F-111: Mate we are not going to get a third LHD. We will however get the air componant, I have been hearing this for some time and have been trying to let everyone know this but few people believe it (understandably).
The plan has been to retire the LPA’s and the LSH when the LHD’s come on line, and then replace HMAS Success with a common design vessel based on the superstructure of the LHD’s.
Oh and don’t dismiss any of the other navies amphibious capabilities in our region.
Indonesia has four LPD’s.
New Zealand has Canterbury which is actually proving to be very successful.
And Singapore has their very capable Endurance class vessels.
HMAS Tobruk differed in many way to the RN Round Table series. For one we had a huge 70 tonne Derrick on our vessel that out did the RN models Crane systems which could only lift up to 40 tonnes. We also had a major hospital unit on board our ship which included Dental and x-ray facilities and a 50 bed recovery ward (The RN vessels had minimal hospital facilities and instead of a recovery ward they used this space for extra troops). Tobruk even has one level removed off the top where the flight deck is… observe:
RFA Sir Lancelot
HMAS Tobruk, note the height of the funnel compared to the pic of Lancelot and also the derrick
Yes it was just after the Falklands that the RN wanted our ship, sadly for them we decided to keep it, We could have done a deal where we got the carrier and they got Tobruk, oh well that’s politics for you.
I am intregued though, you guys refer to the Round Table’s as LSL’s, our Tobruk is actually an LSH Landing Ship Heavy.
While this does boarder on the edge of pure fantasy, it is a good chance to point out the capabilities of certain other vessels out there that do fill this role!
Yes I agree that vessels such as what you are proposing would be very costly, not to mention very top heavy, other such vessels already in fleet service do happen to fill this role quiet easily and at a huge fraction of the price you are looking at.
Absalon class command and support ship
This idea was instilled when the Danish Navy opted for two new vessels capable of just such a role, the command facilities in these vessels is comparable to any in the USN.
Now the weapons systems may be a little on the light side compared to what you have in mind, they are capable and adequate for the job and should the need arise, you can add more.
Endurance class
These LST vessels of the RSN do hold a very capable Command and Control division in them. Again the weapons are a little on the light side for such a role, but that can be fixed especially if you cut down on the LST role by 50% if not remove it all together!
Of course there are other vessels out there that could do the job easily and at a vastly smaller amount than what you proposed perhaps a clear line of thought needs to be entailed here before you jump into something ridiculous!
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