Poiuytrewq wrote:Firstly, I'm amazed an Arrowhead 140 can be brought in on the £250m budget with this specification. All involved with the T31 programme should be commended if they actually arrive on time and on budget. It's a lot of ship for the money but it's not all good news IMO.
donald_of_tokyo wrote:2: A 57mm gun is great, much better than 114mm for ship’s self defense. But, if looks like without the dedicated FC radar, so guided rounds or even 3P rounds could be FFBNW?
On the surface of it the armament for RN's version of the A140 looks like it's been optimised for recent events in the gulf but how future proof is this configuration?
If the Wildcat isn't flying, where is the offensive capability? Simple answer, there is
NONE. Relying 100% on the embarked helicopter for offensive capability seems unwise IMO.
Not sure. RN spend money on hull. That is their choice. If offensive weapon is important, why not RN simply reduced the hull number from 5 to 4? This is "common sense", I think.
How about a few NSM? And, if so, RN must carry it on T45 and all T23ASW, at first. This is the reason I like to see NSM = hopefully the cheapest option, as interim ASM. Let's get 11 sets, not only 5.
How is this vessel going to support Marines ashore with a 57mm gun?
If it is carrying a Merlin rather than a Wildcat perhaps to support an embarked EMF it has no OTH offensive capability whatsoever. Not smart.
Uhm, why does she be alone when supporting EMF? And, if alone, two Wildcat will be better than one Merlin to carry, I guess?
Still no confirmation of any ASW capability at all.
As expected.
The T31 has achieved so much, especially in terms of value for money but sense must now prevail. These vessels really need the Mk45, a decent hull mounted sonar and at least four AShM. At this stage an extra £50 to £60m per hull would make them a fully credible GP Frigate. By all means build a couple of basic variants to get the ball rolling but as a class they should be at least be on a par with the vessels they are replacing.
Do not agree.
Adding ASM will be £30-60m per hull (it is not only canister, but also CMS integration and software, dedicated man-power, and training). But, it is worth doing, I agree.
Adding Mk45 will significantly increase man-power. Also, significantly reduce its self-defense capability (127mm gun is almost useless in self defense, while 57mm is the center-piece of it). Even in view of value for money, I prefer a 57mm gun.
If T31 is to be used like the French Floreal class = "be a Queen of the ocean in zero-threat area", 127mm gun will be nice. But, it is not the case. If strike is important, T45. T26 and CVF is the asset to be used.
The T31 is to be the Self Defence Frigate.
No big objection