Shipbuilding Osborne Naval Shipyard South Aust

[pawsandclaws1]

Exciting news with the launch of the future HMAS Arafura in Adelaide. This is the first ship to be launched arising from the current Government's investment in naval shipbuilding in Australia. I understand up to 20 of this class could be built in Adelaide and near Perth.

https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/minister/melissa-price/media-releases/launch-first-arafura-class-offshore-patrol-vessel

 

[pawsandclaws1]

A much better article and photograph of the future HMAS Arafura. I'm sure its seakeeping, endurance and accommodation will be enjoyed by its crew.

https://adbr.com.au/first-royal-australian-navy-arafura-class-opv-launched/

 

[pawsandclaws1]

For those interested, many naval types are hoping the Bofors 57mm gun is selected for the new Arafura Class. This gun has a rate of fire of 220 rounds per minute. I don't believe it would take long to empty the magazine at that rate of fire.

https://youtu.be/qxVOclDHI9Y

 

[pawsandclaws1]

If anyone is wondering what the RAN is doing, the link to the US Naval Institute press article details how the destroyer HMAS Brisbane and frigate HMAS Warramunga have been operating with our partner nations.

https://news.usni.org/2021/12/17/australian-canadian-navies-wrap-pacific-deployments-u-s-submarine-shifts-ports-to-guam

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Often there are many complaints about defence acquisitions. This is an older USNI article about the AEGIS Combat Management System aboard HMAS Hobart. Proudly, HMAS Hobart was the first non US Navy warship in the world to be equipped with the Co-operative Engagement Capabillity (CEC). Her sister ships HMAS Brisbane and HMAS Sydney are also equipped with this capability. The new Hunter Class will also be equipped with AEGIS and CEC.

https://news.usni.org/2017/12/21/australian-destroyer-will-be-first-foreign-warship-to-install-raytheons-cooperative-engagement-capability

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Common sense prevails with the decision to acquire 12 Seahawk Helicopters and up to 40 Blackhawk helicopters from Sikorsky, in the US.

https://amp-abc-net-au.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/amp.abc.net.au/article/100688550?fbclid=IwAR2vt4Smrhn8ljxfSxhTdroROI55o8anerHZukA2qzeTFUmdEJ6ypNwx9bY

 

[pawsandclaws1]

This is the reason I started this thread. With the decision to bring into service nuclear subs, the Govt is scrambling to find suitably qualified staff. 300 Cadetships are being offered. If you have children, relatives or friends looking for an opportunity, please read below.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-19/defence-staff-studying-nuclear-science-aukus-program/100710264

 

[pawsandclaws1]

The Brits have announced 800 new graduate and apprenticeship jobs at Barrow. Barrow is the home of the UK Astute Class nuclear submarine construction and soon to be Dreadnought submarine construction. The Astute Class is one design being considered for the RAN. Speculation has arisen that there may be an expansion of the yard to assist with our acquisition of nuclear submarines.

Here is a link to a great UK analysis of the procurement of nuclear submarines for Aust. This is well worth reading for those interested in Aust Defence.

https://www.navylookout.com/nuclear-submarines-for-australia-what-are-the-options/

 

[pawsandclaws1]

A spectacular video of HMAS Perth re-entering the water after completing her AMCAP upgrade at Henderson yard in WA. AMCAP resulted in upgrades to radar, comms, aircon, sewage and diesels. Perth has been in Henderson Yard since 2017 due to a shortage of crew.

https://youtu.be/KOJTeVfWMXI

 

[pawsandclaws1]

The first prototype block for the Hunter Class frigates has been completed at Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide. The block reportedly will not be used in the construction of the first ship. Osborne is one of the most technically advanced shipyards in the world.

https://www.baesystems.com/en-aus/blog/hunter-first-prototyping-unit?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=baesystemsaus&utm_campaign=SocialCT&utm_content=Post&utm_term=83af08a0-52c9-47d8-846c-e08072e302f3

 

[Muffstar]

A much better article and photograph of the future HMAS Arafura. I'm sure its seakeeping, endurance and accommodation will be enjoyed by its crew.

https://adbr.com.au/first-royal-australian-navy-arafura-class-opv-launched/

The Patrol Boats are getting bigger and look very impressive. Keep the posts up mate I really enjoy them.

 

[Canberratiger]

A much better article and photograph of the future HMAS Arafura. I'm sure its seakeeping, endurance and accommodation will be enjoyed by its crew.

https://adbr.com.au/first-royal-australian-navy-arafura-class-opv-launched/

The Patrol Boats are getting bigger and look very impressive. Keep the posts up mate I really enjoy them.

