Auto correct strikes again....donald_of_tokyo wrote:thanks ...
Agreed, how realistic is Babcocks 100 figure? I realise The A140 is a simpler vessel than the IH but are we realistically looking at somewhere in between? Around 130 including the aviation personnel?donald_of_tokyo wrote:Similarly, T45 is reportedly carrying 200-220 although its official number is 191. I think these real number is more important than official numbers. For example, the Iver Huitfeldt class with 160 crew is no surprise for me.
Going back to original photograph. I think one of the A140's biggest assets is to give RN the ability to add extra AAW frigates to the fleet very cost effectively if required. Either acting as goalkeepers for the CSG or in a solo role perhaps in the Gulf they could be an attractive option at some point.
The height of Sampson and S1850M is very impressive, clearly the 21.2m beam really helps. It would be interesting to see what RN could do with a AAW Arrowhead140 variant and it's almost 20m beam. ASW is always mentioned as the critical weakness within the fleet but six T45's was never enough. Adding another 2 or 3 enhanced AAW A140's as a second batch of T31's might be a good option.
Obviously this wouldn't solve the lack of ASW frigates.
Genuine question for all our resident propulsion contributors.
If Arrowhead 140 will be able to achieve 16 to 18 knots on a single MTU 8000 M70 engine, although not ideal, how credible would it be to isolate and reduce the noise signature of this single engine/gearbox etc to improve ASW performance? Would this be the cheapest and most straightforward way to enhance ASW performance without a complete redesign to replace the CODAD system with a Hybrid Electric setup? Alternatively, would it be better to try to isolate and raft both engines in a single engine room and run with reduced revs to achieve a similar speed. It would never be as good as the T26 but could it match the performance of the FTI for a minimal outlay?
It would be interesting see what has been done to reduce noise levels in the FTI with its CODAD propulsion system and possibly look to apply the same improvements to the A140.