On the approach...
Posted on 03/06/2008 11:03:30 AM PST by Rikstir
Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious has completed a successful visit to Malta, the first time she has visited the island since 2005.
Illustrious is currently en route to the Indian Ocean as part of the Orion 08 deployment, following hot on the heels of three other Orion 08 ships, HMS Westminster, SPS Mendez Nunez and USS Cole. Illustrious was accompanied to Malta by Portsmouth-based destroyer HMS Edinburgh, the combined ships' companies of over 1,000 sailors lining the upper decks as they entered Grand Harbour to the sound of a three gun salute.
Illustrious and Edinburgh are now continuing their transit to the Indian Ocean to take part in the Orion 08 deployment, a multi-national maritime Task Group operation centred on the Royal Navy strike aircraft carrier. Deploying from the UK to the Indian Ocean, the Task Group consists of more than 2,500 personnel, 13 ships, a nuclear powered submarine, Harrier aircraft and Merlin and Lynx helicopters.
(Excerpt) Read more at mod.uk ...
On the approach...
Crew on deck...
When the Brits get the JSF, they can put a flat deck on a super tanker, park a couple of Royal Army air-air systems on sponsons, and have the largest, most capable CV in Europe.
Great Pics! I was in Malta 3 years ago and I can attest to the great view you get on the northern Valletta side of Grand Harbor. One of Europe’s best kept secrets for a vacation spot. Hopefully I’ll get to go back soon to visit my friend there.
Not to decry the awesome power of modern Supertankers, but we could put the JSFs on the two new Queen Elizabeth class CVNs.
I was of course a bit tongue in cheek. But if you remember, the UK did exactly what I mentioned during the Falklands.
Its too bad that the QE CVs (they aren't nukes are they?) aren't going to have catapults and arresting gear. The loss of the E-2 and EF-18 capability really diminishes strike power.
Woof! You’re right, they’re not nukes. They’ll use Gas turbines - apparently more economical. Well if the MOD say so, but I’d feel happier if they were nuclear.
I’m not sure about tankers but we had some container ships at the Falklands hired on a STUFT basis. Atlantic Conveyor is the most famous one. They flew FTOL and Chinooks off her, but not operationally (IIRC)
Oh yes, and I hear you about the use of STOVL against CATOBAR (if I have my acronyms right).
Ah well, they have got to be cheaper per displacement tonne than the CVNs. Not much of a claim to fame, but we’ll take it :0)
I believe they're gas turbine, which means that they can't have catapaults.
Well, technically they could. Either through stand alone steam generation, hydraulic, or electric. In any event, I do believe that the French CV's of the same class will have catapults and arrestment.
I really have to wonder about that, given the fact that CVN's are used as tankers and unrep fuel to the escorts. The cost per mile per ton of a nuke has to be compared not to just a CV, but must also include the fuel supply chain for that CV.
But the true payoff to a nuke isn't economy, its being able to go half-way around the world at 35 kts to show up at the fight with a full tank of gas.
I posted the article just so i could attach the pics and show them off. It looks like a fascinating place, must go one of these days.
The gas turbines will carry the ship 18,500km without refuelling. As we aren’t planning on launching an air-assault on the moon, I reckon that plenty far enough.
Remember, max range for a warship is generally 10-12,000 miles (~18,000km) at 12 kts. However, ships burn fuel at exponentially higher rates when they increase speed. Warships also hate to be below 50% fuel load out, as it puts them at logistical peril.
All of the US Navy FFGs, DDGs and CGs are gas turbine, and they can only make a long 30 kt run by taking on fuel from the CVN. That's because you can't sprint across an ocean when you have to keep filling up from a 12 kt tanker that is behind you.
Given the tonnage, I'm a little surprised that they didn't go with a mixed power plant of diesel and gas turbine. Diesel plants are extremely efficient at 12kts and less.
You won’t be dissappointed. The Maltese are very friendly and the ladies are beautiful to look at. My friends Significant Other is Maltese an could give any model a run for the money. My Wife agrees with me on this point as well.
I hear you about the logistics. I guess the MoD think they can get near same performance without the costs.
These ships are going to look superb, but I hope we can hold onto one of the Invincible class as an assault ship, or helicopter carrier.
On my way!
And my heavy pound burning a hole in my pocket...
;)
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