it’s a waste of expensive munitions for a start

Go and wash your mouth out with soap!

From the baby front…

First times. For a sample, we’ve done
– first time in the stroller
– first time to the park
– first time to the beach
– first inocculations
– first puke on daddy

Everythings well. Merry X-mas to you all

Someone is missing the point that i was trying to make. Namely that steam is outmoded, overmanned and definately a point against the purchase of an Austin class.

Not this person. However, while “Obviously steam is out and diesel is in, esp. in LPDs “, for some navies “If they [Austins] are available immediately, at low purchase cost, and you’re a navy for which manpower is ralatively cheap, then they are attractive options, so long as you limit yourself to good maintenance and little else.” Especially if obtained via military aid (FMS): if you get a steam powered ship for (near) free, you can afford its higher operating costs for at least a while. Clearly it is not a long term, or ulitimate solution. But works nicely in the interim.

Amphibious ships in general? Two LHDs and two LPD classes.

US: San Antonio (LPD-17) and Makin Island (LHD-8)
Russia: Ivan Rogov (Pr. 1174)
Spain: Juan Carlos (BPE)

Naval Technology on San Antonio:

Propulsion
The ship is powered by four Colt-Pielstick 2.5 STC diesel engines developing 10,400hp each. The main reduction gears from Philadelphia Gear Corp turn two shafts with Bird Johnson controllable pitch propellers. A new high-power “low-drag” propeller hub design provides improved propeller efficiency.

The ship’s electrical power is provided by five 2,500kW Caterpillar Ship Service Diesel Generators (SSDG), with self-cleaning strainers and filters and electric pumps. Seven 200t York air-conditioning units are fitted for cooling of systems and habitation. The ship auxiliary systems are all electric, including electric heating, electric water heaters and a 72,000gpd reverse osmosis water-generating plant.

Global Security on San Antonio

MAIN PROPULSION 4 – Medium Speed Turbocharged Marine Diesels
2 – Shafts
2 – Single Reversing Reduction Gears
2 – Inboard Rotating (top) Fixed Pitch Propellers

Last of the WASP class, Makin Island LHD-8 is the first (and only) US amphibious ship to employ GTUs. Schedule to be commissioned in spring 2009.

BPE Juan Carlos is the first and only Spanish amphibious ship to employ a GTU. Will commission only in 2011 (and Aussie version 2013+)

So, in short, at this point, the only GTU amphibs in service LPD is the venerable Ivan Rogov class. The Makin – an LHD – will be the first non-russian amphib ship that will employ GTUs. Unlike Ivan Rogovs, Makin will have Electric Drive. BPE (LHDs) are not coming online for another 2 years. These LHDs are however much closer to e.g. Principe d’Asturias, Garibaldi and Cavour, Invincible class carriers (all COGAG).

So, in effect, this type of propulsion (GTU/Electric) is rather innovative in this field (LPDs). Let’s not pretend it is the most common form of propulsion for LPDs.

I didn’t post any pic (of CdG)… Distiller posted a link to a pic that shows the Rafales & SuE on the bow parked at a much different angle than in HK’s drawing (giving more clearance to the bow catapult for the E-2C)… resulting in only 5 aircraft forward of the island vs the 6 in HK’s drawing.

As noted, in HK’s drawings with the catapult moved to starboard, launching an E-2C from the bow catapult would require clearing the bow of all other aircraft, due to the greater span of the Hawkeye’s wing (Distiller’s photo shows it extends well past the “clearance line” painted on the bow).

Ooops, missed that in passing. Sorry 😉

The second one is commander Bond’s plane! 😀

Think it would be (just) possible to leave the Rafales forward when launching an E2C forward.