Royal Australian Naval Force Enhancements

[Aussie Digger]

I thought I'd start a rolling thread outlining the enhancements to the Royal Australian Navy that are planned for the next few years. Quite a few new capabilities will be coming online in the next few months including upgraded FFG Frigates, upgraded ANZAC frigates, upgraded Harpoon 11 missiles, the new Super Seasprite Helicopters and Penguin Anti-Ship missiles. The first story isn't that exciting though, but it's the type of capability that is essential to allow your combat platforms to function.

DEFENCE BUYS NEW TANKER TO REPLACE WESTRALIA



Defence has purchased a $50 million commercial tanker that will be reconfigured and used to replace the Royal Australian Navy’s ageing current auxiliary oiler, HMAS Westralia, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.

The ship, currently named Delos, is a brand new double hulled, environmentally sustainable oil tanker. It was built in the Republic of Korea by the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Company as part of a four-ship build program for the Greek shipping company Tsakos Energy Navigation.

"At 176 metres long and 37,000 tonnes deadweight, the ship is similar in size to the Westralia," Senator Hill said.

"It will be modified so that it has the latest technology and equipment capable of refuelling a range of Navy vessels, including the ANZAC and Guided Missile frigates and the new Air Warfare Destroyers that will enter into service from 2013."

"The modifications to the ship will be undertaken in Australia – creating new jobs and consolidating the high-tech and specialised skills of our naval shipbuilding and repair sector. The work will include fitting underway replenishment equipment, inclusion of naval command, control and communications systems, facilities for helicopter operations and accommodation upgrades. It is a testament to the skills and experience of Australian industry that this design and modification production work will be done here."

Senator Hill said the ship was selected from a field of 11 ships on the commercial market that were evaluated in a competitive process. In choosing the vessel, Defence consulted with Teekay Shipping Australia, who provide ongoing technical and commercial assistance in the support of Navy’s in-service auxiliary ships.

Subject to final checks, Australia will take delivery of the ship in July. Following delivery, separate competitive contracts will be let for the design and the modification of the ship. Tenders for the design and logistics support package will be issued shortly with a preferred designer to be contracted later this year. Tenders for a repairer/builder to modify the ship will be issued early next year with a preferred repair/builder to be selected by mid 2005. Defence is on track to deliver the replacement oiler capability in 2006 in accordance with the in-service date set out in the Defence Capability Plan.

Senator Hill said the decision to acquire the base ship built upon last week’s landmark decisions relating to the acquisition of the new Air Warfare Destroyers and amphibious ships. It further demonstrated the Coalition’s commitment to implementing the $50 billion Defence Capability Plan to ensure the Australian Defence Force received the capabilities it needs on time and all budget, thereby delivering security outcomes for all Australians.

Here's some pics of the current HMAS Westralia and the new ship that's been purchased.

I'll post more stories and pics as they come to hand. Cheers.

 

[adsH]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

:lol Sendin out a clear Message to smokers!!! NO SMOKING" its one of the Ships in the PIC under what appears to be the Bridge area.

 

[Soldier]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

Please excuse me about my ignorance, but what type of ship is that in the first Photograph. It certainly is not a destroyer or tanker, or AC. What the heck is that for??

 

[Aussie Digger]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

It's an "underway replenishment" ship. It's capable of providing POL's (petrols, oils, lubricants) munitions, and other supplies (food, water, medical supplies, mail etc) to warships whilst they are "underway", ie: sailing about the Ocean. It is not armed (although the ships company have small arms and 0.50 cal heavy machine guns). The new ship should be good. It will provide the same amount of lift capability as the current ship, but will be able to carry and operate helo's from its deck.

 

[Pathfinder-X]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

wut's wrong with the old tankers???
if the aussies have to convert commercial tanker into a support ship that means the old ones are having bad problems.

 

[gf0012-aust]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

wut's wrong with the old tankers???
if the aussies have to convert commercial tanker into a support ship that means the old ones are having bad problems.

The Westralia doesn't meet International requirements on bilgewater retention etc... To get around that it means to either plan a new vessel, or use a commercial vessel that can be modified.

