UnicornStay tuned though, there will be some Adams class DDGs up next on this program……….
Regards.
Excellent, looking forward to seeing the Perth class.
Unicorn
UnicornMagic once again.
Please keep them coming, I fnd myself checking these threads regularly for updates.
Unicorn
UnicornFor more details and a decent PDF try
http://www.akermarine.com/pdf/PV85-br-web.pdf
Far a much more detailed overview, including a complete layout of the OPVs, try
http://www.sname.org/sections/pacific_northwest/images/SNAME%20PNW%20-%20NZ%20OPV%20Presentation.pdf
I found the latter very helpful in building my 1:72 r/c derivative of the OPV
Unicorn
UnicornMAIDEN FLIGHT OF AUSTRALIA’S FIRST MULTI-ROLE HELICOPTER * MRH-90
The first of Australia’s 46 MRH-90 conducted its maiden flight today in Marignane, France. The aircraft flew for 1.5 hours and the Eurocopter test crew were delighted with its performance.
The first 4 MRH-90 are on schedule for delivery into Australia by the end of 2007, and the first fuselage of the 42 aircraft to be assembled in Australia arrived in Brisbane on 27 March.
This is a significant achievement in the history of this program and the hard work and dedication of all involved from the Commonwealth and Eurocopter, through its Australian subsidiary, Australian Aerospace, is acknowledged.
The Government announced the acquisition of 12 MRH-90 troop lift helicopters for Army in August 2004, to bolster Australia’s counter terrorism capabilities by releasing a Blackhawk squadron to provide dedicated support to our Special Forces on the east coast.
In June 2006, the Government announced the acquisition of an additional 34 MRH-90 to replace Army’s Blackhawks and Navy’s Sea Kings. The project value for the total acquisition of 46 aircraft is around $4.2 billion.
The project includes a $1.2 billion Australian Industry Capability package that focuses on state of the art composite construction, avionics, turbine engine assembly and maintenance, and ongoing software support.
The project also includes the construction of new or upgraded facilities in Townsville, Oakey, Nowra and Holsworthy.
***
Unicorn
UnicornPay no heed Mconrads, I eagerly await your next work!
Unicorn
UnicornF-101 Alvaro de Bazàn has paid a visit to Australia. As far as I know, during this visit, meetings of civilian and military officials from both countries took place.
I think that hull design of Alvaro de Bazàn is nothing more than a scaled up FFG-7, which both Australia (Adelaide) and Spain (F-80) has a lot building, operating and modernizing experience.
As a fast-developing regional power, Australia has to possess a powerful navy, and has to have it quick. A proven design would be the best way to go in this case, I think.
Additionally, Australia has been conducting several procurement programmes which led a strong cooperation with European defense companies, such as Tiger and the possible selection of Mistral LPD.
That’s why, I saw the latest news regarding the Mk41 VLS as a signal of the selection of F-100 as AWD.
Hi Orko_8
Both contenders for the AWD were specified with the Mk 41 VLS system. The selection of this system does not suggest that one or other type is preferred.
That the Spanish Navy sent Alvaro De Bazan to Australia is part of their sales push, however at this time the Evolved F100 remains the baseline against which the G&C design is measured.
While there is no opportunity for a port visit by the G&C design, for obvious reasons, the RAN is intiimately familiar with the Arleigh Burke class from which the G&C design is derived, having operated with them very regularly and seen port visits by the type since it entered service.
Australia is acquiring a number of European systems, in addition to the Tiger and the LPD design, it also includes the A330MRTT and the MRH90.
However this in no way suggests a turning away from the US as Australia’s supplier of choice for much military hardware, as seen in the acquisition of the Super Hornet, the JSF, the M1A1, the Wedgetail, the C17 and other major projects.
At this time, the F100 port visit does not signify much more than Spain’s eagerness to gain the AWD contract.
Unicorn
UnicornIf in doubt check again here: http://www.gibbscox.com/awd/images/AWD_Release_08-03-06.htm
In fact, the Evolved Design has more Mk 41 VLS cells. Unfortunately it looks hideous, but that debate has been had in the past and needn’t be revived.
I am informed that the bridge and mast in particular have changed in response to customer and operational feedback.
