Do you think they would have a permanent Army Detachment like the Canberra’s?
I’m at a complete loss as to what they are going to replace the LARC-Vs with. The LCH replacement will come later, suggest they want to get the LCM-8 replacement bedded down first. Doubt the Army would have the expertise to operate a ship of this size, so as to wether it ends up in RAN or ARA service, the Navy is going to have to be heavily involved getting this capability to FOC.
Also a few interesting "options/concepts" for the Malaysian MRSS project, including an adaptation from Damen of the Enforcer design, thinking there is a lot more sitting in the background than most realise, multi role ships or joint support ships are on a lot of radars !
Not sure if we should move this discussion to the Army thread..
Probably the best LARC-V replacement would be brand new LARC-V-NG, fitted with modern Diesel Engines, Transmissions, running Gear, fitted for carrying Modules with a Cab armoured at least against 12.7mm, unfortunately Australia’s low numbers would probably make it too expensive.
Yeah okay... It doesn't look very intimidating like that. But who knows, maybe a smart looking camo paint job would help!?! But it does look like a cool vehicle, I would want one if I had a super-yacht or something... drive it right up the beach. It doesn't look like that bad of a replacement to me anyway.
I think you're right! Whether it's moving personnel and materiel around or disaster relief, most navies would be interested in acquiring, renewing or expanding their amphibious capabilities. And especially for smaller navies it would be nice to also add RAS capabilities to their fleet. But depending on the operational tempo putting both eggs in one basket can have it's downsides. The Dutch navy found that out, which was one of the reasons why they made their new supply ship a priority. But they operate a lot over long distances and with many different allies and RAS is a valuable capability within NATO.
But, my 3 thoughts only....I have no idea what we would do with this. Note a LARC-V carries 5 ton of cargo, so it can't do that.
How much enthusiasm is there in the RAN for a new LCHFair warning - my thoughts on watercraft and amphib keep getting shot down
I think the answer to the LARC-V is a hovercraft - but CASG didn't agree. While the LARC-V offers a niche capability, it's arguments for replacement normally boil down to 'we have to replace it otherwise we wouldn't need it'. You want to cross the shore via a means that a LCM-esque platform can't? LARC can do that - so can a hovercraft. But nooooo..... Not helped by the fact there are so few options, because the niche isn't very big. Ironically, the biggest users of the niche ability isn't the ADF.....
Anything bigger than a LCM should be crewed by RAN. Especially if it has to go beyond 12 nm. There are literally no disadvantages (beyond CO 10 FSB doesn't get more platforms in their yard) and it makes everything safer, more useful and more resilient. It also allows opportunities for sailors and junior officers - imagine making an LCH command a CPOs? Or a LEUT? Think of what that would do for the skills and attributes of the personnel across the fleet. Seamanship is learnt in the boats, isn't it?
Delete the riverine patrol vessel. Would you run ASLAV's along formed roads only in a modern war? That's what a riverine patrol vessel is.
I have no idea what we would do with this. Note a LARC-V carries 5 ton of cargo, so it can't do that.
I’m finding the reasoning behind the Riverine Patrol Vessels a real head scratcher. How does the Army intend to deploy them at any sort of useful range away from base? The CB-90 for instance is 20t and has a cruising range of about 300nm, so you are going to have to use other assets to deploy them to the Waterways you are operating in. So minimum would be the LCH replacement using a Crane to lift them on and off, you wouldn’t want to have to rely on having one of the Big Amphibs available to deploy them.Fair warning - my thoughts on watercraft and amphib keep getting shot down
I think the answer to the LARC-V is a hovercraft - but CASG didn't agree. While the LARC-V offers a niche capability, it's arguments for replacement normally boil down to 'we have to replace it otherwise we wouldn't need it'. You want to cross the shore via a means that a LCM-esque platform can't? LARC can do that - so can a hovercraft. But nooooo..... Not helped by the fact there are so few options, because the niche isn't very big. Ironically, the biggest users of the niche ability isn't the ADF.....
Anything bigger than a LCM should be crewed by RAN. Especially if it has to go beyond 12 nm. There are literally no disadvantages (beyond CO 10 FSB doesn't get more platforms in their yard) and it makes everything safer, more useful and more resilient. It also allows opportunities for sailors and junior officers - imagine making an LCH command a CPOs? Or a LEUT? Think of what that would do for the skills and attributes of the personnel across the fleet. Seamanship is learnt in the boats, isn't it?
Delete the riverine patrol vessel. Would you run ASLAV's along formed roads only in a modern war? That's what a riverine patrol vessel is.
I have no idea what we would do with this. Note a LARC-V carries 5 ton of cargo, so it can't do that.
Maybe there is a place for something like that. But replacing the LARC-V, no way? Maybe something for the specials? possibly deployable from their riverine patrol craft for stealthier amphibious insertion. If you made it electric, it could have no significant noise/IR signature, and be able to quickly move in from the horizon to several kilometers inland. A small insertion, through a small mangrove creek, onto land, with lots of cover. Small wheels though..
No, but they are fast. SAR (and rich boys toys) seem to be the main market they are pitching for, but it's likely people will find many uses for them if they truly work as advertised. For a ship operating In austere locations like the Pacific I could see they could be very, very useful. Perhaps they will become the 21st century version of the Pinnace, with the added benefit of wheels. Gibbs is a Kiwi and has been developing vehicles for more than a decade, but so far the concept is yet to take off. I couldn't find any comments/reviews regarding off road performance, but both road and water performance was described as 'snappy & responsive'.
This was discussed briefly in the Army thread at the time of the press release announcement.
If the GKN Aquatrack was still being made I wonder if it could be a contender for the LARC-V replacement, cheers.
Good pick up, ticks a lot of boxes as a LARC-V replacement, timing looks spot on.
It’s almost as if this Japanese company got hold of a LARC-V and modernised it.
Yeah....I posted this on the army thread about 3 weeks back. Looks talor made.
www.skynews.com.au
www.nuclearaustralia.org.au
Ah yes, renowned Defence expert and rational intelligent debater Peta Credlin. That noise you heard was my eyes rolling out of my skull. It's very evident there is a concerted campaign now against this project from elements on the right. Someone somewhere missed out on getting on the contract gravy train. It's hard for such complex projects to get established and underway when a noisy media camp are continuously baying against it from well funded podiums.Hopefully not yet posted before...
Sky News host Peta Credlin says if Australia is serious about standing up to its “superpower bullies” then it needs submarines which are just as capable as theirs. Australia currently has a multi-billion-dollar contract with a French manufacturer to convert 12 nuclear submarines to normal diesel engine submarines which are not expected to be ready until around 2035.
ill continue later...
Australia should ‘look carefully’ at cancelling French submarine contract | Sky News Australia
Sky News host Peta Credlin says if Australia is serious about standing up to its “superpower bullies” then it needs submarines which are just as capable as theirs. Australia currently has a multi-billion-dollar contract with a French manufacturer to convert 12 nuclear submarines to normal...
Peta Credlin Does not have a clue about indiscretion ratio. The Collins are one of the most capable conventional submarines now and the LOTE programme will simply enhance this. This report is nonsense.
Yes, Peta Credlin was Tony Abbot's co-Prime Minister (or acted that way), and equally annoyed that Australia didn't choose Rupert Murdoch's Captain's Pick. News Ltd has used Credlin to try to discredit the project ever since. Clearly Murdoch or one of his mates had a business connection with Japan that was upset. She has no credibility on Defence whatsoever (as @DDG38 intimates)