The Sth Koreans build some of the best double hulled tankers in the world, so the price is right, it complies with international maritime standards and it shortens the procurement time by using a known reliable vessel.

 

[Soldier]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

It's an "underway replenishment" ship. It's capable of providing POL's (petrols, oils, lubricants) munitions, and other supplies (food, water, medical supplies, mail etc) to warships whilst they are "underway", ie: sailing about the Ocean. It is not armed (although the ships company have small arms and 0.50 cal heavy machine guns). The new ship should be good. It will provide the same amount of lift capability as the current ship, but will be able to carry and operate helo's from its deck.

Aussie Digger, You said it will supply fuel etc for other war ships but I do not see any tanker setup or are they built in the basement of the ship thus not visible? And please excuse my knowledge, isn;t it better to drop a pack of mail by a chopper over the destroyer for sailors then sending something so huge in harm's way, which is not even armed?

 

[Aussie Digger]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

Soldier, this ship is a combined "replenishment ship". The RAN also operates a specific fleet oiler (refuelling ship). The new ship can and will provide fuel, oils etc but it is a general purpose support ship, as opposed to a specific oiler etc. The fuel tanks will be below decks as is common with most Oil tankers these days... I doubt that a ship of this class would ever go in "harm's way". It would normally refuel other warships in a "benign" area. Non-nuclear warships remember usually have operating ranges in the thousands if not tens of thousands of miles and sailing a couple of hundred k's to meet up with a replenishment ship would not pose any great problems. The small arms and HMG's I referred to would be to defend the ship in an emergency and to allow the ships company to undertake any emergent warfighting duties that may be required. Pathfinder, you summed up the reason for the replacement of this ship exactly, it's age. This ship as gf pointed out does not comply with International Maritime Regulations (being single-hulled) and as you may have noticed from the photo's is showing signs of ageing rather badly. HMAS Westralia also suffered a bad fire several years ago in which several RAN sailors died and significant damage was done to the ship. It was repaired and brought back into service but it is definitely overdue for replacement. This new ship which will be converted into a replenishment ship, was chosen as a cost effective measure. The recent Australian Defence Capability plan originally intended to acquire a much more capable vessel. The Government has had a re-think however and will be acquiring 2 large Amphibious Warfare ships later in the decade, which will have a large helicopter carrying capability (like the Royal Navies HMS Ocean).

 

[Aussie Digger]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

It seems the new ship will indeed make greater use of helicopters to transport supplies (including mail) between this ship and other warships, given it's planned ability to operate helicopters. HMAS Westralia (as you can see from the pics) cannot operate helicopters and is forced to rely on other methods to transport items between ships (jackstays etc).

 

[Aussie Digger]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

Here's a better pic of the new ship.

 

[Aussie Digger]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

NAUTRONIX WINS TWO NAVY CONTRACTS



West Australian company Nautronix Ltd has been awarded contracts worth almost $18 million to enhance the Royal Australian Navy’s maritime test and exercise and mine warfare capabilities, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.

The contracts are for the provision of a Portable Tracking Range at a cost of $9.248 million and Minecountermeasures Underwater Computer Systems at a cost of $8.6 million.

The Portable Tracking Range will be used to conduct new equipment and systems tests and trials, development programs and tactical exercises outside the current fixed deep water tracking range off WA. The range defines the exercise area and tracks weapons, submarines or surface ships that are being tested to allow detailed analysis of the results. The range also provides safety coverage for the participants.

"The Navy will use the range initially to test the replacement Heavyweight Torpedoes for the COLLINS Class submarines," Senator Hill said.

"The range will also be used when the Navy conducts acceptance trials of the Eurotorp Lightweight Torpedo on surface and air platforms and for shallow water certification activities for the COLLINS Class submarines.

"The range, to be delivered in July next year, is environmentally friendly as all elements of the range are recovered after the exercise or test is completed."

The Minecountermeasures Underwater Computer System will provide RAN Clearance Divers with a modern electronic means to navigate in open water, conduct searches of inshore waters, and log various data elements in real time.

