precludes CAMM-ER which would in turn preclude it for the T26.

[Gabriele]

There is every possibility that the "one canister per Sea Wolf cell" bit, as well as the 32 number, is wrong. I'm putting more faith on the MBDA visualization, which shows 12 "holes" on one side of the silo, each holding a quadpack of canisters, for 48 total rounds, same as on Type 26.

The Sea Ceptor is a slimmer missile by a good margin compared to Sea Wolf, and the only metric we really need to know for Type 26 and eventual CAMM ER compatibility is what kind of depth the "CAMM silos" have. The ER canister is 4.4 meters long (at least one meter more than the baseline CAMM) and 27,5 cm in width (which should enable four to still fit in a Sylver cell - 22 inches - as well as MK41 - 25 inches -). The missile body max width grows from 166 to 190 mm where the new booster is.
I've long wondered what kind of space is available below deck where the CAMM blocks on Type 26 are located, but there has been no answer to the question so far. It would also be interesting to know with an eye to export. If someone did not want to adopt CAMM, how hard would it be to fit more MK41 modules in their place?

[GibMariner]

Royal Navy frigate intercepts Russian submarine in North Sea near English Channel

A Russian submarine has been intercepted by the Royal Navy as it cruised towards the English Channel.

The sub was being escorted by frigate HMS Kent on Tuesday evening and is expected to pass the Strait of Dover on Wednesday morning.
It is understood the Stary Oskol, a Kilo-class submarine capable of carrying cruise missiles and torpedoes, was first detected in the North Sea where Nato forces are monitoring the waters.

The Ministry of Defence said it will continue to be shadowed by the Type 23 Duke class frigate, which had been taking part in commemorations for the Battle of Jutland centenary.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06 ... h-sea-nea/

[SKB]

^ (MOD) Russian submarine, Stary Oskol (left), being intercepted by frigate HMS Kent as it cruised towards the English Channel on Tuesday evening

[Ron5]

All hands to the PR machine to show Dave & George Pinnochio are doing a great job by dealng with this sneaky threat to the UK borders.

Forces TV article is my favorite, a page or two with big pictures describing the latest "stand off" between the RN and the Russian Navy. Breathlessly describing how the submarine was detected in the North Sea and tracked through the Channel.

Nowhere, but nowhere, was it mentioned that the submarine was chugging away rather slowly & noisily, on the surface and was making absolutely zero attempt to avoid detection.

The only thing missing was the reference to the 180 billion that would be spent, one day soon, very soon, on new defense equipment.

[GibMariner]

And the RN isn't the only friendly navy operating in the area:

[marktigger]

when i was on tellic I was talking to a Naval Marine engineer one night over a beer and discussing the Type 23. He said something that stuck...The ships compared to other Frigates and Destroyers he's served on (over 20 years) had more fires during normal operating than an other. I've also head this form other sources to. The main types of fire were electrical in origin. So have they go this sorted?

[TPC1975]

I was both aft section base officer and a DCO on a T23. No evidence that I know of to suggest they were more prone to incidents than other RN escorts. Unless of course they have gone downhill since I left the service in 2006!!

[GibMariner]

HMS Lancaster:Written question - 40031

Asked by Douglas Chapman

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether HMS Lancaster is in a state of extended readiness.

Answered by: Mr Philip Dunne

HMS LANCASTER is presently alongside in Portsmouth and is maintained with a minimal Ship's Company on board until her refit.The Royal Navy has determined that HMS LANCASTER is not required as a training platform ahead of her refit, therefore a number of her Ship's Company have been redeployed in support of operational units and tasks.
Such planned programming enables the Royal Navy to optimise the use of its ships and personnel through the operational cycles. The normal operating cycle of every ship includes periods of low readiness, and a number of ships will enter periods of 'low' or 'very low' readiness depending on their programmes and departmental planning requirements. It remains Ministry of Defence policy not to publish details of the readiness states of individual Royal Navy vessels for reasons of safeguarding national security.

http://www.parliament.uk/business/publi ... -08/40031/

[The Armchair Soldier]

Royal Navy Escorts Chinese Warship Through Channel

A brand-new Chinese warship was escorted through the Dover Strait last night as she made her way to the North Sea. The Xiangtan entered the Channel from the Atlantic yesterday.

HMS Somerset established constructive communications with the ship, and on request from the Xiangtan the Plymouth-based frigate provided a weather forecast for the Channel.

Xiangtan has now continued her journey. Somerset was operating as the Navy’s Fleet Ready Escort, working at high readiness to conduct a range of maritime security tasks.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:

“The UK enjoys positive relations with China and the Royal Navy has once again provided a secure escort around our shores. The UK strongly supports the right of all States to exercise freedom of navigation in accordance with international law.”

[GibMariner]

HMS Somerset in Lerwick over the weekend before taking part in NATO ASW exercise Dynamic Mongoose
http://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/2016/06/ ... s-in-isles

[GibMariner]

Wet but cheerful send-off for Portland on nine-month epic

Crowds ignored the summer solstice rain and gave HMS Portland a memorable send-off from Devil’s Point today.
The frigate has begun a nine-month deployment – first to the Middle East, then to the South Atlantic – which will see the trusty Lynx helicopter on the front line for the final time.

TWO oceans beckon for the crew of HMS Portland as they begin a nine-month epic deployment to both the Middle East and South Atlantic.
Families waved off the frigate from Devil’s Point – the last time they’ll see the Type 23 in home waters until spring 2017.
First she’ll support the RN’s long-standing effort to stamp out piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean, replacing her younger sister HMS St Albans.
Then the emphasis switches to reassuring British citizens in remote South Atlantic communities.
Among those cheering the ship into a very wet Plymouth Sound were the parents of Sub Lt Jamie Brotherton, the frigate’s Deputy Logistics Officer on his maiden deployment.

https://www.navynews.co.uk/archive/news/item/15045

[donald_of_tokyo]

Crowds ignored the summer solstice rain and gave HMS Portland a memorable send-off from Devil’s Point today.
The frigate has begun a nine-month deployment – first to the Middle East, then to the South Atlantic

South Atlantic. So,
1) APT-S is then filled?
2) or RN has turned into, just keep FIGS permanently, and "sometimes" send frigate for "say hello" to South Atlantic?
We need to watch it carefully. My "guess" is (2). (I may be wrong)

[GibMariner]

HMS Portland arrives in Gibraltar, currently conducting patrol of British territorial waters.

[Ron5]

What, no Merlin?