Any idea on what the cabin arrangements are?
The ACPBs were pretty comfy.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

A much better article and photograph of the future HMAS Arafura. I'm sure its seakeeping, endurance and accommodation will be enjoyed by its crew.

https://adbr.com.au/first-royal-australian-navy-arafura-class-opv-launched/

The Patrol Boats are getting bigger and look very impressive. Keep the posts up mate I really enjoy them.

Any idea on what the cabin arrangements are?
The ACPBs were pretty comfy.

I believe it is pretty standard now there are 2 to 4 berth cabins with ensuite. There is also austere accommodation with larger berths for non crew members. This is pretty standard.

HMAS Arafura has a reported range of 4000nm so good seakeeping, accommodation and mess standards are critical to keeping the crew happy.

I've read the Arleigh Burke class US destroyers have 30 berth messes.

 

[Canberratiger]

A much better article and photograph of the future HMAS Arafura. I'm sure its seakeeping, endurance and accommodation will be enjoyed by its crew.

https://adbr.com.au/first-royal-australian-navy-arafura-class-opv-launched/

The Patrol Boats are getting bigger and look very impressive. Keep the posts up mate I really enjoy them.

Any idea on what the cabin arrangements are?
The ACPBs were pretty comfy.

I believe it is pretty standard now there are 2 to 4 berth cabins with ensuite. There is also austere accommodation with larger berths for non crew members. This is pretty standard.

HMAS Arafura has a reported range of 4000nm so good seakeeping, accommodation and mess standards are critical to keeping the crew happy.

I've read the Arleigh Burke class US destroyers have 30 berth messes.

Nice. The messes/cafes on the ACPBs are not great but the cabins aren't bad. The FFGs had huge messes/sleeping spaces.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Ever wonder what our Defence personnel do when not training or exercising?

The RAAF has C-130 Hercules ready to go to Tonga and the LHD HMAS Canberra is prepositioned in Brisbane to assist.

This is the United States Naval Institute article, so there is worldwide interest on the situation in Tonga and how nations are responding to the disaster.

https://news.usni.org/2022/01/19/new-zealand-australian-navies-deploy-for-tongan-disaster-relief

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Ever wonder what our Defence personnel do when not training or exercising?

The RAAF has C-130 Hercules ready to go to Tonga and the LHD HMAS Adelaide is prepositioned in Brisbane to assist.

This is the United States Naval Institute article, so there is worldwide interest on the situation in Tonga and how nations are responding to the disaster.

https://news.usni.org/2022/01/19/new-zealand-australian-navies-deploy-for-tongan-disaster-relief

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Please take the time to read the article at the attached link. The photographs are very interesting. Our Defence personnel from the RAAF, Army and RAN are working hard to bring immediate relief to the people of Tonga.

The C-17A Globemasters are a magnificent aircraft, and possibly the best acquisition ever by Defence. Pity we only have 8 of them as they are in demand. The C-130 Hercules has been a workhorse for years and rumours are we will buy another 24 J - Super Hercules and 6 tanker Hercules.

HMAS Adelaide is loaded with two huge Army Chinook helicopters in its hanger plus Army equipment and supplies as well as vehicles for humanitarian orgs. The Adelaide and Canberra are tremendously capable ships.

https://gcmag.com.au/inside-the-australian-aid-operation-bound-for-tonga/

 

[BZN]

Exciting news with the launch of the future HMAS Arafura in Adelaide. This is the first ship to be launched arising from the current Government's investment in naval shipbuilding in Australia. I understand up to 20 of this class could be built in Adelaide and near Perth.

https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/minister/melissa-price/media-releases/launch-first-arafura-class-offshore-patrol-vessel

Good on Yuh for continuing this thread @pawsandclaws1
I found the side note re 'Defence removing waste from Sydney Harbour' interesting.

 

[stryker 69]

https://youtu.be/InBXu-iY7cw

 

[pawsandclaws1]

I closely follow the RAAF and Exercise Red Flag was conducted in Alaska. The USAF flew aircraft from all over the US as well as Japan to participate. The UK sent Typhoons and the RAAF provide 4 new F35As direct from the US production line, FA/18 Growlers and an E7A Wedgetail. A great effort by the RAAF highlighting the well balanced force that it has now become.

For those interested, the E7A Wedgetail was developed by the RAAF with Boeing. The UK is purchasing three and the USAF has indicated it will be buying the aircraft to the replace its E3As. For a small player in Defence, we certainly are hitting some home runs.