This technology was originally funded through the Defence Capability Technology Demonstrator program. The new system will be delivered to the Navy in 2006 after prototype test and trials activities.

Senator Hill said these acquisitions demonstrated the capability of Australian industry to rise to the challenges put forward by Defence.

"I am particularly pleased that Australian industry will be responsible for about 80 per cent of the total work within these acquisitions, and that the through life support of both will be undertaken in Australia," Senator Hill said.

 

[Aussie Digger]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

Here's an Artist's image of the planned NTCD Class "Mistral" Amphibious Warfare ship for the French Navy that is being evaluated for the Australian Navies requirement of 2 new Amphibious Warfare vessels to replace our current HMAS Manoora and HMAS Kanimbla. It is capable of operating 6 helicopters on it's flight deck and up to a further 12 below deck. It's also capable of operating up to 60 armoured vehicles and over 1000 troops simultaneously. Australia is also to evaluate a Spanish design (their Strategic Projection Ship) with our defence Minister visiting Spanish and French shipyards in the next few days to observe these designs. I'll try and find a pic of the Spanish ship too.

 

[gf0012-aust]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

I can visualise some F-35b's on that flight deck already

If the spanish have got some sense, they will offer a deal for the amphibs and the 3 x air warfare destroyers.

 

[Aussie Digger]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

Me too, a purchase of 24 or so V/STOVL JSF's would match really well with these ships. Unfortunately Senator Robert HILL has publicly stated that we have, "no requirement for this aircraft". That statement is utterly ridiculous as these aircraft would have just as much utility in a Defence of Australia scenario as a forward deployment. Why put all the eggs into one basket, ie: AWD's? We're getting the ships and the number of aircraft anyway. Why WOULDN'T they want to increase our operational flexibility and capability for a very modest sum? How much could the difference between the F-35A and F-35C cost financially? The airforce surely wouldn't care? They could still "own" and operate the aircraft. It would very much add to the ADF's "jointness" as well...

 

[gf0012-aust]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

Unfortunately Senator Robert HILL has publicly stated that we have, "no requirement for this aircraft".

Lets hope they are not famous last words. We've already seen how quickly things can go to custard. The whole idea of a credible military is to have an effective ORBAT and requisite flexibility.

Otherwise we end up with isues like ANZAC frigates that are undernourished for the job required.

Pollies.. :mad

 

[Aussie Digger]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

Yes, please save us from the Pollies. I can think of no sound military reason why you would acquire 2 "helicopter carriers" that are going to be operated with VSTOL aircraft by the Countries that designed them, and not operate VSTOL aircraft yourself when you have a project to acquire a fairly large number of a type of aircraft that has a VSTOL variant!!! It's either got to be a financial reason or a political reason. In this case I can't see it being a financial problem, obviously the Government is still worried about the effect "aircraft carriers" might have on our neighbours...

 

[gf0012-aust]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

Yes, please save us from the Pollies. .......In this case I can't see it being a financial problem, obviously the Government is still worried about the effect "aircraft carriers" might have on our neighbours...

I'm sick of pollies who don't want call a "destroyer" by it's right name and use the appellation "frigate" just so that our neighbours think that we are passive etc...

It's not as if we have a compelling need to go to war with everyone - it really CRAPS me off.

The whole idea of having a capable force is so that your neighbour will think twice about covetting your land. (what frelling school did some of these blokes go to???)

Defence is very simple:

If you steal from us - we'll shoot you
If you try to take our land - we'll shoot you
If you try to invade us - we'll shoot you and leave your country in ruins

Nothing makes that philosophy more apparent than having the platforms that can shoot you and leave your country in ruins.

See, the math is very simple when you think about it. :roll

 

[Aussie Digger]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

I can't understand why the Pollies think other Countries think that we AREN'T passive? Does anyone think that Indonesia wouldn't have a vastly more capable (and aggressive) defence force if they had the funds available to them that we possess? We deliberately limit our defence force in size and combat power, due to politics and the fact that we have no hostile intentions towards anyone else. Equipping these 2 Amphibious ships with a limited number of VSTOL aircraft, would give us the ability to more effectively defend ourselves from air attack and provide a limited strike/CAS capability to our deployed forces. They would not provide us with a massive strike capability, but would go some way to replacing the long range strike capability we currently possess, but will soon (voluntarily) retire (ie: F-111's).

