Is the Royal Australian Navy trying to get a Aircraft Carrier?

[bookworm_020]

There has been some interesting news reports in the last couple of weeks about the decision to purchase the spainsh landing craft ships for the Royal Australian Navy.

They have the option of puting a ski jump on the fron of the ship enabling them to operate V/STOL aircraft. It was raised at one stage the RAAF should change some of it's order for the F-35A aircraft to F-35B's.

With the report of RAAF pilot's undertaking carrier landing and takoff's in the U.S.A., one has to wonder if the Australian Navy has a dream to get back into carrier operations for the fist time since 1983.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canberr...mphibious_ship

http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...program-02213/

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...37-601,00.html

[kiwi_2005]

I wouldnt be surprise one bit if they end up with one.

[Jimbuna]

Probably a non starter, but I wonder if they'll get any of Britains present compliment when the newer/larger ones are ready.......probably too old by then, right ? :hmm:

[JALU3]

I don't know why the USN doesn't offer to sell them one of the LHAs that are being decomissioned. Most are being sunk for targets or artificial reefs anyways.

[TarJak]

Although they have bought used boats in the past, the present adminisistration likes buying new kit cos it means jobs. Doubt that they can afford one at the moment but the navy would love to get back to having a real fleet air arm instead of just the helos.

For a nation surrounded by ocean as we are to not have a naval air strike capability in this region has never made much sense to me. Not that the Melbourne was much of one in the first place.

[bookworm_020]

Another reason why they wouldn't want to buy the Ex U.S. ships is due to the problems they had when they purchased the Kanimbla class (ex Newport LST's).

The fact that they can then push for a third of the class at a later stage is another reason the RAN would back the building of the vessals over purchase of existing ships.

[JALU3]

Originally Posted by bookworm_020

Another reason why they wouldn't want to buy the Ex U.S. ships is due to the problems they had when they purchased the Kanimbla class (ex Newport LST's).

The fact that they can then push for a third of the class at a later stage is another reason the RAN would back the building of the vessals over purchase of existing ships.

I hate to say it, but those Newports were old vessels, and not what the Australian navy needed at the time. I mean they were basically rebuilt during the refits. However, the Tarawas are some of the most capable Amphib Carriers currently afloat. Or better yet . . . they should sign on to get a new LHA(R) . . . that will be coming online in the next couple years . . . or a Wasp LHD.

[diver]

Originally Posted by bookworm_020

Another reason why they wouldn't want to buy the Ex U.S. ships is due to the problems they had when they purchased the Kanimbla class (ex Newport LST's).

The fact that they can then push for a third of the class at a later stage is another reason the RAN would back the building of the vessals over purchase of existing ships.

a 3rd of class is not going to happen. However we will be getting another large amphib of different design/capability to replace the 2nd LPA.

Originally Posted by JALU3

I hate to say it, but those Newports were old vessels, and not what the Australian navy needed at the time. I mean they were basically rebuilt during the refits. However, the Tarawas are some of the most capable Amphib Carriers currently afloat. Or better yet . . . they should sign on to get a new LHA(R) . . . that will be coming online in the next couple years . . . or a Wasp LHD.

US LHDs/LHAs are a bit too big and manpower intensive for us.

[bookworm_020]

Originally Posted by diver

a 3rd of class is not going to happen. However we will be getting another large amphib of different design/capability to replace the 2nd LPA.

Most likley a smaller one than the Canberra class amphibs. Something around the size of the Kanimbla class, maybe two smaller ones as this would giver greater flexability than just having one.

[Kapitan]

Not being funny but i think a carrier the size of ark royal would suit them, its 600 man crew unlike the 5000 on us carriers and a small but powerful air wing.

[diver]

Originally Posted by bookworm_020

Most likley a smaller one than the Canberra class amphibs. Something around the size of the Kanimbla class, maybe two smaller ones as this would giver greater flexability than just having one.

No, we will not be getting two of a secoind class. manpower issues again. We have 3 big amphibs now. We will have 3 in 10 years time (but all newer/bigger/better/more capable). And hopefully will have replacements well in motion for the LCHs.

But we cannot have 4 big 'phibs. It simply won't happen.

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by Kapitan

Not being funny but i think a carrier the size of ark royal would suit them, its 600 man crew unlike the 5000 on us carriers and a small but powerful air wing.

Agreed....they already have problems trying to crew yhe Collins Class subs

[TarJak]

Overall the ADF is having serious problems in maintaining a standing defence force due to the lcurative job market in the resources sector. A lot of young people who would normally be in the recruitment demographics, are off to the mines to earn a lot better for a lot less hassle than in the forces.

So much so that the government is advocating the spending of your gap year after high school in the forces and has established a program to cycle people through in 12 months temporary roles. (Honestly I don't think that's enough time but they are desparate).

The option of national service and drafting is not there as it is a political hot potato with very little public support for the concept.

[bookworm_020]

Originally Posted by TarJak

So much so that the government is advocating the spending of your gap year after high school in the forces and has established a program to cycle people through in 12 months temporary roles. (Honestly I don't think that's enough time but they are desparate).

It was sold as a try before you buy type deal, with the hope that they would sign on for a regular hitch.

The option of national service and drafting is not there as it is a political hot potato with very little public support for the concept.

I doubt that the draft will be brought back. Any political party who tried would be hung, drawn and quartered!

[TarJak]

Originally Posted by bookworm_020

It was sold as a try before you buy type deal, with the hope that they would sign on for a regular hitch.

I'd be interested in knowing the numbers that do re-up. My guess is not many who do try before buying will be buying so I'm sceptical as to how successful the programme is likely to be.