Royal Australian Navy Discussions and Updates 2.0

[Todjaeger]

That German Braunschweig-class corvette is seriously armed for such a small ship. 76mm, 27mm x 2, 4 ASM, 2 RAM launchers with 42 rounds, and 34 mines with a crew of 65.
Man, that's seriously loaded for bear.
12 of them would be nice!! Lol

It does really illustrate though, both the cost and capability difference between an OPV and a corvette, or specifically a guided missile corvette that are only about 200 tonnes difference in displacement, albeit ~9 m length difference as well.

For the RAN, I would just as soon not have any corvettes in service. The German corvette has a published range of 4,000 n miles @15 knots, which means it would likely struggle to keep up with major RAN units like the frigates or destroyers, whose range is 5k to 6k n miles @18 knots. I am confident that the corvette could reach and maintain a speed of 18 knots, but would then have a range somewhat less than 4,000 n miles meaning they would need to undergo RAS and/or make fuel stops more frequently.

 

[spoz]

Plus, the design of those particular ships, while fine for somewhere like the Baltic, would be likely to struggle in the long swells experienced in our part of the world.

The range is an issue is well, although it is worth remembering that the DEs had a range of 5,200 at 12 knots, which was about 4000 at 15 knots (routing speed for the time) and a bit over 3000 at 18 knots. It was a bit of a problem, but we lived with it. Of more concern might be the 7 days endurance - that’s not Sydney to Darwin.

 

[iambuzzard]

It does really illustrate though, both the cost and capability difference between an OPV and a corvette, or specifically a guided missile corvette that are only about 200 tonnes difference in displacement, albeit ~9 m length difference as well.

For the RAN, I would just as soon not have any corvettes in service. The German corvette has a published range of 4,000 n miles @15 knots, which means it would likely struggle to keep up with major RAN units like the frigates or destroyers, whose range is 5k to 6k n miles @18 knots. I am confident that the corvette could reach and maintain a speed of 18 knots, but would then have a range somewhat less than 4,000 n miles meaning they would need to undergo RAS and/or make fuel stops more frequently.

Fair enough, but if we want an inner layer with teeth close to our region it does make sense. The destroyers, frigates and subs to keep them at arm's length with them to catch any stragglers that get through. The Arafuras certainly have an important role to play, but with the fluid situation we find ourselves in now with no 10 year warning it does help to have an extra round in the clip.

 

[iambuzzard]

Plus, the design of those particular ships, while fine for somewhere like the Baltic, would be likely to struggle in the long swells experienced in our part of the world.

The range is an issue is well, although it is worth remembering that the DEs had a range of 5,200 at 12 knots, which was about 4000 at 15 knots (routing speed for the time) and a bit over 3000 at 18 knots. It was a bit of a problem, but we lived with it. Of more concern might be the 7 days endurance - that’s not Sydney to Darwin.

When the s*** hits the fan beggars can't be choosers.

 

[spoz]

No, but I’d rather have more Mogamis than corvettes - particularly if I have to serve in one. I’m more likely to come home.