It still looks like an AWD, but is not as starkly angular and seems better balanced.
Unicorn
UnicornThe $500 million dollar saving is amortised over the three ships, however as my contact in the project office points out, any savings made there will disappear when any attempt is made to increase capability or upgrade systems with new technology.
The F100s lack of growth potential means simply upgrading it to match the same capability (extra helo, additional channel of fire and more VLS cells) as the G&C design will cost more than $500 million.
There is a reason the G&C design remains favourite. Besides, the Government is so awash in cash that they coughed up $6 billion for Super Hornets without blinking. In the great scheme of things, $500 million is nothing.
Unicorn
UnicornProbably includes landing craft, RIBs, motor launches, tugs, etc.
Unicorn
UnicornNavy wants upgrade capacity for destroyers
Patrick Walters, National security editor
March 13, 2007
THE future war-fighting capacity of Australia’s next generation destroyers will be a critical selection issue Australia’s Navy chief Vice Admiral, Russ Shalders said yesterday.
In an important pointer to navy’s thinking on the $7 billion contract, Admiral Shalders said the ability to upgrade the destroyers would be crucial.
Admiral Shalders was speaking on the foredeck of the Spanish destroyer Alvaro de Bazan which arrived in Sydney yesterday.
The Spanish F100 class vessel is competing with a joint US-Australian designed ship for the air warfare destroyer contract.
Questioned about the capability of the Alvaro de Bazan the navy chief said the F100 class was “a very capable ship in 2006”.
“From my perspective and my perspective is different, I am after capability, capability and capability.
“Schedule and cost are obviously in the mix but I am after capability.”
Admiral Shalders told The Australian that the evolved design presented by US firm Gibbs & Cox was the more capable vessel.
“There is a certain growth margin in this ship, (the F100 class) there is a larger growth margin in the evolved design,” he said.
Admiral Shalders stressed that the long term capability issue was the key question the Government would need to confront in the next few months.
But in the end the Government would have to make decisions about value for money.
Defence Minister Brendan Nelson acknowledged that the notional $6 billion AWD could rise with industry estimates already putting the cost of three ships at between $7-8 billion.
“If the advice to me is that we do have a best value bid, notwithstanding the costs involved, I am very confident we will have a decision on this,” Dr Nelson said.
Yesterday the Alvaro de Bazan was put through its paces in a naval exercise off Sydney involving both F/A18 Hornet aircraft and the RAN frigate, HMAS Ballarat.
The Spanish ships Aegis combat system was seen successfully tracking and targeting the Hornets from the time they left their base at Williamtown near Newcastle.
Dr Nelson also insisted that the $6 billion warships would not see the lengthy and expensive blowouts that had plagued earlier projects.
The Defence Material Organisation, which overseas more than 210 defence projects, had overhauled its processes after criticism from the auditor-general and internal reviews.
It has reduced its slippage time from 20 per cent to 14 per cent and was aiming for a figure under 10 per cent which it believes is close to private sector best practice.
“At the moment around 75 per cent of our projects are on schedule,” he told reporters.
“Over the last three years we’ve had 10 projects that have been late and above cost, but we’ve had 53 that have come in early and below budget.
Unicorn
UnicornTuesday, 13 March 2007 Ministerial 020/2007
DISPOSAL OF FREMANTLE CLASS PATROL BOAT * HMAS GLADSTONE
Today marked an important milestone in the life of the Royal Australian Navy’s Fremantle Class Patrol Boat, HMAS Gladstone, which was decommissioned and subsequently gifted at a ceremony in Cairns.
In a centuries-old tradition, HMAS Gladstone was decommissioned in her homeport after 22 years of valuable service to the Navy. Gladstone is the thirteenth FCPB to be decommissioned with the introduction of 14 state-of-the-art Armidale Class Patrol Boats (ACPB).
During the decommissioning ceremony, which was attended by the Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Davyd Thomas AM CSC and past and present crews, the ship’s Australian White Ensign was lowered for the last time and handed to the ship’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Jonathan Dick.
I know HMAS Gladstone will be sadly missed by her past and present Ship’s Company who have sailed in her for over 620,000 nautical miles in national and international waters for the past 221/2 years.
She has provided outstanding service to the country, protecting Australia’s coastline and participating in a number of operations including fisheries enforcement and immigration patrols.
