Shipbuilding Osborne Naval Shipyard South Aust

[pawsandclaws1]

Of most interest to me is the possible procurement of the B21 Raider long range bomber. Since the retirement of the "Pig", the RAAF has lacked this capability. It would be pleasing to have the capability again.

 

[Peter_B]

The French can be difficult to deal with. Back in the 1960's we got Mirage fighter jets from them (instead of going with the US Lockheed contract). The French then placed an embargo on providing parts for the Mirages - because Australia decided to join into the Vietnamese conflict (which the French opposed). Even before that issue, there had already been issues with parts & supply. Our pilots & support staff had to learn French to decipher how things worked etc etc. Interesting that Bob Hawke eventually pensioned off the Mirages & sold them to Pakistan (much to the consternation of India)..

 

[pawsandclaws1]

This is unfortunately a familiar sight for the long suffering RN. Their Type 45 destroyer, HMS Diamond, entering the Italian port of Taranto for gas turbine repairs. As you can see, it is not under its own power. This class has been plague with gas turbine issues using the WR21 power plant. No other ship uses this turbine for good reason.

HMS Diamond was tasked to support HMS Queen Elizabeth in the South China Sea/Pacific deployment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQbLsrDtnFs

 

[pawsandclaws1]

I've heard it twice on the news today about the possibility of leasing one or two nuclear submarines until our ASC built submarines are commissioned. The UK Government is in the midst of completing the last two Astute Class submarines at Barrow-in Furness. Leasing both with a buy out option would be the best outcome for both countries as it would permit the UK Government to extend the production and employment of the workforce.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Today it was announced that GD (General Dynamics) Electric Boat USA will work with ASC Adelaide on the Collins Class LOTE (life of type extension), maintaining the world class capabilities of these non nuclear submarines.

The LOTE is a comprehensive packing including -

new diesel engines (MTU diesels)
new generators
new electric motor (permanent magnet)
optronic masts (no persicope)
new sonar setup
new revision of combat system
new power distribution system

EB are a highly respected US company well versed in maintaining the US nuclear subs as well as previously assisting the Armada with their S80 Class.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

A fourth article on Australia's decision to abandon the French sub build from USNI News.

https://news.usni.org/2021/09/21/panel-australian-nuclear-sub-deal-went-terribly-wrong-with-americas-nato-allies

 

[pawsandclaws1]

This is significant news for Australia's defence industry with Thales $6m investment in state of the art manufacturing equipment associated with the production of SM2 and SM6 naval missiles. Pundits suggest the SM6 may be planned as well. As a bonus, the Thales facility is located at Mulwala near the Murray River in regional NSW.

https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/australia/press-release/thales-invests-6-million-rapidly-accelerate-sovereign-guided-weapons

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Digital ship design technology has been transferred from the Clyde to the BAE facility at Osborne Naval Shipyard in SA. You may recall the Hunter Class frigates are the first digitally designed class built for the RAN.

Current indications are the class may be close to 10000t. Also it appears the Hunter Class will be lengthened to accommodate not only the Australian designed CEAFAR L2 radar but hopefully an increase in the VLS loadout from 32 to 48 cells.

https://www.aumanufacturing.com.au/digital-ship-design-transferred-to-adelaide

https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/maritime-antisub/9124-bae-transfers-warship-design-data-to-australia

 

[pawsandclaws1]

This is the Royal Navy Type 26 frigate design upon which the Hunter Class is based. Note how broad of beam the Type 26 frigate is compared to other designs. The Hunter Class will be longer which may benefit top speed. The ship pictured is the future HMS Glasgow being built at Glasgow on the Clyde.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9nnxR6RnIY&t=143s

 

[pawsandclaws1]

The latest article Virginia (US) v Astute (UK) nuclear submarine designs.

https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2021/11/26/astute_versus_virginia_which_nuclear-powered_sub_is_the_best_fit_for_australia_805310.html

 

[Merlot]

This is the Royal Navy Type 26 frigate design upon which the Hunter Class is based. Note how broad of beam the Type 26 frigate is compared to other designs. The Hunter Class will be longer which may benefit top speed. The ship pictured is the future HMS Glasgow being built at Glasgow on the Clyde.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9nnxR6RnIY&t=143s

its all about the shape underneath,and we will never bow to a foriegn invader,they them need 2 pull thier heads in

 

[pawsandclaws1]

I know this is a shipbuilding thread but this is a milestone for the RAAF. The classic Hornet F/A-18A has been retired from the RAAF after 40 years of outstanding service.

The first Mirage fighter retired from RAAF service when airframe hours expired nearly 40 years ago. The XO of the RAAF presence at Air Base Butterworth in Northern Malaya flew the Mirage over the airbase at low level shattering many windows and sending RMAF into a bit of a panic believing a raid was underway. It was quite a sight and sad experience.

Let's hope the F35A and the Super Hornets provide equally good service.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_5rnamq6Q8

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Another RAAF related post. The current RAAF C130J fleet of 12 aircraft has been worked hard during their life. A Boeing representative advised the RAAF had made enquiries about the purchase of 30 C130s including 24 J models and 6 of the KC130-J tanker aircraft. This is very exciting news as the possible return to two squadrons of Hercules (formerly 36 and 37 squadrons based at RAAF Richmond in the Hawkesbury) would be outstanding.

Also the possible purchase of the tanker aircraft is significant as there are few aircraft in the current RAAF/Army/RAN inventory that can be refueled from a KC130-J tanker. The US Marines used the aircraft to refuel their MV-22 Osprey aircraft. Watch this space I guess.

The C130 has been operated by the RAAF since 1958 with the introduction of the C130A. Many may remember the shells of former C130A aircraft sitting at RAAF Richmond used for training. I remember the aircraft fondly and the RAAF has a very proud history associated with the C130 and Boeing.

https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/more-hercules-for-raaf

 

[pawsandclaws1]

A big announcement today with Australia to buy 12 more Seahawk helicopters and 40 Blackhawk helicopters to enable the Airbus Taipan helicopters to be retired. I believe the latter were only introduced into service in 2007. The Army has had concerns about serviceablity issues.

Spolier warning. When you open the link you will be confronted with a video of Peter Dutton. Please be prepared.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/australian-defence-force-scraps-taipan-helicopter-fleet/7a174aaf-f867-4c23-8925-1eb37cbe1608

 

[Muffstar]

A big announcement today with Australia to buy 12 more Seahawk helicopters and 40 Blackhawk helicopters to enable the Airbus Taipan helicopters to be retired. I believe the latter were only introduced into service in 2007. The Army has had concerns about serviceablity issues.

Spolier warning. When you open the link you will be confronted with a video of Peter Dutton. Please be prepared.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/australian-defence-force-scraps-taipan-helicopter-fleet/7a174aaf-f867-4c23-8925-1eb37cbe1608

Dutton is ok, he sorting out the mess 🙂

Question for you mate, what do they do with the retired aircraft ? The F18's and now the helicopters ? Do they sell them or pull them apart ?

 

[pawsandclaws1]

A big announcement today with Australia to buy 12 more Seahawk helicopters and 40 Blackhawk helicopters to enable the Airbus Taipan helicopters to be retired. I believe the latter were only introduced into service in 2007. The Army has had concerns about serviceablity issues.

Spolier warning. When you open the link you will be confronted with a video of Peter Dutton. Please be prepared.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/australian-defence-force-scraps-taipan-helicopter-fleet/7a174aaf-f867-4c23-8925-1eb37cbe1608

Dutton is ok, he sorting out the mess 🙂

Question for you mate, what do they do with the retired aircraft ? The F18's and now the helicopters ? Do they sell them or pull them apart ?

46 Classic FA-18s have been sold to a US company which provides simulated training for the US Forces. They are being refurbished at RAAF Williamtown prior to flying to the US. This will create quite a few jobs. Around 20 or so classic FA-18s have been sold to Canada to add to its fleet.

The Taipans will most likely be purchased by other nations. NZ may be interested in the RAN Taipans to bolster numbers for the RNZN. I'd imagine the European nations would be very interested in buying low mileage aircraft.

There is also more than a rumour our 10 C27 Spartan aircraft will be retired from the RAAF. They are relatively new. The latest is the RAAF will receive 24 new C-130J-30 Hercules aircraft and 6 130-J Hercules Tanker aircraft.

Having US equipment in our inventory opens up so many opportunities to tap into the US supply chain and in-built upgrade programmes. Much of the R and D has already been paid for and planned.

 

[Muffstar]

A big announcement today with Australia to buy 12 more Seahawk helicopters and 40 Blackhawk helicopters to enable the Airbus Taipan helicopters to be retired. I believe the latter were only introduced into service in 2007. The Army has had concerns about serviceablity issues.

Spolier warning. When you open the link you will be confronted with a video of Peter Dutton. Please be prepared.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/australian-defence-force-scraps-taipan-helicopter-fleet/7a174aaf-f867-4c23-8925-1eb37cbe1608

Dutton is ok, he sorting out the mess 🙂

Question for you mate, what do they do with the retired aircraft ? The F18's and now the helicopters ? Do they sell them or pull them apart ?

46 Classic FA-18s have been sold to a US company which provides simulated training for the US Forces. They are being refurbished at RAAF Williamtown prior to flying to the US. This will create quite a few jobs. Around 20 or so classic FA-18s have been sold to Canada to add to its fleet.

The Taipans will most likely be purchased by other nations. NZ may be interested in the RAN Taipans to bolster numbers for the RNZN. I'd imagine the European nations would be very interested in buying low mileage aircraft.

There is also more than a rumour our 10 C27 Spartan aircraft will be retired from the RAAF. They are relatively new. The latest is the RAAF will receive 24 new C-130J-30 Hercules aircraft and 6 130-J Hercules Tanker aircraft.

Having US equipment in our inventory opens up so many opportunities to tap into the US supply chain and in-built upgrade programmes. Much of the R and D has already been paid for and planned.

Thanks mate.

 

[paul wright]

A big announcement today with Australia to buy 12 more Seahawk helicopters and 40 Blackhawk helicopters to enable the Airbus Taipan helicopters to be retired. I believe the latter were only introduced into service in 2007. The Army has had concerns about serviceablity issues.

Spolier warning. When you open the link you will be confronted with a video of Peter Dutton. Please be prepared.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/australian-defence-force-scraps-taipan-helicopter-fleet/7a174aaf-f867-4c23-8925-1eb37cbe1608

Despite our many disagreements @pawsandclaws1, if you pour derision on Peter Dutton, I suddenly feel better about you. He is loathesome, from my viewpoint.

To paraphrase an old adage "any enemy of Peter Dutton is a friend of mine"

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Our naval shipbuilding capability has significantly improved with the completion of the Hobart Class Destroyers. The first two of twelve Arafura Class OPVs are been constructed at Osborne. This is an example of how our capability has improved. The 8000t Hunter Class frigate construction began this year.

There are many opportunities for young men and women to learn highly skilled trades while employed on this project, the frigates and also the Attack Class submarines.

https://vimeo.com/415323860

Just a quick update on the OPVs. The planned fitment of the Leonardo 40mm gun on these vessels has been overturned. An interim solution will be found until a new gun is selected.