Shipbucket

Hmmm... OK, so lose the helo capability in a tradeoff for increased long range firepower. That would bear some serious consideration. I hadn't thought of that angle. Thanks.

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"Anybody remotely interesting is mad in some way." - The Seventh Doctor

I mean the launcher is loaded from the rear - this would leave the hanger and helicopter pad unchanged. The launcher would replace the above deck part of the Mk-10, and it would be a direct magazine replacement.

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𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐍𝐄𝐓- 𝑻𝒐 𝑪𝒐𝒈𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒗𝒆

Here's an idea. Loose the aftermost two pairs of 76s expand the hangar all the way to the beam, discard the Mk 10 and use the space for accommodation (you may have to extend the deck house), fit SeaSparrow forward (Mk 19 or Mk 48 launcher depending on your tastes) and RAM aft above the hanger and presto, you've got yourself a proper helicopter cruiser or, if you replace the attack helicopters with transports, a small LPH.
Replacing the boats with RHIBs wouldn't be a bad idea either. Replacing the 76s with the newer SR model is an optional extra, depending on how much money you want to throw after her.
If the helicopters are kept up to date she should remain current for as long as her hull and engines holds out.

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That which does not kill me has made a grave tactical error

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Wow. So many really good suggestions. LOL I hardly know which ones to use!

I have to say, I really do appreciate all the ideas, suggestions and comments. This has been a great help!

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"Anybody remotely interesting is mad in some way." - The Seventh Doctor

OK, taking some of the suggestions here (and thank you all very much for the info, ideas and suggestions!) I have come up with some possibilities. Which (if any) of these versions would you consider the most viable for what is supposed to be a cruiser assigned to Amphib Assault groups and whose function is Fire Support of landings, with a sea combat capability secondary? I was also thinking that as part of their secondary mission they could serve as convoy escorts with ASW helo's, or a mix of ASW and ASM helo's?


I kept the marine helicopter gunships on all versions, figuring they would be useful for support of troops onshore?

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"Anybody remotely interesting is mad in some way." - The Seventh Doctor

I think the best is the version 4.If you want the version 3,try put 2 OTO Melara 127/54C or 127/54 Mk45 instead of the 76mm.

first of all, fix the outdated parts
second: you'll need at least some boats or rhib's.

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Drawings are credited with J.Scholtens
I ask of you to prove me wrong. Not say I am wrong, but prove it, because then I will have learned something new.
Shipbucket Wiki admin

Larger guns? hmm..... Yeah, probably couldn't hurt if I go with Version 3.
For the first, I'll need some assistance with that. Please?
Second: Good point. Any suggestions on what to add and where?

To quote a line from one of my favorite movies ...
Sheriff Bart - "Need any help?"
The Waco Kid - "Oh ... all I can get."

_________________
"Anybody remotely interesting is mad in some way." - The Seventh Doctor

ok. the parts can be found on the USN, dutch and oto melara part sheets in the parts sheet discussion subforum
parts that need updating are:
- 76mm gun
- WM-25 'egg'
- SPS-49
- MK 29 NSSM launcher
- phalanx
- mk 141 harpoon launchers
- sps-48 radar
- tomahawk

and the best place for boats is.... where they were. I suggest to just put 1 or 2 rhib's on each side.

_________________
Drawings are credited with J.Scholtens
I ask of you to prove me wrong. Not say I am wrong, but prove it, because then I will have learned something new.
Shipbucket Wiki admin

V1 won't work, and neither will 2a and 2b for previous mentioned reasons.
3 will but there's little advantage in the extra 76s.
4 may work, I don't how much space the gun needs.

_________________
“Close” only counts with horseshoes, hand grenades, and tactical nuclear weapons.
That which does not kill me has made a grave tactical error

Worklist

Source Materiel is always welcome.