ArmChairCivvy wrote:Every time a warship class is designed for just one role then one lesson hasn't been taken on board
The flip side is trying to achieve everything and ending up with a £1bn T26. Generous growth margins aren't free, it's a trade off between build standards, armament, sea keeping qualities, range and endurance etc. The T31's budget is far from generous to fund a credible frigate programme but it is sufficient to fund a maritime security vessel programme. A modest fleet of basic Leanders would likely give sterling service for RN at a very reasonable cost. Affordability is key.
ArmChairCivvy wrote:... like BAM (translated)
They might look similar but Leander is superior in virtually every regard. Configured as suggested they would be highly capable vessels for a wide range of security tasks and also possess the ability to act as a consort escort to the Bay's, Albion's and FLSS etc.
I think it's an ideal setup for 21st century maritime security taskings.
76mm
2x30mm's
12 CAMM
Artisan
KingKlip
Captas 2
8x Harpoon and Phalanx FFBNW
ArmChairCivvy wrote:... which is where Holland class ended up, despite not being frigates
The Hollands are a great example. The 105m Leanders that I am proposing would be even more capable but the Hollands are a good benchmark for a 21st century maritime security vessel. The important thing is recognising that they aren't Frigates. This is the reason why the T31 programme in its current form makes little sense. They should never have been designated as Frigates in the first place.
shark bait wrote:If that's the objective, it has already achieved through the River B2, Bay class and the proposed LSS. Why do the RN need another 5?
The RB2's are lightly armed OPV's so completely different. Keep them in the UK EEZ or sell them. Outside the EEZ the 105m Leanders would be better in every way.
The Bay's and FLSS vessels are incredibly versatile platforms but we simply won't have enough of them. Combining properly configured, forward based Leanders with a FLSS and Tide combo would make for a reasonably effective LSG. Extra Frigates could be added if necessary. Additional Bays and FLSS hulls won't help RN hit the 24 escort target. A balanced approach is more likely to be successfully funded in the end. Something along the lines of,
5x RB2's
6x Leander MSV's
12x Frigates
6x Type 45's
Whatever option is chosen it will take an additional £2bn to £3bn over the 15 years for HMG to sort out the fleet properly.