April 4, 201214 yr Hi, I watched HMS Dauntless leave Portsmouth this morning heading for a 6 month deployment to the South Atlantic. Given all the Falklands rethoric recently there were a good many people seeing her off. One thing I did notice (attention Db Builders) was that Dauntless was not fitted with Phalanx. Daring deployed to the Gulf earlier this year did carry that CIWS. Obviously much confidence in the Sea Viper for SSM defence. I wonder is the omission financial or tactical? I suppose Phalanx might have been seen as a useful deterrent against Iranian speedboats/skiffs etc rather than as a last defence against leakers. Anyway, hoping Dauntless has a quiet and peaceful deployment.
April 4, 201214 yr One thing I did notice (attention Db Builders) was that Dauntless was not fitted with Phalanx. Daring deployed to the Gulf earlier this year did carry that CIWS. That is an interesting development. Thanks!
April 11, 201214 yr Author One thing I did notice (attention Db Builders) was that Dauntless was not fitted with Phalanx. Daring deployed to the Gulf earlier this year did carry that CIWS. That is an interesting development. Thanks! On Sunday got some good views of HMS Diamond and HMS Dragon. Diamond had Phalanx fitted whilst Dragon did not. So not sure what the rationale is for CIWS fitting on the T45s.
April 12, 201214 yr So not sure what the rationale is for CIWS fitting on the T45s. I'll hazard a guess. With Aster/PAAMS/Sea Viper having a somewhat troubled history and despite recent test success, there's nothing quite like the peace of mind that is offered by a proven, rapid firing gun.
April 12, 201214 yr Author So not sure what the rationale is for CIWS fitting on the T45s. I'll hazard a guess. With Aster/PAAMS/Sea Viper having a somewhat troubled history and despite recent test success, there's nothing quite like the peace of mind that is offered by a proven, rapid firing gun. no, I totally agree with the rationale of having a CIWS as a backup to Sea Viper, what I don't undrstand is why Daring deploys with, Dauntless without....and yet Diamond is fitted even though she is not due for any special deployment currently.
April 12, 201214 yr no, I totally agree with the rationale of having a CIWS as a backup to Sea Viper, what I don't undrstand is why Daring deploys with, Dauntless without....and yet Diamond is fitted even though she is not due for any special deployment currently. Roger. Maybe $$$?
April 13, 201214 yr Author no, I totally agree with the rationale of having a CIWS as a backup to Sea Viper, what I don't undrstand is why Daring deploys with, Dauntless without....and yet Diamond is fitted even though she is not due for any special deployment currently. Roger. Maybe $$$? Unfortunately that is my conclusion too.
June 22, 201213 yr Actually the issue is simpler than all of that. The Royal Navy never purchased enough Phalanx or Goalkeaper systems for all their ships. They remove the CWIS from one ship and add it on another ship during yard work etc. This is why the Invincible seem to switch CWIS gear every so often. At least it WAS. Craig P
June 23, 201213 yr Actually the issue is simpler than all of that. The Royal Navy never purchased enough Phalanx or Goalkeaper systems for all their ships. Yeah, and the question was why not. Again, $$$.
Create an account or sign in to comment