Sad to say this but I have to agree with sferrin, The F-35B is going to be rather than it might be, it comes down to, as rightly pointed out, economics. Far too much has been invested with this project to even consider it being canceled now.
Opening an Italian or British line is one thing that may help reduce the costs, but the Americans aren’t going to allow that to happen any time soon (case in point- look at the A-10, they have recently offered the entire program and production line to Turkey, how long has the A-10 been around?).
Should alternatives be sort, the only things I can think of are these points:
RN will be set, since except for four aircraft they sold to India, they still have their relatively new FA.2’s, conversion of some of the older GR’s that are deemed excess to the RAF could help the situation but as pointed out, the QE carriers are able to undertake F-35C operations with a modification and cost. This will be offset with the French also purchasing the same standards for their PA.2 carrier.
The USMC will be fine as they already have Hornets so there is nothing to worry about there, they will just need mini carriers with cats or possibly the Russian style launch and recovery system.
The Italians and the Spanish do indeed have a problem but that too can be sorted out with modification to the Russian system mentioned above, though size may be the restriction.
Finally the last option I can think of would be to revive some of the older projects such as:
The VJ-101C
The VAK191B
The Mirage IIIV
Finally, and this is the more radical idea to be revived…
The Convair F2Y Sea Dart
This last option does actually make a lot more sense if you look in terms of stealth (weapons carried internally), cost (conventional water take offs and landings, unrestricted vessel lengths), easier maintenance (conventional engine over vectored engine), more supportability with upgrades (you could drop in an F404 or any other engine bringing in line with what ever your conventional fleet has).
These ideas are just what if’s and no I am not thinking of bringing them back, but just pointing out what could have been.
Tid like you mate I am thinking along the same lines.
Ok guys you have me on this, but as it has been said, this is a “Temporary” solution!
By the sounds of the use of these vessels on “Counter Narcotics” duties, the RN is being stretched for vessels to fulfill it’s duties. It’s the same for us down here with the RAN, we have had our Survey vessels and Mine Hunters out on border interception duties (the Survey vessels that usually are white have now gone sea grey in order to bring them into line with the rest of the navy fleet and help with those they stop realise that these are naval vessels.
This brings me back to saying that the RN are being cut back to nothing and emphasises the point that soon the UK will have no navy because the polies want more pay in their pockets and defence is the first place it is always cut from. No clear and definable threat- no need for defence. No defence- Threats occur. Thus proving, the biggest threat today is the politician!
Hmmmmm I can see that there would be an advantage to a “Shelter” being built there, but seriously doubt it has been done for two major reasons, please allow me to show you all.
RFA Cardigan Bay
Here we see RFA Cardigan Bay- couldn’t ask for a better shot to emphasis my points.
[INDENT]
[/INDENT]
The design of this type of vessel has been thought out accordingly, the cranes need to provide full spherical access across the deck, when in port or when mounting amphib ops. Both cranes have a full 180* swing, running flush from the back of the super structure out to either side. The reason is simple, this allows movement of cargo from the vessels mid point (where roll and pitch are least) to landing craft at sea or in tidal channels such as you’d find in areas where docks have been removed, damaged or otherwise. A Hanger here removes the main functionality of why this vessel was built and is in service!
Secondly (and this is really clear in this pic- bless the person who took it), see the external access stairs. Notice how each level has external access via them? Now see the sides of the vessel? While stealth has it’s advantages, there is no excuse for ignoring safety. These stairs give access to the deck should a fire occur on board. It’s been a while since I was in the navy but I’m pretty sure that safety standards haven’t dropped any, meaning that there needs to be at least two ways to get to a evac point if anything happens. The usual evac point is the flight deck on any vessel and given the small size of the superstructure, I’d say that they have one set of stairs internally. Given the arrangement of the external stairs, the internal would most likely be in the center facing forward and aft for each deck. In any case, any stairs leading to an evac point can not be blocked by anything no matter what operational use it might have! A shelter for helos here is just really not on the cards, so I challenge you to back up your words with pics mate. I know the RN and the RFA, they are good people and are really proud of the rust buckets they live on, they show any one interested where they live and work and what their life is like- I have met enough of them to know that they don’t mind pics being taken, they’ll tell you where you can’t take pics and if you respect them, they respect you. PICS PLEASE, NOT WORDS.
Sign In
