Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: SJSAMPLE
Do the Aussies have LCATs or other ship-to-shore delivery assets capable of deploying the 70+ ton Abrams?

Currently they could be deployed on the HMAS Kanimbla and the HMAS Manoora - which are ex-US Navy LSTs heavily modified. They could also deploy some on the HMAS Tobruk, but I don't know that that is actually part of any plan.

We are also in the process of selecting designs for at least two new amphibious vessels which among other functions will be capable of deploying the Abrams.

The RAAF is also taking delivery of some C-17s, although obviously you can only deploy tanks in small numbers at a time, that way.

19 posted on 09/22/2006 9:27:34 AM PDT by naturalman1975 ("America was under attack. Australia was immediately there to help." - John Winston Howard)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies ]


To: naturalman1975

Excellent.
Thanks for the info.


26 posted on 09/22/2006 11:00:12 AM PDT by SJSAMPLE
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 19 | View Replies ]

To: naturalman1975; SJSAMPLE

The Aussies are evaluating 2 European amphibious designs- a 22,000 tonne French design & a 27,000 Spanish one.Both designs seem very good with decent helicopter capacities & the RAN may just modify them for a couple of JSFs.Though the number of Abrams either design can carry would be less than 15.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canberra_class_large_amphibious_ship


BTW,if the Aussies think that these would see action,then 59 is too small a number.


29 posted on 09/22/2006 9:52:17 PM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 19 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson