Having finally got a copy of "Front Line First" (FLF), I thought you might like my interpretation of it. FLF was a cost/spending review aimed at saving the not inconsiderable sum of £ 750 million a year by 1996/97 and so the cuts were bound to be dramatic. Although quite a few are to do with staffing of HQ/MOD there are some decisions which influence the RN.
First and foremost, the overall size of the RN submarine fleet is to stay at present numbers. Thus Batch 2 Trafalgar SSNs will be built. Three boats are to be ordered initially, with the first order in Summer 1996. In service date to be early next decade.
The design is an evolutionary one. Tomahawk will be fitted. The SSN upgrade plan is to go ahead: the new sonar fit is SONAR 2074 (bow array) and SONAR 2046 (towed array). This will go into HMS Sovereign, Trafalgar, Turbulent, Superb, Tireless and Sceptre.
On the surface ship side, a further batch of Type 23 frigates will be ordered, additional to the four already ordered. The idea of mothballing a Type 23, originally proposed by 1996 has been shelved: all this class will stay in service. The .magic figure" of 25 MCMV is getting nearer, as a hirther 7 Sandowns have been ordered. The first four are to be called Penzance, Pembroke, Grimsby (9 and Bangor. The IOC is 2000.
Amphibious shipping does receive a boost: tucked away in the press handout is a commitment to replace the LPD Fearless and Intrepid Ships of around 11,000 tonnes; are called for order to be placed in 1995 and IOC of 2000. The hulls will be built to mixed commercial/naval standards rather like the LPH, HMS Ocean. However, can the present LPDs last that long?
The RN is also continuing to pursue the international Project Horizon frigate program. The first ship would commission around the turn of the century.
On the technology front, the biggest bit is the order for 31 SONAR 2050 sets for fitting to Type 22, 23 and 42 classes. The export version is called FMS 21. In the wake of the cancellation of SONAR 2080 low frequency active variable depth and the SONAR 2057 low frequency passive towed array comes the requirement for a bi-static system, SONAR 2087. It is envisaged as having a low frequency active towed body and a very low frequency passive towed array. SONAR 2087 will be retrofitted to Type 23 when it is procured.
Air power has also received a significant boost with the successful completion of the trials for the Harrier GR7 on board HMS Illustrious. Although the GR7 is a tight fit (there is literally inches to spare on the lifts) full qualification is expected by the end of this year. The Sea Harrier fleet will be upgraded to FA2 standard and the AEW Sea Kings to AEW7, with a pulsedoppler radar and longer detection ranges.
I have been very lucky in that I have been working on the V-CIass SSBN recently. I have been up in Barrow at the yard where they are being built (VSEL). The second, HMS Victorious, is now out on trials: the third is progressing well. The fourth, HMS Vengeance is in (at least) three pieces and I don't think she'll be in one piece this year.
Abroad:
The Pakistani navy is to get Lynx HAS.3 to go with their shiny "new" Type 21. I was at Devonport when they handed two of the Amazon class over: the frigates did look quite good. How they'll fare in Pakistani service is another matter.
The Canadians reportedly have bought the Upholder class. I haven't seen any confirmatory evidence but I do keep hearing it.
However, the first three are tied up at Barrow-in-Furness (where they were built by VSEQ and are unmanned except for VSEL care and maintenance crews. If they have been sold, the boats will need to go up on the stocks: they are in need of a refit, cleaning, etc. I inspected these when I was up at Barrow. Many ex-SSK crew members are of the opinion that they were the best sub posting you could get in the sub service.
The Brazilians have bought the Type 22 Batch Is that were up for sale: I don't know if they are going to buy the proposed BAeSEMA upgrade.
I was at Undersea Defence Technology Exhibition '94 (with the company exhibit) when the order for 4 Type 212 U-boats for the German Navy was announced: the German Submarine Consortium stand almost sank under the amount of celebratory alcohol! [The Type 212 stats are shown on a Harpoon Form 10 on page 16].
The boats are specifically designed for the Baltic and have a suite of noise reduction measures, including acoustic tiles on the hull. The boat is fitted with an AIP fuel cell system, using liquid oxygen. I don't know how long the fuel cell is designed to last. The system was trialled in U-1 in 88/89.
BT
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© Copyright 1995 by Larry Bond and Clash of Arms.
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