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In the early 1980's the Australian government faced increasing pressure of Illegal imigration, rising smuggling and illegal fishing in the Australian EEZ. The Navy was hard pushed to provide the assets needed the Fermantle class was good in costal waters but could not provide the long range patrol capabilities needed to interdict smuggling. As Oil and Gas Exploration and exploitation expanded there were concerns about security of oil and gas platforms. There was also concerns about rises of crime at sea as well. The Navy held a series of discussion with other departments to see if a combined stratgey could be devloped. Customs, Fisheries and Immigration were reluctant to allow the military or other departments interfere on their patch. Eventually the Prime minister got the various department together to knock heads together. Operation Resolute began to become more combined. One of the first descisions taken was the need for an offshore patrol vessel. Fisheries and customs both wanted the funding for the vessels competing with the navy. However it was decided the Navy would provide the vessels and crews with Immigration, Customs and Fisheries providing officals to sail with the ships.
The Navy drew up a requirement for a vessel that was discussed with the other departments. The Civilian departments were against heavy armament wanting only small arms. The Navy had hoped for a 76mm otomelara but this was over ruled by the civilian departments and the treasury. However they decided that weapons from existing stocks could be used.
The Navy looked at proposals from indgenous yards and at overseas vessels. favoured options were Island class vessels from UK however the Irish navy Eithne class caused a stir giving good endrance and capabilities. Unfortunatley with the Verlome shipyard going bankrupt things were up in the air. However the Forgas Shipyard were able to purchase the rights and plans from the receivers. It was redesigned with 40mm Bofors and 20mm Oerlikon. Funding for 8 vessels were authorised as the Norfolk Island Class. It was hoped that the government would provide funding for Lynx or Dauphin helecopters. However when the program was in building the funding for the helecopters was withdrawn. The navy then drew up plans for operating Bell 206 or Squirrel helecopters.

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"There was nothing wrong with Titanic when she left the Shipyard" Tim McGarry Belfast Comedian

Hehe, gotta love budget restrictions

A Dauphin might fit in the same hangar space as say a 206 without any modification - it's not that big a helicopter. Or you can go with a 222 or, depending on the timeframe, 427. And neither the 206 and Squirrel are bad for this kind of work either - several navies use both types for much heavier work.

The armament frankly makes more sense this way, too. You can always look to upgrade to a OTO 40 or a Bofors 57 later on, but there's not a pressing reason to go higher.

the Eithne class operated Dauphin till the Irish sold them to Chile. The squirrel is a good platform but only gives you visual search.

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"There was nothing wrong with Titanic when she left the Shipyard" Tim McGarry Belfast Comedian

Not necessarily. I'm sure that the Australians could well have outfitted it with surface search radar and an EO gimbal.


Crossed with


When they're ready for replacement either the EC635 or EC645 would make suitable replacements.

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"Hic Sunt Dracones"

[Atlantia] ~ A North Atlantic Powerhouse
[Arcadia] ~ A South Atlantic Island Chain
[Avalon] ~ A Southern Ocean Oil Tycoon
[Brittia] ~ A North Sea Gas / Oil Tycoon

Plus an EO gimbal is really the most you'd need for something like this.

The biggest problem with the Eurocopter would be compatibility with other helos in the fleet more than anything else. But since it's a very common commercial type that might not be a problem.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Australi ... 0580b098c4

HS723 RAN FAA operate the Ecureuil AS350B begining operations in 1985 and have used them operationally from RAN Frigates in persian gulf as well as for training.

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"There was nothing wrong with Titanic when she left the Shipyard" Tim McGarry Belfast Comedian

HS723 Squadron shared the same building as HS817 Sqadron to which I was was posted (1996-1999). The Aussie Squirrels are such a nimble little wocka wocka and used to carry out a wide variety of roles. Also flew in one when I was in the Red Sea on HMAS Sydney during OP DAMASH IV (1991-1992).

Great start to your AU mate and I look forward to every update and addition.

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There is no "I" in TEAM but there is a ME
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Current Worklist:
HMAS Supply
Brisbane Class DDG Upgrade
Australian Kidd Class Variant
New Zealand Air Warfare Frigate
Southern Ocean Patrol Vessel (SOPV) - HMAS Macquarie Island

What A sensible, well though out AU? But seriously, yes, this does make good sense; my only very minor quibble is, where's the red roo? and the hull number?

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Current projects: RN 6-in Cruisers

The Norfolk Island class proved to be a highly effective and popular ship. They were initally seen as a poor career posting however their success due to some superb Officers and senior rates soon turned the reputation of the class into one were many Middle ranking officers fought to stay on them. Crew morale was good despite long periods at sea (which made them unpopular with naval wives). The attached regular agency personel from customs, immigration and fisheries also grew to enjoy their time on these vessels and being posted as a boarding officer became a much prized post. Their range of jobs increased and they added disaster relief, Counter terrorism and a variety of other jobs to the list of tasks they performed. The large patrol craft group gained a reputation for its can do atitude. It also increased the numbers of agencies it worked with including work with the federal police, Intelligence agencies, Army, Various other government departments and the UN in East Timoor. An article in "The Australian" described the vessels as hardy little workhorses the title stuck and they acquired the nickname the "Brumby Class" a badge members of the group wore with pride.
As the Fermantle class came to the end of its life the Norfolk Islands had to work harder till the Armidale class were up to speed. They were supplemented at times with Mine Hunters and survey ships in the change over. The improved capability and seaworthiness of the Armidales took some of the pressure of the Norfolk islands and allowed them in the early 2000's to receive extended refits this allowed the ships to have their habitability improved and updates to electronics and armament. The 40mm Bofors and 20mm Oerlikon guns were retired the last operational examples going to the Australian war memorial. They were replaced by 25mm Typhoon and .50 Browning.
The New Zealand Govenrment examined closley the Norfolk Islands and the LE Eithne for its Protector class OPV (HMNZS Otago & Cantebury) and in the work up to these ships being introduced to the New Zealand Navy sent officers and men to train along side the RAN the RAN also had an exchange with the Irish navy sending officers and men to Australia to work on the class and the Australians doing the same to Ireland.
HS723 found itself busy supporting the Norfolk islands (Not all patrols carried a ships flight). It was a popular tasking both with pilots and crews. With a surplus of pilots in the system with the collapse of the Seasprite Program the Australian Govt leased 6 Augsta A109E Powers to supplement the Squirrels these aircraft increased the number of flights available. Both the Squirrel and the A109's received Electro optical thermal night/day pods.

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"There was nothing wrong with Titanic when she left the Shipyard" Tim McGarry Belfast Comedian

Great write up mate and the ship looks awesome. Well done.

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There is no "I" in TEAM but there is a ME
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Current Worklist:
HMAS Supply
Brisbane Class DDG Upgrade
Australian Kidd Class Variant
New Zealand Air Warfare Frigate
Southern Ocean Patrol Vessel (SOPV) - HMAS Macquarie Island