This is the other topic that had my inbox blowing up yesterday. Check this out from Marine Corps Times...
“Simply put, our current and proposed surface-connector inventory does not meet the current or future requirements and ability to maneuver from increased range beyond the threat,” Amos writes.Read the entire article.
To fill the gap in ship-to-shore capabilities Amos proposes revising current programs like the Joint High Speed Vessel by modifying them to have ramps that can launch amphibious vehicles.
He proposes looking at existing technology like the U.S.-produced Landing Catamaran, or L-CAT, which is now used by French forces. The L-CAT can move at 23 mph for up to 200 miles, meaning 100 nautical miles would still take it roughly 4.5 hours to traverse
Amos also mentions the experimental Ultra Heavy-Lift Amphibious Connector. The UHAC can also move at 20 knots, roll onto a beach and even scale 10-foot sea walls. The vehicle has caught some criticism for its outlandish design though, particularly the plainly visible pilot’s bay.
Finally, he mentions future connectors that only exist “on PowerPoint” like the T-CRAFT a gargantuan high-speed craft than can ride up onto beaches. Although it does not offer a short-term solution, Amos says all options should be explored and he welcomes the input of academia, industry and other services.
Part of the challenge is great standoff distance now needed to keep ships safe from the expanding threat of anti-ship missiles which are rapidly proliferating among poorer nations and could even be deployed by non-state actors.
My take on things?
Doesn't matter. No one is listening to Amos anyway. The reality is stark and simple. We're waiting for him to leave office so we can fix what he's fucked up.
But what about the merits of his argument?
Its silliness wrapped in a handbag. Pushing amphibious shipping out to even 200 miles offshore will not protect MPS ships from enemy action. Additionally if this is the new rule then we're talking about not being able to utilize them in several areas around the world where we could expect to need the firepower of a Marine Expeditionary Brigade.
Its really quite simple. HQMC is going to have to accept that it must be prepared to do the Marine thing. We're going to have to join with our sister service and fight to the shore, establish a beach head/seize a port, secure it, expand on it and then conduct administrative landings of follow on forces.
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ReplyDeleteAs I have before the US has that much fire power (and ISTAR) you should be able to drop a LPD's anchor about 500 yards out without a hitch. You main problems are LCS is crap and F35b is too big. You need a class of frigate with 2 5in mounts for PGM and more AH. And you need to keep CBG and airwing numbers up.
ReplyDeleteAs for connectors I think LCAT would be a good fit for the USMC. One thing I have never understood is how the San Antonio's were design to carry 2 LCAC when the smaller Whidbey Island's can carry 4 LCAC's. The LCAC and LCAT are roughly similar in size.
But your advantage in fire-power should open up other options to you such a return to LSTs (perhaps with minimum crew and armoured crew/engine spaces. Perhaps an adaptation of the WARP system would give a good turn of speed? Lots of options. Just need a bit of imagination.
Anyone else remember that there used to be Mk 45s on our LHAs? Why not put a pair of 5"ers on the bow of the next class of LPD/LSD? Or better yet, if there is space, the AGS from the Zumwaldt. Especially if they will need to get in close for the AAVs to assault the beach it'd be nice to be able to provide some naval gunfire for them without having to bring a DDG in close.
ReplyDeleteCheck out the original Tarawa's they had 5 inch guns, never knew why they were removed.
DeleteYes the Tarawa class ships were the LHA's I was referring to I just didn't call them out by name.
DeleteI am sorry to disagree with the General but some of the projects he cites are technological over-reach. See these observations:
ReplyDelete"Joint High Speed Vessel by modifying them to have ramps that can launch amphibious vehicles"
Hull structure NOT strong enough to “dip the ramp”. Has any marine engineer vetted that rqmt? Has no one told him what was learned from the LMSR ramp modifications? One need big heavy steel to do what the general is saying. Not on a light JHSV stern.
"existing technology like the ...L-CAT, which is now used by French forces." Right on and costs less than SSC aka LCAC-100. A good vessel in service now, but LCAC mafia in NAVSEA will oppose it. The NIH problem will come out, but as I understand it, the L-Cat (French Navy ERDA) is compatible with USN amphib wet wells.
"The UHAC outlandish design though" ... is Too big to park on most ships and a very large target.
"T-CRAFT a gargantuan high-speed craft" T-Craft definitely is too big, too expensive a technology to produce in numbers needed.
With most of the rest og the article, I agree!
BTW SOL, there is another way to help the situation. The Navy could put better self-defense system on MSC and MPF ships? The Navy could put an AAW capable escort or two around the seabase as was DONE during Operation Earnest Will back in the late '80s.
ReplyDeleteThe Navy is trying to build large expensive vessels to perform difficult tasks when there are simpler methods to get the sustainment cargo ashore. What can NOT be overcome is the "Tyranny of Tonnage" Cargo is heavy and volumous and must get ashore in quantity to allow any assault to work right. You simply cannot FLY everything person and thing.
Connectors and how one gets them TO or near the AOA are a needed capability, but exquisite ones are not needed
Just ask if the beach will be the one at Betio, Normandy or Iwo Jima.
ReplyDeleteOr does this just work off Onslow beach?
Then start pointing out the obvious errors.
A well armored and well armed even unmanned ship designed to give ANGLICO support after being deliberately beached would work as well.
I'm not sure a Betio beach head would be as easy as this stretch of sand that resembles Daytona Fla.