Many threads have discussed the RNZV OPV's being provided under project protector. While many have seen these as a poor warship I hold the view that a robust OPV with good sea keepgin and long range has a place in a Navy where patrols are to be carried out over long distances and in difficult condiitons. There has been some discusiion on the capability and weapons for such ships.
The RR UT design below has a range of up to 20000 nm at 16 knots and can perform a range of partol and rescue functions in very difficult conditions. It can operate a medium size helo but is not equiped wiht a hanger, however, it does not appear that this is not an option given the design.
http://www.rina.org.uk/rfiles/warship/News0306.pdf
Depsite the fact this vessel is not equipped with a comprehensive weapons fit it would appear to be of a type that would be very useful to the RAN rather than using an FFG or ANZAC or, worse still, an Armidale in the southern ocean. It also makes more sense than the charter of the Oceanic Viking by Customs and provides a more credible emergency towage capability than the AMSA emergency towage vessel being purchased for the reef area.
So is there a likelihood Australia will purchase such a vessel which IMHO would provide much needed capability in addition to current vessels and replace a pretty mediocre capbility provided by the customs vessel.
The RR UT design below has a range of up to 20000 nm at 16 knots and can perform a range of partol and rescue functions in very difficult conditions. It can operate a medium size helo but is not equiped wiht a hanger, however, it does not appear that this is not an option given the design.
http://www.rina.org.uk/rfiles/warship/News0306.pdf
Depsite the fact this vessel is not equipped with a comprehensive weapons fit it would appear to be of a type that would be very useful to the RAN rather than using an FFG or ANZAC or, worse still, an Armidale in the southern ocean. It also makes more sense than the charter of the Oceanic Viking by Customs and provides a more credible emergency towage capability than the AMSA emergency towage vessel being purchased for the reef area.
So is there a likelihood Australia will purchase such a vessel which IMHO would provide much needed capability in addition to current vessels and replace a pretty mediocre capbility provided by the customs vessel.