What-If plan for Scottish navy

[Diederick44]

well i guess the only purpose the scottish navy would have then is to monitor what and who is coming in and going out , for example drug trafficing and to keep a eye out for small raiders and terrorists , what am i missing ? ?

[Russ2146]

Well, that's what I'm saying. They need maritime patrol aircraft. Then the smaller but capable ships that are very seaworthy, given the nature of the waters to be patrolled. Their support needs would be dictated by the area to be patrolled that are outside of convenient land resupply points such as the Hebrides or the many lochs with sea access. Of course if they want to show the flag around the world, they'd need support shiping.
If you'd like to see what's there, check it out on Google Earth.

[oldnavyguy]

I have enjoyed this thread. I am not sure a heli-carrier would be essential but at least 3 and preferably 4 Destroyer or Frigate type vessels capable of operating helicopters would be needed. In the previous threads I mentioned some hulls. Used hulls are way cheaper in the front but can be expensive over time as maintenance outlays are going to be higher. There are many used ships out there though and it is an inexpensive way to start.

Several Navies operate the Oliver Hazard Perry frigates, and the US is in the process of decommissioning them so they would be a possibility. I have wondered if it would be viable to put an 8 cell VLS where the 3" gun is and a 4.5" or 5" gun where the missile launcher is. This upgrade, with associated radar, targeting and electronic upgrades would make an OHP very effective. Only thing missing would be a millennium gun for small craft. Would it fit above and to the rear of the hanger? I have been thinking about modeling this idea and have no issue with a Scottish flag on it as I know the US won't do it. Instead they build P.O.S. LCS's. I am not sure if the hull could handle the weight up high where the VLS would have to go, especially when you add targeting radars for the missiles.

Whatever the Scotts settle on they should plan for a credible force for coastal defense/ patrol, disaster relief, and support of other NATO Navies. A credible force is a source of National pride, and an indication that the country takes its sovereignty serious.

[denstore]

I'm sure our navy could sell you our new corvettes:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visby_class_corvette
Lots of our politicians would be very happy to get rid of them.
At least they look quite cool.....

[oldnavyguy]

Sorry Denstore, no thanks. I am an old veteran and not impressed with wiz bang. Your corvettes have the same flaw that the LCS ships do in that they have no real effective surface to air. I know ships are not expected to function solo but it seems to me no new ship should be built which is not capable of surviving in a modern threat scenario, and I cannot imagine a threat scenario with no air componant.OHP's deployed with the fleet and thus were expected to face any threat the fleet did. They were also designed for convoy or anphib escort where they would need to stand more on their own. I also have very little faith in reduction of RCS. Ships must live for decades and weapons systems evolve much faster. I do admit they look cool. What is their endurance?

[denstore]

They are constructed and prepared for surface to air, but the misers in our government decided that the defence budget needed to be cut again, and the navy had to manage without.
The range is 2300 nautical miles at 15 knots.

[Seasick]

The ram bow ship is great in rough seas. Like a floating energizer bunny. The utility of the design has brought it back. They are used quite heavily in the oil industry, especially in the North Sea and in the newer Irish offshore oil fields.

A nice video of how it works:
http://youtu.be/GJsogw9fHE0

[oldnavyguy]

Good point DavidP. I wasn't thinking of the OHP's as a long term solution to Scottlands Naval needs but an inexpensive short term solution. I like the Spanish F-100 class Frigates as a better bang for buck, long term solution. I'm not putting down the British designs but they, like American designs seem expensive for what you get. Again I do not care about RCS as I believe it is way too hyped up. I do think intergration and defense in depth are important for Naval units and that is why I like the Aegis system.

[proditor]

The ram bow ship is great in rough seas. Like a floating energizer bunny. The utility of the design has brought it back. They are used quite heavily in the oil industry, especially in the North Sea and in the newer Irish offshore oil fields.

A nice video of how it works:
http://youtu.be/GJsogw9fHE0

And the ships look awesome.

[Diederick44]

question : why not hire pirates , i mean they got experience . The hard part is to keep them in line for the loot "payday"