Ron5 wrote: ↑13 Jan 2024, 14:04
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if installed, the Mk 41 would undoubtedly be exclusively reserved for FC/ASW. It would be financially retarded of the Navy to spend extra money to provide exactly the same CAMM launch capability. Millions of pounds to do exactly the same thing as the currently contracted mushrooms.
There is an alternative worth considering.
If the FCASW program produces two variants (FC and ASW) and the French are adamant that the ASW variant must be canister launched then a host of new opportunities appear.
This would allow RN to retain the Mk41 Strike cells for the FC variant to replace TLAM and ASW to replace NSM and the Mk41 Tactical cells for CAMM/ER/MR. Thereby potentially turning the humble T31 into a real handful if the funding eventually materialised.
For example, the T31 could embark 16x ASuW missiles in canisters plus 16x TLAM equivalent FC missiles in the Mk41 Strike cells. The remaining 16x Mk41 Tactical cells could hold 32x quad packed CAMM plus 24x triple packed CAMM ER or 16x double packed CAMM MR. The potential is clear but will the funding appear to realise the potential? IMO it all depends on global events over the next decade.
The T32 is also interesting. It’s becoming increasingly clear that the T32 is designed to support RM and the MRSS among other tasks. The BAE and Babcock concepts both have Mk41 cells but the BAE ASF has 8x Mk41 cells plus 24x CAMM in mushrooms and the A140 MNP has 16x Mk41 cells. Both vessels have large amidship deck space for at least 32x ASuW canisters if required. Perfect for supporting the FCF in the Littoral.
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So even if the number of Mk41 Strike cells installed are relatively low RN could still procure two highly potent Frigates in the T31/T32 if the funding materialises to fully optimise and if the ASW side of the FCASW program is produced in canisters.
Fully optimised T31:
• 1x 57mm and 2x 40mm
• 32x CAMM (quad pkd in 8x Mk41 cells)
• 16x CAMM MR (double pkd in 8x Mk41 cells)
• 16x FC (TLAM equivalent in 16x Mk41 Strike)
• 16x ASW (NSM equivalent in canisters)
Fully optimised T32 (A140 MNP):
• 1x 127mm and 2x 40mm
• 32x CAMM (quad pkd in 8x Mk41 cells)
• 16x CAMM MR (double pkd in 8x Mk41cells)
• 32x ASW (NSM equivalent in canisters)
Not suggesting this is likely but if FCASW produces a canister option then Mk41 Strike cells are not the only game in town.