Royal Navy

In general, The Royal Navy's capabilities are designed around 3 core assets, carrier borne aircraft, submarines and amphibious forces, supported by escorts and other vital enabling units. Looking at carrier borne aircraft first, Bosnia was a good example of what aircraft carriers can offer. It took just 10 days to have an aircraft carrier in the Adriatic, operating and able to put aircraft over Bosnia. Once on station, the aircraft carriers were able to provide almost continuous cover, operating back to back for over 3 years with FA2s flying many thousands of air defence and ground attack sorties without failure to meet their task.

Since the end of March 2000, traing and operation of the Royal Air Force Harrier GR7 ground attack aircraft and the Royal Navy Harrier FA2 air defence fighters will be combined to create Joint Force Harrier, creating a force capable of operating anywhere in the world and greatly increasing the operational capability of the aircraft carriers.

Next are the nuclear attack submarines, the SSNs, which are highly capable platforms with relevance throughout the course of a crisis. Their flexibility, mobility and sustainability make them powerful instruments of Government policy. Able to sustain high speed, they can cover 600 nautical miles per day with no need to refuel, they may be first on the scene, overtly or covertly, where they are then available for SF insertion, early denial of the sea to an enemy or to gather critical intelligence. They can, furthermore, remain at sea independent of outside support, for up to 90 days

Amphibious capability, as part of the UK's Joint Rapid Reaction Force, provides the only means by which the UK can insert troops with the necessary heavy battle winning equipment into a hostile and defended area in tactical fighting order. To achieve this an Amphibious Task Force (ATF) comprises three essential elements; the amphibious ships, the landing force and the escort ships to defend the task force. HMS OCEAN, the new LPH, has restored a much needed component of our maritime projections capability, in that it enables amphibiuos assault from sea to shore objective to be conducted in the air, the third dimension of naval warfare. Helicopters play a crucial role in providing this depth of assault, considerably widening the deployment options for the assaulting force. The ability to embark the recently procured Apache Attack Helicopters will also greatly increase this capability. In addition to this the orders for the two landing ships (LPD( R )'s) HMS ALBION and BULWARK will restore our full amphibious capability, given their capability of carrying some 650 troops, vehicles and heavy equipment whilst providing the vital command and control facility. Once ALBION, BULWARK and HMS OCEAN are in service together with the 5 Logistic Landing Ships (LSLs), our specialist shipping capability will be very impressive.

In outlining the capabilities of amphibious forces, carriers and nuclear submarines, it is important to remember that destroyers and frigates, mine-countermeasure vessels and afloat support ships play key enabling roles. These ships are essential assets in any maritime conflict in providing layers of defence, and destroyer also has a Lynx helicopter which, as well as providing an ASW torpedo capability, is fundamental particularly for ships taken up from trade like the Canberra during the Falklands campaign. They are also crucial in sea control tasks upon which all reinforcement and amphibious operations depend.

SHIPS OF THE ROYAL NAVY :

Aircraft Carriers :

- Invincible class VSTOL carriers

The first of class HMS Invincible Aircraft Carrier was built by Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering (now BAE SYSTEMS) at Barrow-in-Furness. The ship was commissioned in July 1980. The two sister ships HMS Illustrious and HMS Ark Royal, both built at the Swan Hunter Shipbuilders yard in Wallsend, were commissioned in 1982 and 1985. The role of the 20,600 ton aircraft carrier is to provide a command headquarters for the task group and to support the operations of the short take off and vertical landing aircraft and helicopters.

The ship accommodates over 1000 crew including 350 aircrew with 80 officers. It also has capacity for an additional 500 marines. The vessels were armed with a Sea Dart twin launcher, installed on the forecastle of the ship near the ski ramp. However, the missile system has been removed from HMS Illustrious and Invincible and the flight deck extended, to provide more capacity for aircraft and enable take-off for RAF Harrier GR.7 aircraft.