I am also pleased to announce that she will soon begin a new chapter in her life with the Gladstone Maritime History Society, which plans to preserve and exhibit her as a land-based display at the Gladstone Maritime Museum.
The Gladstone Engineering Alliance will locate and set the boat for display, at the mouth of the Auckland inlet, as a community service project. This is in keeping with the City’s objectives to preserve Royal Australian Navy heritage, enhance public interest in maritime history, and to provide a tourist attraction and educational facility.
Further information on HMAS Gladstone’s Service History is available at http://www.navy.gov.au/ships/gladstone/default.html.
Unicorn
UnicornTuesday, 13 March 2007 Ministerial Release 021/2007
ARRIVAL OF SPANISH F100 DESTROYER OPTION
I was pleased to welcome to Sydney Harbour today one of the warship options being developed by the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Program for the Royal Australian Navy. The Spanish Navy’s F100 Class ship, Alvaro de Bazan, berthed at Garden Island today on the final leg of its Australian tour.
The ship is visiting Australia as part of the first circumnavigation of the globe by a Spanish warship in 142 years.
The F100 class, designed by Spanish company Navantia, is the basis of the Existing Design option being developed by the AWD Alliance which consists of the Commonwealth, ASC AWD Shipbuilder Pty Ltd and Raytheon Australia Pty Ltd.
The other option is the Evolved Design being developed by Gibbs & Cox, Inc., which is based upon the Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer in service with the United States Navy.
No matter which option is selected by Government, the Australian Defence Force will be equipped with one of the world’s most capable air warfare destroyers to defend Australia and its national interests.
The AWDs will provide the flexibility to deliver continuous air and missile defence beyond the range of supporting land based aircraft.
The AWDs will meet Australia’s strategic requirements and be highly capable across the full spectrum of maritime operations; from peacetime national tasking that might include protection of our environment and natural resources, through to responses to terrorism and threats to our national security. As a highly interoperable unit, the AWD will be a key component to the provision of air defence to a joint or combined task force, including land forces.
The AWD Alliance is currently developing business cases for the Existing and Evolved Designs which will be presented to Government for consideration in mid 2007.
The Air Warfare Destroyer Program is the largest, most complex naval procurement in Australia’s history. The Program will provide enormous opportunity for the shipbuilding, electronics and engineering industries.
Companies who believe they can provide engineering and design capability solutions to the AWD Alliance should register their interest on the supplier registration portal at: http://www.ausawd.com.
Unicorn
UnicornVery, very true!
The truth is but a plaything for politicians.
Unicorn
UnicornAt over 6000 tonnes and equipped with Aegis, most navies would call it a destroyer.
I believe that Spain calls it a frigate, of course, this would not be the first time that a navy has changed the designation of a ship to get it past the Government appropriations commettee’s.
Through deck cruiser anyone?
Unicorn
UnicornADF sizes up august armada
The Spanish option for our navy is looking stronger, writes national security editor Patrick Walters
The Australian (Defence Section)
March 10, 2007
WHEN the Spanish destroyer Alvaro de Bazan sails into Sydney Harbour on Tuesday, it will mark the first visit by an Iberian warship to Australia in nearly 150 years. Not since the frigate Bilbao arrived in 1859 has the Spanish Armada bothered to send one of its warships toAustralia.
The visit of the F-100 class Alvaro de Bazan with its state-of-the-art US Aegis combat system is the most visible symbol of Spain’s quest to become a force in Australia’s future naval procurement. In July, John Howard and his security ministers will sit down to decide on $10 billion worth of new ships for the navy – three new 7000-tonne air warfare destroyers and two 20,000-tonne amphibious ships.
The new acquisitions, planned to enter service in 2014, will form the front line of Australia’s naval defence until at least 2040.
For the first time in the history of the Royal Australian Navy, Spanish warships are vying for selection for the air warfare destroyer and amphibious ship contracts.
The AWD project pits the Spanish F-100 design against a joint Australian-US design led by Gibbs & Cox, the American designer of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class frigates.
In August 2005 the Government chose Gibbs & Cox as the preferred platform designer for the AWDs to compete with Spain’s off-the-shelf destroyer.
