Our new sub

[baggygreen]

http://informationdissemination.blogspot.com/2007/12/future-of-submarines-is-down-under.html

Interesting reading.

I've a friend in DMO who obviously can't confirm nor deny anything, however I've heard there are rumblings that the next Aussie boat will not only be of indigenous design but will represent a huge leap forward in our naval capability. VSLM tubes, UUVs, AIP, combined with a similar suite of electronics and sensors to the Virginia class, will be an enormous strategic jump for our nation.

Rumours are also beginning to float around that the US will use the design as a base for their own AIP subs.

Any thoughts? I'm fascinated by it myself, its exciting to see imo.:yeah:

[Platapus]

I've a friend in DMO who obviously can't confirm nor deny anything,

Perhaps we should all follow your friend's lead on this?

[baggygreen]

At the moment it is all speculation and rumour, at the very least until the white paper is released. Then another (projected) 15 years until we'll see a completed vessel, provided everything moves smoothly. The reason I mentioned my mate was that speaking with him reminded me to look into it, not because anything was said :03:

[TarJak]

Interesting read. Would be interesting to see what they do if they decide on a local design, in terms of powerplant, strike packages, systems etc.

Hopefully it's not a camel.

[UnderseaLcpl]

I've a friend in DMO who obviously can't confirm nor deny anything,

Perhaps we should all follow your friend's lead on this?


To hell with that. The Chinese don't pay me just to sit around and shoot the breeze. Let's hear some details. :DL

[Frame57]

Greg Combet discussed this with the US Submarine league. The project is called SEA 1000. The design work has to be finished and on paper by 2012. The combat systems are all that will have US consulted input. Probably will be built in Adelaide. The Submarine Institute of Australia can probably give you more details as time goes by. From what I gather the boat will be built upon the Collins class technology already being used as far as the boats over all hull design and propulsion is concerned. I am sure there will be some neat changes though to incorporate some other VLS concerns. They keep talking about having an expanded range submarine but refuse to go with nuclear power???

[baggygreen]

Blame the greenies.

There is such an enormous fear of nuke power here, spread by the uninformed.

Silly.

[Happy Times]

Can the sub experts explain why Germany and Sweden where not mentioned in this story in past or present terms?

[Frame57]

Probably because Adelaide was not capable to produce the Collins class, but now it seems that the prospect of building its replacement will be fully functional.

[Jimbuna]

I've heard they're going to go nuclear and buy our old Swiftsure class boats :DL

[bookworm_020]

Blame the greenies.

There is such an enormous fear of nuke power here, spread by the uninformed.

Silly.

Getting enough qualified crew to run a nuc boat would be difficult.

I've heard they're going to go nuclear and buy our old Swiftsure class boats :DL

After seeing how the Canadians went with the Diesel subs you guys sold them and the reports on how you treated them, thanks, but no thanks!

IT will be interesting to see how many subs they are talking about and the fact they are VLS equiped will raise some concerns with other navies in the region.

[TarJak]

Getting enough qualified crew to run a diesel boat will be hard enough. Mind you if unemployment increases enough it may become a little easier.

[Frame57]

I've heard they're going to go nuclear and buy our old Swiftsure class boats :DL In Greg Combet's address he was adamant about this whole deal being Indigenous for Australia because of the added work force they will need to accomplish this as well. He feels it will be a good thing for their economy as well as accomplishing this on their own for National pride. My opinion of it though is that they need a Nuke boat. Because they want to expand their patrol range with regards to China and Taiwan. Diesel boats are great and yes very quiet once on station. The problem is getting from point A to B and remain undetected. For a diesel boat to travel a great distance in reasonable amount of time they either have to run on the surface or snorkel, either way they are far too easy to detect when transiting. With the amount of money and man power Australia will spend to upgrade from the Collins and to expand their influence in the area i think this is a waste not to go nuclear.

[XabbaRus]

As long as you guys don't have the Collinses when it first goes out....remember subs have to come up as well as go down ..:rotfl:

Just to make sure. I'm joking here. Back about 8 or so years ago when the Collins were having all sorts of problems it was sort of a running joke especially in the SCX thread when new playables were made available....

There was this one Oz poster who never saw the funny side and always bit.

[TarJak]

Unless there is a serious about face on the part of the current govt party, the Australian Labour Party (ALP), a nuke boat will not be on the cards for Australia anytime in the foreseeable future. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_energy_policy#Australia
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20989451-601,00.html

being nukes would also preclude these subs operating within NZ waters which would be seen as restrictive at least given the proximity of that territory.

The Collins was maligned in the media early in its development; too costly, too delayed, problems with systems, problems with noise etc etc. It now gets barely a mention as it has developed into a good stable platform with good noise charactersitics and capabilites once the bugs were ironed out. This is not much different to a lot of "new" weapons platforms, the F-111 is one that sticks in my mind as being labelled an absolute dud in the media in the first few years of it's development and career, but has had one of the longest and productive careers of any airborne weapons platform.

[CaptainHaplo]

There may be some truth in the article - but don't expect the US to go AIP. AIP is a great leap forward from the old diesel electrics - but they still lack the flexibility of a true nuc. The US will maintain its blue water capability with nucs - no need to invest in AIP tech when it offers us less ability. The only way I see AIP going into US subs, is if it first generation stuff as a backup in case they have to scrub off.

[bookworm_020]

Getting enough qualified crew to run a diesel boat will be hard enough. Mind you if unemployment increases enough it may become a little easier.

With the mines closing or trimming staff, I have heard on the grapevine that there has been a lot of applications to rejoin the navy from ones who have left, and many who are giving it a thought for the first time