SW1 wrote:That’s why the likes of the bays,waves or the like being fwd deployed with enhanced modular and unmanned systems as a better option.
I agree, it does appear to be the better option.
I can also see the attraction for some inexpensive 'sloops' for low threat global maritime security tasks. I think it's entirely plausible to say if we had of got three RB3's and two RB2's rather than five RB2's, the T31 programme would never have started. Pity.
I think the important thing now is to look at what we have today and go from there. With the 4 Tides and the Forts or FSS vessels, the logistics requirements for the CSG is sorted. So the Waves could fill in some of the gaps along with the Bay's (if relieved), Albion and Bulwark and Argus. That's 8 vessels in the water today that I think could be better organised and better utilised.
If the T31 programme was halted or kicked into the long grass and two T23's were sold now before LIFEX then the manning issue as discussed would start to ease within three to four years. That should save move than £100m before the first T31 is currently due to hit the water.
If that £100m was invested into the remaining 3x T23 GP's to bring them up to ASW standard it would give the UK 11x Tier1 Frigates. Further savings could be made if two T23's were permanently assigned as TAPS vessels with a reduced CAMM load out.
Some of the T31 budget could then be used to upgrade the Waves and Bays to a more multipurpose role.
The Bay's could have permanent hangers/ deck garage fitted, a second landing spot created and the medical facilities could also be enhanced. This would give the three Bays an 18x Merlin capacity along with 6 to 9 landing spots, helping to alleviate the loss of Ocean.
The Waves could have some of their fuel capacity reduced and replaced with a vehicle deck and EMF accommodation. A second hanger could be created in the superstructure along with enhanced medical facilities. With davit mounted LCM's and upgraded deck cranes, the Waves could become excellent multipurpose logistic support vessels and would be fantastic assets to the fleet.
Argus could be replaced in the aviation training role by a Serco operated vessel. This would free up Argus to take on a mainly humanitarian role, primarily funded by DfID unless required for an Amphibious deployment.
Bulwark could be reactived and given a vastly reduced crew allocation, more suited to general patrol/HADR deployments. A Rubb hanger could be installed to add a much needed embarked aviation capacity.
This would give a Amphibious Assault, Patrol & HADR fleet of:
3x Bay LSD Amphibious Assault Vessels
2x Wave LSV Logistic Support Vessels
1x Albion LPD (Amphibious Assault)
1x Albion LPD (Patrol/HADR)
1x Argus (PCRS/HADR)
It would clearly give the UK a very capable Amphibious and HADR capacity, capable of performing cost effective patrol deployments when not needed for more specialised roles.
This would of course require some pretty extensive refits which would be good news for UK yards. If these refits costed an average of £50m for the 3x Bays, 2x Waves and Bulwark (re activation) that's a total of £300m.
I honestly believe this to be the most sensible way forward, and although not perfect it would be much better than spending £1.5bn on five pretend frigates.
The hardest part would be working out what to spend the remaining £1.2bn on......