I'd imagine so, It really would have been one or the other and the other had the better capability.
Redlands18
Well-Known Member
Does anyone know if the Himars is really the only choice we have or would the South Korean Chunmoo provide an alternative. There doesn't appear to be any other realistic choices out there. Certainly a FMS deal on Himars has a lot going for it.
The Chunmoo according to some sources has a max range of 80km, Far too limited in range for the investment in such an acquisition compared to the HIMAR with 300km while also coming from a nation we regularly do deals with (Less red tape) along with it being in use by the US and Singapore (both important regional allies).
t68
Well-Known Member
Yes there is but highly unlikely that the US will give any up as they are going through an upgrade for the M270.
Lockheed Martin Awarded $27.1 Million Contract for MLRS M270A1 Launcher Cab Upgrades · Lockheed Martin
Redlands18
Well-Known Member
One of the things to follow this year is how well the USMC AH-1Zs go cross decking off the Canberra at Rimpac this year.
Last edited by a moderator:
I would hope so. Appears to be an either or situation and an MLRS capability offers far more upside.
Can people please check the layout of their posts before moving on....
"quotes" are a bit of a lottery in some cases and it means that Mods are following up and having to clean up the threads
doing one or two is ok, doing a bakers dozen across the forums in 12 hrs can challenge the disposition
"quotes" are a bit of a lottery in some cases and it means that Mods are following up and having to clean up the threads
doing one or two is ok, doing a bakers dozen across the forums in 12 hrs can challenge the disposition
Guys, any thoughts on the riverine craft for the Army ? Raven ? do you think we would be talking CB90 style ? or something like the Small Unit Riverine Craft ?
Cheers
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CB90-class_fast_assault_craft
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_unit_riverine_craft
Apologies in advance for using wiki links
Cheers
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CB90-class_fast_assault_craft
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_unit_riverine_craft
Apologies in advance for using wiki links
Last edited:
Could be either one or both, Much as I have searched I cant find anything else beyond these two that could fit the role. Considering the budget being allocated may leave room to acquire both.Guys, any thoughts on the riverine craft for the Army ? Raven ? do you think we would be talking CB90 style ? or something like the Small Unit Riverine Craft ?
Cheers
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CB90-class_fast_assault_craft
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_unit_riverine_craft
Apologies in advance for using wiki links
t68
Well-Known Member
Considering the time frame of mid 2020 S97 Raider could be in the mix
Sikorsky S-97 Raider Achieves First Flight
Nope, As mentioned in the DWP they want to be able to transport 3 - 4 of them in a single C-17, With the size of the UH-1Y you would be lucky to get two in there.
I'm still putting my money on the MH-6 and AH-6 helo's, Possibly even some of the AH-6 UAV versions. They fit the role and size better then almost anything else that i can think of.
Redlands18
Well-Known Member
Unlikely, While it would make a good scout helo the armament at the moment is very light while its usefulness at deploying SF's is questionable considering the rear door set up, having to open that up and pile 2 - 3 blokes through each door will not be popular among the SASR especially if they are doing so under fire.
The speed and range would make them advantageous in scout, but as you pointed specials and even medical might need something with easier access, it may be possible for that to be corrected in a future variant. I believe something like this may be more of a thing to watch rather than buy right now.
I image the AH-6 Could probably be squeezed two into some OPV hangers (or even replacing one large helo on frigates etc), being mixed man and UAV. With potentially hydra, hellfire, light weight torpedoes, guns etc all being possible depending on the mission.
It also reads that the tigers are gone, they are being "replaced". Apache or more likely AH-1Z's. Something that could operate from ships big and small could be very useful.
Nick underscore
Member
I noticed there was a mention in reduced number of eventual tiger replacements..
I'm wondering if the price differential between the 1Z's and Apache E's will be the determining factor or will it be the unique aspects of each platform? The E's might have the edge with battlespace awareness and the recent developments on a systems link with various UAV assets.
We seem to be proliferating again on types, if the Littlebirds come into the fleet (which I believe will be selected). Was there mention on numbers?
Doesn't actually mention any reduced fleet size unless it was mentioned else where? When looking at the FMS deal for South Korea regarding the 36 x AH-1Z's and associated systems/weapons and allowing for life time costs to double the price then the budget allocation is actually enough to get a full fleet 1 for 1 replacement.
In regards to the AH-1Z and the AH-64E in the cost view I don't recall there being that great a difference between them so I don't see that being the determining factor. Realistically it will take into account a lot of factors including range, speed, recon ability, best suited towards naval use, internoperability with allies etc etc In any case either one will be a good buy for us.
As for the little birds, Well best guess keep an eye on the Kiowa's as they are the closest thing we have in service at the moment, I'd imagine depending on how many they decide to keep is probably how many light scouts we acquire.
The EC635/H135M would have to be an option too as we have just selected the EC135 training variant for HATS
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurocopter_EC635
These machines are obviously seen as a replacement for the Kiowas 173 Sqn.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurocopter_EC635
These machines are obviously seen as a replacement for the Kiowas 173 Sqn.
Very handy little machine, was unaware of this one, cheers.
Again with this one could make a good scout but like the S-97 raider having a single entry door for which you may have to pile 2+ blokes out of quickly while under fire does make it a some what risky choice, That said there is still some time between then and now so things may be modified to suite us.