Saturday, January 12, 2008

Shipbuilding graphs


Instead of having me bleat on again in detail about the problems with shipbuilding, maybe I will try something different this time. Just a few comments and let the graphs tell the rest.

First of all, we all know the problems (see LCS tag) we have with LCS. Notice in the first graph how arege the LCS portion of the plan is. Also, notice how out of line the "out years" are with the present facts. Follow the money. Will all the costs overruns we are having with every ship design except T-AKE, does anyone really think this is going to happen? We will be lucky to get the 7 DDG-1000. If CG(X) goes the "Nuke Battle Cruiser" option and we don't get an on time and under budget replacement for the Arleigh Burke design, the Large Surface Combatants wedge will be much smaller. If you take, best case IMAO, a real dollar flat-line on the shipbuilding budget and then run the estimate out (who is smoking that good Canadian dope that thinks the shipbuilding budget will support that program?), the reality should be like a cold splash of water across the face. Just look and think - tell me where I am wrong.
Lets look at the Marine Delivery System a bit.

I love the LHA(R) as much as the next guy, but let's be honest just between us girls. It doesn't have a well deck. Not a deal killer, but without having a back and forth on it - let's just say that limits a little flexibility, and tells you what the LHA(R) really is, a small sized Aircraft Carrier. For reference, we'll take the LHA(R) and compare it from one end of the spectrum of CV/CV(S) that are out there.

Q.E.D.
LHA(R);
Length 921 feet
Beam 116 feet
Displacement Approx. 50,000 tons full load
Speed 20+ knots
Aircraft 20 - F-35 Joint Strike Fighter
?? - MV-22 tilt-rotor aircraft
helicopters
Crew Ships Company 100 officers, 1,000 enlisted
Marine Detachment: 1,800
Armament 2 - NATO Sea Sparrow launchers
3 - 20mm Phalanx CIWS mounts
8 - .50 cal. machine guns

DDH Hyƫga;
Length 640 feet
Beam 105 feet
Displacement Approx. 20,000 tons full load
Speed 30+ knots
Aircraft4 helicopters
Crew Ships Company 347
Armament 16-cell MK-41 VSL for NATO Sea Sparrow
2- 20mm Phalanx CIWS mounts
?- .50 cal. machine guns
2-triple 324mm torpedo tubes.


Queen Elizabeth Class, CVF:
Length 920 feet
Beam 127 feet
Displacement Approx. 75,000 tons full load
Speed 25+ knots
Aircraft48 mixed fixed wing and helicopters
Crew Ships Company 1,500
ArmamentTBD

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