Given uncertainty regarding RM numbers and the RN's amphibious capabilities, this Jane's article provides an interesting insight into potential replacements for our LPDs, forward repair and medical vessels.
A single, multi-role platform appears to make operational and commercial sense to this crustacean. The biggest challenge may well be managing the spending profile over the next 10 years given Dreadnought SSBN, T26/T31, QE/F-35, Sea Class, personnel and other funding priorities. However, as the concept study is not even planned to report until 2018, hopefully this can be managed.
I have to say that I'm a tad surprised to see Albion and Bulwark planned to be out of service in 2030; it only seems like yesterday since they were commissioned and one's been in 'extended readiness' for some years.
After T26/31, MRSS will presumably be of significant interest to UK shipbuilding. However, after the award of Tide Class MARS RFA contract to Korean manufacturers, it could end up being a bit of a political football.
Regards,
MM
A single, multi-role platform appears to make operational and commercial sense to this crustacean. The biggest challenge may well be managing the spending profile over the next 10 years given Dreadnought SSBN, T26/T31, QE/F-35, Sea Class, personnel and other funding priorities. However, as the concept study is not even planned to report until 2018, hopefully this can be managed.
I have to say that I'm a tad surprised to see Albion and Bulwark planned to be out of service in 2030; it only seems like yesterday since they were commissioned and one's been in 'extended readiness' for some years.
After T26/31, MRSS will presumably be of significant interest to UK shipbuilding. However, after the award of Tide Class MARS RFA contract to Korean manufacturers, it could end up being a bit of a political football.
Regards,
MM