Which makes it even more nonsensical that the hangers were omitted on the RB2’s.Caribbean wrote: I think both helo and RHIB have their parts to play
Hopefully the RB1 replacements put this right.
Which makes it even more nonsensical that the hangers were omitted on the RB2’s.Caribbean wrote: I think both helo and RHIB have their parts to play
TBH, I think the whole way that the RB2s came into existence was pretty nonsensical! However, they seem to be decent ships and will, in time, earn their keep. As you say, hopefully the RB1 replacements will rectify the omission and will themselves then take over the "Ocean Patrol" role from the RB2s, with the RB2s reverting to EEZ patrol.Poiuytrewq wrote:Which makes it even more nonsensical that the hangers were omitted on the RB2’s.Caribbean wrote: I think both helo and RHIB have their parts to play
Hopefully the RB1 replacements put this right.
I am sure if you look around in the RN's shed they don't have unmanned helicopters ether but for now we can say unless there is a UAV that can carry weapons in the box the RM force trumps a metal box for importanceRon5 wrote:Who said it had to be a manned helicopter?
It will be very interesting to see what RN have in mind for the Caribbean, Falklands and Gibraltar when the RB1’s retire.Caribbean wrote:"Ocean Patrol" role….
Fair point.Scimitar54 wrote:Frigates in or near to those three locations used to be Standing Commitments that have, as a result of cuts to the Fleet been “gapped” for some time.
Don't see why, until the Argentinians don't get their frigates?Scimitar54 wrote:Frigates in or near to those three locations used to be Standing Commitments that have, as a result of cuts to the Fleet been “gapped” for some time. If deployable Escort numbers permit, there is no reason why Gibraltar and the Caribbean should not once again see the presence of a Frigate. The Falkland Islands need to be treated with a little more sensitivity, but there would be nothing wrong with restoring a Frigate to conduct a South Atlantic Patrol.
Agree completely, and it should be seen also through the the broader requirements of the fleet, which needs a MHPC Multi-role sloop, which could ultimately replace the B1s, B2s, Echos and some degree the MCM fleet. It could easily be a class of 10-12 vessels.Poiuytrewq wrote: The RB1’s are coming up to 20yrs service in 2023 so it really is time to start budgeting for those 105m RB3 replacements
I think you are wrong here all RN ships today are paper ships if we use some peoples logic. Current type 45's only have 48 AAW missiles and some out of date guns , type 23 has less AAW missiles and guns the B2's weapon & snazzy paint is a token and the Carrier need to borrow a air-wingRepulse wrote:A £130mn B2 River with a £20pa running cost, is a good solution to forward presence. A £400mn T31/T32 with probably double the running costs is not. We should be spending the money instead on more of a low (Sloop) / hi (T26) mix.
Disagree - they are only "paper warships" if they trying to be assigned to a role that is beyond their capability. If they are over specified for their role then it's simply a waste of money.Tempest414 wrote:I think you are wrong here all RN ships today are paper ships if we use some peoples logic.
Very different - in war you use what you have. In peace you should think about what you need, and how maximize your budget to get maximum effect.Scimitar54 wrote:So by the same logic, if Drake could not raise an “Armada”, then he should not have bothered to attack the Spanish Armada? Nelson should also have not bothered to fight at Trafalgar, not to mention the many other times that he led a supposedly “inferior” force ?
No different, exactly the same. if you don’t have enough warships for “peacetime duties”, then you definitely don’t have enough to fight a war! Your potential enemies will see through this and just ride roughshod over you. With the time it takes to build current Warships, you won’t have the time (or the facilities) to make up the SEVERE SHORTFALL in all classes that we are currently facing, when the need arises.Very different - in war you use what you have. In peace you should think about what you need, and how maximize your budget to get maximum effect