Posted on 03/13/2013 2:44:07 PM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
Modern technology could give Collins-class subs new lease of life
THE navy has set its sights on sophisticated new Japanese technology to extensively rebuild its troubled Collins-class submarines and extend their operational lives by 10 years or more.
That could postpone the spending of an estimated $40 billion to build the 12 new submarines the Gillard government has promised to replace the Collins-class boats.
Japan is relaxing its constitutional ban on exporting military equipment, raising the possibility its Soryu-class submarine - or more likely some of its advanced technology - could be an option for the Royal Australian Navy as it seeks a new fleet to replace the six Collins boats.
The Australian has confirmed the navy is investigating whether to gut each of the Collins-class submarines and fit a state-of-the-art drive train - the propulsion system, from diesel and electric motors and batteries to propellers.
. . . That work could be done in Australia or possibly in Japan when the submarines were due for major refits.
Discussions have begun on a defence technology transfer pact between the two countries which Defence Minister Stephen Smith told The Australian in Tokyo last year could involve submarines.
It would be a landmark deal for Australia to secure access to the Japanese submarine technology as Tokyo doesn't share defence technology with any nation other than the US.
Australia's Future Submarine project was discussed during the Australia-Japan Conference in Tokyo this month.
University of NSW security specialist Alan Dupont, who attended the conference, said the Soryus had gone from a long shot, because of the restrictions on Japanese arms exports, to a strong contender.
"Whereas before I would have said there's virtually no chance, (I feel) there is a window open to pursue this," Professor Dupont said
(Excerpt) Read more at theaustralian.com.au ...
So would a couple of sails.... ;-)
Couldn’t resist the lead in. :-)
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