donald_of_tokyo wrote: ↑20 May 2023, 15:55
.. continue.
Option-A:
- Take time to implement "24 CAMM" on the port side of the 32-cell Mk.41 VLS. Apply this modification to hull 4 and 5.
- For a moment, build hull-1,2,3 with 24 CAMM using the 32-cell Mk.41 VLS area. As RNZN Te Kaha hosts 20 CAMM in the same surface area reserved for 16-cell Mk.41 VLS (although there were only 8 cells), I think 24-cell needs about 60% of the whole area.
Then RN will have 3 T31 with 24 CAMM (batch-1A1), and 2 T31 with 24 CAMM and 32-cell Mk41 VLS (batch-1A2). Actually, I do not think this is bad. If more punch is important and still the money is there, modify the 3 batch-1A1 to batch-1A2 standard in mid-2030s.
Option-B:
- Another option is to locate 20 CAMM on 16-cell equvalent area (like RNZN Te Kaha) and 16-cell Mk.41 VLS aside. As the design modification is very small, the first 2 hulls (not 3) will be delivered with only 20 CAMMs and no Mk.41 (batch-1B1), and the last 3 hulls with 20 CAMM and 16-cell Mk.41 VLS (batch-1B2).
- As it is relatively with small modification, batch-1B1 will be able to be converted into batch-1B2 standard easily.
This is one choice, but I'm afraid it be inefficient as an arsenal of land attack missiles. One "32-cell version" will be much cheaper than two "16-cell versions".
Modified Option-A:
- In option-A, RN will have 3 batch-1A1 hulls with 24 CAMM and no Mk.41. How about selling this to RNZN? Their two Te Kaha class frigates have crews of 180x2 = 360 (including flight). 3 T31 will need 120x3 = 360 (including flight). Good match.
- RNZN will get the "3rd frigate" they wanted for long and still the manpower will not limit them. Delivery will be held around 2035-36.
- In place, RN can order 3 more batch-1A2 hulls from Babcock, with delivery around 2034-35.
NZ will get 8 to 10-years old hulls, so UK must sell them cheap = without profit, and just at their price. NZ is a good partner, so having a common frigate with them will "pay" for the lack of profit. As T31 can be used for 35-40 years, RNZN has 3 frigates with remaining life of 25-30 years. Not bad, I think?
UK will get brand new hulls. It will cost a bit. But, building 3 hulls in batch-1A1 configuration and later converting them into batch-1A2, will cost much more than building batch-1A2 from scratch.