Under the Howard Government’s defence guidelines, big new capital equipment buys should provide for at least one military off-the-shelf option in addition to any option specially developed for the Australian Defence Force.
Until late last year the Spanish were widely judged as just a stalking horse for the Government’s announced preference for the Gibbs & Cox solution but now their F-100 ship is an even-money bet to win the crucial design contest. Senior Australian Government sources told Inquirer this week that the Spanish bid is ahead on price, risk and scheduled delivery when compared with the evolved design offered by Gibbs & Cox.
Navantia, the Spanish Government’s 100per cent-owned naval shipbuilder and designer, is also in the box seat to win the right to build the RAN’s two new amphibious ships in partnership with Tenix, the Australian builder of the Anzac frigates. Navantia may be relatively unknown here but from its construction base at Spain’s famed naval dockyard at Ferrol it brings a venerable record of naval shipbuilding.
At the Ferrol dockyard a large polished wooden panel records in gold leaf the name of every ship constructed for the Spanish navy since 1628 by the state-owned shipbuilder. Navantia employs 5000 people, including 600 design engineers, and has a forward order book of close to $10 billion.
In addition to building aircraft carriers, ships and submarines for the Spanish Navy, Navantia is building ships and submarines for five foreign navies, including five frigates for the Royal Norwegian Navy.
For the AWD contract, the Howard Government has already determined that Adelaide-based shipbuilder ASC will be the constructor, working in close partnership with the winning designer.
The three Australian AWDs will be equipped with the US Aegis combat system supplied by Lockheed Martin with Raytheon acting as the overall systems integrator for the destroyer program. The two designs on offer from Navantia and Gibbs & Cox will carry the SM-2 missile and both will offer the potential for upgrade to more sophisticated ballistic missile defence systems being trialled on USN destroyers.
The strength of the Spanish bid is that it is offering a ship already in service with its own navy compared with the evolved design offered by Gibbs & Cox based on its Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. The ED, as it is popularly known, remains a paper ship, and is far from a production-ready blueprint.
Navantia points out that the 6000-tonne Alvaro de Bazan has become the first foreign ship equipped with the Aegis combat system to be fully integrated with a USN carrier strike group.
When ASC handed the Defence Materiel Organisation its final target price estimates for the three AWDs last week the Spanish ship reportedly came in well below the ED on price: $600 million cheaper, according to informed sources.
The F-100 class would also be delivered to the RAN at least two years ahead of the Gibbs & Cox design, which has far more work required on detailed drawings before a production date can be set.
“I think our prospects are good, we’re at least an even chance. We feel we are the risk-free solution,” Navantia’s vice-president for communications, Miguel Angel Martinez, tells Inquirer.
Navantia has delivered four F-100s to the Spanish Navy and is starting work on a fifth ship in the class that will incorporate more advanced systems, including a propulsion upgrade, compared with the first F-100s. “ASC can send their people to train on the real thing, the building of F-105,” Martinez says.
The Gibbs & Cox vessel will be larger (8250 tonnes versus 6500 tonnes) and have a longer range than the F-100. It will also carry 64 vertical cell launchers compared with the Spanish ship’s 48 and have the ability to take two helicopters.
Both ships will carry a crew of about 180 but Gibbs & Cox argues that their larger vessel offers more flexibility for future technology upgrades, including ballistic missile upgrades, a key issue for the Howard Government as it looks at the long-term missile proliferation threat from states such as North Korea.
The key pitch from Gibbs & Cox is that its joint Australia-US design will not just retain ownership of intellectual property in Australia but maximise the participation of Australian industry in the construction.
According to former naval chief David Shackleton, a keen supporter of the ED, the biggest discriminators between the competing designs are combat capability and growth potential. “Two helicopters are better than one. Longer cruising range is better. Greater growth margin is better. Survivability matters. Lives definitely matter,” he says.
Martinez says the RAN has nothing to fear in going with Spain. When it comes to extra weight and space he says the F-100 has a 10 per cent margin for future upgrades, a margin similar to the ED. “We have exactly the same missile launcher as the American ships. Unless the US is going to upgrade or modify its vertical launchers it will be the same launcher,” he adds.
Patrick Walters visited Ferrol as the guest of Navantia.
Unicorn
Sign In
