Hi LEUT_east and followers of this EPIC AU.
firstly I'd like to sincerely apologize for the hack-job that this post will seem to be, it's my first ever post, so be gentle...
The primary question was, what next? Well, whilst the most recent iteration of the Rockhampton Class FFGs is so good i want to see a real one, the thought had crossed my mind of what a repackaged Rockhampton would look like if generated out of the IFAN's participation in the Type 26 GCS program. To demonstrate, I've photoshopped
RP1 & Gunship's T26 to produce the following;
Looks good doesn't it!
Another thought was to sanction the development of a second FFG series, again based on the T26 that, unlike the Rockhampton class, focused on the traditional frigate/destroyer escort role of ASW as it's primary function. In a significant bout of patriotism, names could be taken from famous battlefields and/or ANZAC Commanders from the western front in WW1. For Example;
IFAS FROMELLES, IFAS BULLECORT, IFAS POZIERS, IFAS PASSCHENDALE, PERRONE, POLYGON (as in 'polygon wood'), HAMEL, AMIENS, SIR JOHN MONASH, VILLERS-BRETTONEUX etc.
Weapons and sensor fit would include;
1 x Oto Melara 127mm Main Gun (with Volcano Ammunition)
2 x .30 cal auto cannons on typhoon mounts
4 x .50 cal mounts
24 x Mk 41 vertical launch cells (8 AAA cells for ASSM & SM-2 + 16 strike length cells for TLAM/ASROC/LRASSM/HARPOON block II)
2 x C_RAM CIWS systems
2 x Mk 32 triple launchers for Mk54 ASW torpedoes
Hanger and flight deck space for 2 x SH60-R Helo's with Thales FLASH-S dipping sonar and dual-mode sono-bouys + Griffin/HELLFIRE/BRIMSTONE + Mk 54 torpedoes
Thales 2087 Integrated sonar suite including the CAPTAS-4 Variable depth towed sonar array (slated to be fitted to T26 in any case)
CEAFAR + CEAMOUNT + usual suite of navigation and communications gear
Mine avoidance sonar
My Final suggestion was to do with the BAM-derived OPV concept. I've always seen the BAM vessels as a little bit 'weak' - they have a really low sustained cruising and top speed, they only really carry the 76/62 or similar as punch, and apart from that they don't do much else. Some alternatives could be;
This Avante-2400 variant proposed to Thailand from Navantia, OR;
This Fincantieri proposal for a development of the Italian Navy 'Commandante' class OPVs into a punchy little escort/patrol corvette. Would love to see what LEUT-east could do with either of these!
Hope this is a palatable/useful contribution to the discussion - any 'constructive' comments are welcomed. This padawan thanks you in advance for your forbearance.
Cheers.
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