- Future Aircraft Carrier CVF

The UK Future Aircraft Carrier, CV(F), requirement is for two, 35 to 40,000, tonne carriers which will enter service in the years 2012 and 2015. Each carrier will be capable of embarking an air group of 40 aircraft, surging to a maximum capacity of 50 aircraft. The estimated cost of the two carriers is £2 billion over the next 20 years and the cost of the aircraft will be between £5bn and £7bn depending on which type is selected.The carriers will be twice the size of the Invincible class through deck cruisers and will accommodate more than twice as many aircraft.

Destroyers :

- Type 42 Destroyers

The Type 42 Destroyers form the backbone of the Royal Navy's anti-air capability. They are equipped with the Sea Dart medium range air defence missile system, which in its primary role is designed to provide area air defence to a group of ships, although it is also effective against surface targets at sea. In addition to their role as an air defence platform the Type 42 Destroyers operate independently carrying out patrol and boarding operations, recently enforcing UN embargoes in the Gulf and the Adriatic as well as providing humanitarian assistance in Monserrat and East Timor.

- Daring class (Type 45) air defense destroyers

The Type 45 destroyer will be the UK Royal Navy's future anti-air warfare (AAW) destroyer to provide area defence for the fleet or task force. Following the demise of the three nation Common New Generation Frigate programme, the UK Ministry of Defence has decided to follow a national anti-air warfare solution, the Type 45 destroyer, to replace the UK's Royal Navy's eleven Type 42 destroyers, in service since 1978.

Frigates :

- Duke class (Type 23) frigates

Powerful and versatile with the capability to operate anywhere in the world, the type 23 frigate is the mainstay of the modern surface fleet. The 16 Type 23 frigates will, when the final two are completed, form 50% of the total frigate/destroyer force in the Royal Navy. Originally designed for the principal task of anti-submarine warfare, they have evolved into powerful and versatile multi purpose ships with the capability to operate anywhere in the world. The effectiveness of these ships is enhanced by their stealth design, which reduces their radar signature significantly.

In addition to the war fighting roles described above, the ship is trained to conduct a wide range of other tasks. These include embargo operations using boarding teams inserted from the ship's boats or helicopter, disaster relief work and surveillance operations.

- Broadsword Class (Type 22) Frigates

Originally designed as specialist anti-submarine platform, the Type 22 Frigates have evolved into a powerful surface combatant. The most recent batch III hulls have substantial anti surface, anti submarine and anti aircraft weapons systems. It also possesses excellent command & control and communication facilities, making them ideal Flagships. On patrol they have an efficient cruising speed of 18 knots, but have a sprint capability of over 30 knots.

Submarines :

- Vanguard class ballistic missile submarines (nuclear powered)

The Vanguard submarines were built by Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Limited (now part of BAE Systems) at Barrow-in-Furness. They are the largest submarines manufactured in the UK, displacing 15,900 tonnes submerged, twice the displacement of the Resolution class Polaris submarines which they replaced. The first of class, HMS Vanguard was commissioned in 1993, HMS Victorious in 1995, HMS Vigilant in 1996 and HMS Vengeance in 1999. The Vanguard submarines are based at the Royal Naval Base at Faslane in Scotland.

- Trafalgar class submarines (nuclear powered)

The SSNs of the Swiftsure and Trafalgar Class are extremely sophisticated, deep diving; high speed submarines, capable of fulfilling a range of maritime military tasks undreamed of by the strategists of previous generations.

- Swiftsure class submarines (nuclear powered)

- Astute class submarines (nuclear powered)

The Royal Navy's Astute class submarine is a nuclear powered attack submarine which is to replace the five Swiftsure class submarines launched between 1973 and 1977 and are approaching the end of their operational life. The initial order quantity is three with an option for an additional two. The performance specification of the Astute is an extension of the performance of the Trafalgar Class Batch 1 fleet of the Royal Navy's Second Submarine Squadron based at Devonport.