 

[Aussie Digger]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

The ADF has outlined it's plans for the new underway replenishment ship it is acquiring, here they are:

Tender for Conversion of Westralia Replacement


(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued July 28, 2004)


Defence plans to release a request for tender (RFT) for an extensive upgrade to the recently acquired commercial tanker which will replace the Royal Australian Navy’s ageing auxiliary oiler, HMAS Westralia, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.

The purpose of the conversion will be to modify the vessel so that it has the latest technology and equipment capable of refueling lots of Navy vessels, including the ANZAC and Guided Missile frigates and the new Air Warfare Destroyers that will enter into service from 2013.

Defence intends to release the RFT for the design, initial logistic support and modification of the Delos by mid September 2004, with the successful tenderer to be contracted by the first quarter of 2005.

In Sydney today Senator Hill and Commodore Kevin Taylor, representing the Chief of Navy, visited the brand new double-hulled oil tanker Delos that will be modified to replace the HMAS Westralia.

The Delos, which was purchased by Defence in June, has been leased for six months to Teekay Shipping under a standard charter contract arrangement. The lease allows Defence to generate income in the period until the modification work commences, avoid the significant costs associated with mooring the vessel, and allow the testing of the vessel’s engineering systems at an early stage.

Senator Hill said that he was impressed with the success of the project to date, which had seen the acquisition of the brand new, maritime pollution and International Maritime Organisation compliant vessel achieved ahead of schedule and under budget.

Senator Hill said that the modification of the Delos would provide the Navy with a significantly improved capacity for the at-sea replenishment of fuel.

“At 176 meters long and weighing 37,000 tons, the Delos is an impressive vessel by any standard,†said Senator Hill.

Some of the specific modifications sought include:

--The installation of a replenishment at sea rig and flight deck for daylight operations;
--Various habitability and accommodation modifications including hotel services (heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, freshwater, sewerage) for Navy personnel;
--A number of navalization packages (including the introduction of the Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats and a related crane, and Navy life saving and damage control modifications).

Senator Hill said the modifications to the ship, expected to cost between $50 and $70 million, will be undertaken in Australia creating new jobs and consolidating the high-tech and specialized skills of our naval shipbuilding and repair sector.

In order to meet RAN operational requirements in the 2006-07 period, Defence intends to let a single request for tender (RFT) to competitively contract for the design, initial logistic support, and modification of the ship. The successful tenderer for the prime contract will be sought from the members of the existing Navy Repair and Refit Panel, being ADI, Forgacs, United Kilpatrick Green and Tenix. It is expected that some of these companies may team with design and logistic support experts in responding to the tender.

This slightly varies the initial proposed modification approach, which contemplated the tendering of separate contracts for the design/logistics support and then the modification work. However, Defence was able to secure sufficient design data to enable a single tender for the modifications.

It is expected that tendering a single contract for the design, initial logistic support, and modification of the ship will result in the vessel replacing the Westralia six months earlier than anticipated and also generate administrative savings.

Defence looks forward to working with the Australian Defence Shipbuilding and Repair industry to deliver the replacement oiler capability in 2006.

-ends-

from: http://www.defense-aerospace.com/cg....1082089861.QH9hhcOa9dUAAAaJKqU&modele=jdc_34

 

[tatra]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

Here's an Artist's image of the planned NTCD Class "Mistral" Amphibious Warfare ship for the French Navy that is being evaluated for the Australian Navies requirement of 2 new Amphibious Warfare vessels to replace our current HMAS Manoora and HMAS Kanimbla.

The image shows the BIP multi-purpose carriers proposed by the DCN . I'm not sure that this is the same design as the actual Nouveaux Transports de Chalands de Débarquement (NTCD) being built. For starters, the elevators are in different places. Compare and judge:

This is the 19000tn version of the BIP

This is the AI of NTCD provided by janes

These are other AI of NTCD