Hi folks,
The number 68 on the hull, just under the A gun, is the actual
pennant number. I got the artist to add it last night (Tues).
I think ALOFTs is useful as it's a towed system and can be deployed
under the layer, unlike bow or hull-mounted systems. I was aboard
USS Russell for several days years ago and got to learn about
sonar, Nixie, Asroc etc. They said the sonar's capability is
degraded when they make high speed runs - hence the evolution of
the sprint and drift sub hunting tactic.
I believe mounting the sonar gear in the fantail means the loss of
the stern hatch for launching RHIBs. French La Fayettes can deploy
spec ops boats from the large stern hatch. Useful huh? This is one
of the lesser known capabilities of the La Fayettes.
But as with many things in life, there's a tradeoff in the kind of
kit you can put onboard. Mounting one system instead of another
often means certain compromises.
Those of you who know what the Navy did to Brave should ask
yourself why a 55-m APV needs two types of sonars. I think the Navy
has learnt something from this trial and applied the lessons
accordingly.
Courageous has been the unfortunate lightning rod for all things
scathing and negative about the Navy. If you realise what they did
to Coalition Warship 207, you'll appreciate that the Navy has long
gotten out of this rut.... which is a good thing. The trick now is
for them to sustain the momentum.
Cheers,
db