Amphibious Ships :

- Ocean amphibious assault ship

HMS Ocean (LPH01) was commissioned in September 1998 and is in operational service. The primary role of HMS Ocean (L12) is to achieve the rapid landing of an assault force by helicopter and landing craft.The ship carries a crew of 255, an aircrew of 206 and 480 marines. An additional 320 marines could be accommodated in a short term emergency. HMS Ocean is capable of transporting and sustaining an embarked military force of up to 800 men equipped with artillery, vehicles and stores. The ship has capacity for 40 vehicles but is not designed to land heavy tanks. There are four LCVP Mk 5 vehicle/personnel landing craft on davits.

- Fearless amphibious transport dock

HMS Fearless' primary role is as "landing platform dock". In this role, HMS Fearless can transport a military force complete will full supporting armour. Landing craft capable of carrying heavy tanks are housed in the ship's internal dock and are launched from the open stern. The ship can also operate a flight of assault helicopters and defend itself with the Phalanx automated gun system. HMS Fearless is also fitted out as a Naval Assault Group/Brigade HQ from which naval and military personnel, working in close co-operation, can mount and control a joint amphibious operation.

HMS Fearless will be replaced in 2002 with the new LPDs Albion and Bulwark. These new ships will provide a significant increase in carrying improved landing craft and with a state of the art Combined Operations Room complex.

- Albion class amphibious transport docks

On 18th July 1996, the UK Ministry of Defence announced a £450 million order with Vicker's Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd, now BAE Systems Marine, for two Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) for the Royal Navy. The two ships are named HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark and are being built at BAE Systems Marine dockyard at Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. HMS Albion was launched in March 2001. HMS Albion and Bulwark will be based at Plymouth and are expected to enter service in 2002 and 2003. The LPD’s are to replace HMS Fearless and HMS Intrepid which were launched in 1963 and 1964.

MINE COUNTERMEASURE VESSELS :

- Hunt class mine countermeasures vessels

Highly sophisticated vessels, the Hunt class are the largest warships ever constructed out of Glass Reinforced Plastic. Although they are configured for single role mine hunting, they can be retrofitted with sweep gear if required. The Hunt class are also often found supporting the Fishery Protection Squadron around UK waters.

- Sandown class minehunters

The latest class of MCMV to enter service with the Royal Navy they are dedicated single role mine hunters. The first hull, HMS Sandown, entered service with the Royal Navy in 1989 eight are now in service with another four due by 2001.

FLEET AIR ARM

The Fleet Air Arm provides the Royal Navy with a multi-role aviation combat capability able to operate autonomously at short notice worldwide in all environments, day and night, over the sea and land. To facilitate this wide-ranging commitment, the Fleet Air Arm has some 6200 people, which is 11.5% of the total Royal Naval strength, operating some 200 combat aircraft and more than 50 support/training aircraft, in 18 Naval Air Squadrons. Commanded and administered by the Flag Officer Maritime Aviation, the Fleet Air Arm has a large annual budget and is supported by the Chief of Fleet Support through the Director General Aircraft (Navy).

There are 3 Naval Air Stations, HMS HERON at Yeovilton in Somerset which is also the Flagship to the Admiral, HMS SEAHAWK at Culdrose in Cornwall and HMS GANNET at Prestwick in Ayrshire. Recently, specialist air engineering training with an annual throughput of some 600 to 800 personnel has transferred to HMS SULTAN at Gosport in Hampshire. Each of the Air Stations operates a variety of aircraft in many roles from the Sea Harrier fighters through Sea King commando and anti-submarine helicopters to the Lynx anti-submarine/ anti-surface helicopters which fly from the Navy's frigates and destroyers. Additionally there are a small number of Lynx attack helicopters and the Gazelle reconnaissance/training aircraft which work with 3 Commando Brigade. The Navy also has 4 'floating airfields' in the form of the 3 `INVlNCIBLE' class aircraft carriers which operate Sea Harrier and Sea King aircraft and the brand new HMS OCEAN commando helicopter support carrier operating the Sea King, Lynx and Gazelle.

