River Class (OPV) (RN)

[donald_of_tokyo]

Active, every where.

[donald_of_tokyo]

HMS Tamar, now in NZ.

- RNZN frigate has just test-fired 2 CAMMs. The frigates also as SeaSentor torpedo defense kits. So, yes NZ has a good commonality with RN.
- I really hope HMS Tamar crew take a visit of HMNZS Otago and Wellington, the two OPV now in extended readiness because of lack of crew. As one River B2 is in long refit these days, leasing an OPV from RNZN will be able to fill the gap (with a Wildcat capable hangar, a 15t crane, and three 20ft-container carriage space, they will be very good for Caribbean operation). It will also further tighten the relation between the two navies, and improve the possibility that NZ buy T31 variant as their frigate replacement.

[donald_of_tokyo]

HMS Tamar just left Auckland NZ. Comparison with RNZN OPV is interesting. Although HMS Tamar is not a ship to fight, it look more fighty than RNZN OPVs, which looks more bulky.



PS.1 RN OPV being a frequent visitor to NZ is very good. Also, HMS Tamar steaming at sea looks very beautiful. I love her.


PS.2 The reason why I think these NZ OPV can be a good substitute for Caribbean sea. Can operate SH-2G on their deck (actually, said to be very tight), and has a hangar 16m+ long (from the blue print), which can accommodate Wildcat (note Wildcat's rotor diameter is 0.6m smaller than that of SH-2Gs).

[Tempest414]

I like the Protector class layout and this is what I would be looking for a 100 by 16 meter ship with the same layout allowing for a bigger flight deck and rear working deck could be a very nice MHPC

[Ian Hall]

[Poiuytrewq]

Dazzling!

[tomuk]

Where are the Rivers when you've got an EEZ to protect?

[Poiuytrewq]

Some nice shots here.

[donald_of_tokyo]

[Ian Hall]

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/royal-n ... caribbean/

[wargame_insomniac]

Close to Haiti if an evacuation of the embassy is required?

[wargame_insomniac]

[donald_of_tokyo]

[Ian Hall]

Some +ve PR for the RN in a flood of woe

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-68748861

[Ian Hall]

Nice video. I can understand those who post on improving the lethality and sensors of the B2, but thankfully the debate about turning them into some sort of 21st century Panzerschiff has died down of late.

[Ron5]

but thankfully the debate about turning them into some sort of 21st century Panzerschiff has died down of late.

Hey, nothing wrong with Panzerschiff's!!

[Ian Hall]

Nice video. I can understand those who post on improving the lethality and sensors of the B2, but thankfully the debate about turning them into some sort of 21st century Panzerschiff has died down of late.

I agree, and I believe by these deployments people have started to understand the subtle but great value these platforms bring in their current roles. Given the pressures and priorities in the broader RN, I just hope sense prevails and they (or similar ships) are allowed to continue.

[RunningStrong]

Nice video. I can understand those who post on improving the lethality and sensors of the B2, but thankfully the debate about turning them into some sort of 21st century Panzerschiff has died down of late.

I'm not sure how we can continue to deploy them for anything except fishery patrol if they haven't got some UAS defence. Even the Drug Cartels are capable of flying a UAS with a shaped charge on it. It would be an embarrassment.

[Ian Hall]

Nice video. I can understand those who post on improving the lethality and sensors of the B2, but thankfully the debate about turning them into some sort of 21st century Panzerschiff has died down of late.

I'm not sure how we can continue to deploy them for anything except fishery patrol if they haven't got some UAS defence. Even the Drug Cartels are capable of flying a UAS with a shaped charge on it. It would be an embarrassment.

30mm ASCG ?

[new guy]

A 40mm or 57mm would definitely be my preference, but AFAIK it has a decent radar for its class and maybe a counter UAV with LMM or even a shoulder fired Starstreak would do the job.

[Poiuytrewq]

My opinion hasn’t changed on this.

Retire the 3x RB2’s back to the U.K. EEZ in 2028 and retain the other 2 in the Falklands and Gibraltar.

They are a compromised platform for global patrol and always will be unfortunately.

[new guy]

My opinion hasn’t changed on this.

Retire the 3x RB2’s back to the U.K. EEZ in 2028 and retain the other 2 in the Falklands and Gibraltar.

They are a compromised platform for global patrol and always will be unfortunately.

It’s good that reality is proving the opposite.

[Poiuytrewq]

It’s good that reality is proving the opposite.

I think the reality is that RN is making the best of a compromised asset that was unwanted at inception.

[new guy]

They are a compromised platform for global patrol and always will be unfortunately.

Compromised how?

[Poiuytrewq]

They are a compromised platform for global patrol and always will be unfortunately.

Compromised how?

They are too much and not enough.