AIRCRAFT OF THE ROYAL NAVY :

- SEA HARRIER FA2

The Sea Harrier FA2 combines the abilities of a maritime fighter with reconnaissance and strike capabilities within a "STOVL" aircraft with very impressive performance. It is a combat proven, single seat, single engine, subsonic jet with the full range of modern weapons and advanced fighter capability. This capability results from the combination of the state of the art Blue Vixen multimode pulse doppler radar Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missile (AMRAAM). Together they give the pilot the ability to identify and engage targets and embodies the look-down shoot-down capability which gives the FA2's pilots a huge technological advantage in the air.

This versatile all weather, day or night aircraft can also carry out a variety of tasks which include close air support of ground forces, anti-ship attack with the Sea Eagle missile and reconnaissance. Other weapons include the Sidewinder AIM-9M air to air missile, Sea Eagle anti ship missile, laser guided bombs and 30mm canons. The aircraft also has a camera mounted obliquely in the nose for reconnaissance missions.

- Sea King ASW

The current Anti-Submarine airframe is known as the Mk 6 and is completely autonomous with a modern weapons, sonics and avionics suite. These include an advanced integrated passive sonar system using aircraft-dropped sonar buoys, an active dipping sonar, a radar system, a tactical navigation system and electronic support measures equipment which detects radar transmissions from other units. It carries the Sting Ray lightweight torpedo and depth charges and a 7.62mm machine gun can be mounted in the doorway.

- Sea King AEW

The Airborne Early Warning Sea King was rapidly brought into service post the Falklands conflict when it became clear that organic Airborne Early Warning was an essential part of air power at sea. Once again the venerable airframe fitted the bill and, using the Searchwater radar, quickly entered service. The platform offers tactical control to the Sea Harrier, and other shore and carrier based aircraft. It can detect low flying aircraft trying to attack surface ships under conventional shipborne radar cover. It can also be used for surface search again using the sophisticated, computer controlled long range radar.

- Sea King Mk4

The Mk4 is the commando version of the AEW, ASW Sea King helicopter. It has 6000lbs lift capacity and is used in direct support of the Royal Marines. It is able to carry up to 27 troops and has a range of approx 400 miles. It is also able to carry Land Rovers, 105mm guns and air defence missile systems. The Mk4 has a comprehensive defence suite to detect and deter anti-aircraft radar, missiles and guns.

- Lynx Mk8

Primarily an anti-surface and anti-submarine helicopter designed to operate from frigates and destroyers of the Fleet, this fast and capable aircraft is has recently been updated to the Mk8 standard, which is now in service throughout the Fleet. The aircraft is being fitted with a very advanced Central Tactical System and Passive Identification Device in addition to the equipment currently fitted. Each independent flight comprises a pilot, an observer and a team of 7 maintainers. They embark in their ship whenever it sails. Able to fire the Sea Skua anti-surface missile, which proved highly effective during the Gulf war, the Lynx forms an integral part of the ships detection and weapon system and can project the influence of a ship over great distances with the key element of surprise.

A second variant of the Lynx is in service with the Royal Navy. The attack/utility version is operated in support of the Royal Marines in conjunction with the Commando Sea King. It fires the TOW anti-armour missile and gives an autonomous and flexible response against tanks and armoured personnel carriers to the Land Force Commander during Amphibious Operations.

- Merlin

The helicopter’s primary roles are anti-surface ship and submarine warfare, tracking and surveillance, amphibious operations and search and rescue missions. It will operate from Type 22 and Type 23 Class frigates, Invincible Class aircraft carriers and various amphibious warfare ships and land bases. The first Merlin, designated HM Mk 1, entered service with the UK Royal Navy in December 1998, at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose. In September 2000, Merlin began operational trials on Type 23 frigate HMS Lancaster. 44 Merlins are to be delivered by November 2001.

Sources :

	Royal Navy Homepage
	Naval Technology

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