MODEP is a winner in my book. I would like to see one designed with an angle deck from Starboard aft to the Port forward corner. This would make a great Tender and reload ship.
Coolest concept I've ever seen, smart idea to leverage our oil rig industry, just spam these all over the Pacific and Guam, acting as detterent, re-arm, basing, and BMD, its genius really, if the Navy was smart they'd start building these right away, they could also be almost fully autonomous eventually too, most of what our Navy needs is platforms to launch VLS from its less about ships than that really.
@@racoming1035 you do realize we have been operating this exact type of platform for oil industry in the roughest sea states for 70 years since the Tower 4 loss?
An equally important capability would be taking fresh missiles off transport ships, and then transferring them to warships. Obviously you don’t want to be putting this ship in high risk forward areas, but it potentially makes any sheltered waters into a naval base capable of reloading navy ships. That’s where its value lies, not as an arsenal ship (though the massive number of VLS cells does make it look like one).
MODEP looks really interesting. I'm wondering what it's defensive capabilities will be though. Given it's size (about as long as an Arleigh Burke and about two to three times the width) and slow speed, it could be easily intercepted and mission killed. There are definitely two things going for it though. First, it would be hard to sink, I think. And second, it seems to be easy to produce and thus, there would be more of them in reserve.
@@ladikthrawn7078 not even that. It would have to be prepositioned, so you would guess in advance where you're going to need it and send it out ahead of time. Alternatively, when you realise that a conflict is escalating or dragging on longer than you hoped (like the Red Sea) you would belatedly deploy a Europe-based unit down to the region, or relocate one from near the Gulf if that's where you had it.
@@NATObait and for ballistic missiles but those are operational problems...iam more intersted if it can unload VLS cells from a faster supply ship, how long it would take to rearm a vls cell on average and if you could use it even for medium size repairs ... the system is very interesting and has alot of potential.
While it's a really cool idea, it's simply isn't realistic. A huge structure that can only move at 8 knots is going to be an instant target at the onset of a real conflict. A more realistic idea would be to take the Nimitz carriers that are going to be decommissioned, gut the fixed wing flight systems, increase armor and armament, and outfit them with heavy lift cranes. Then you have a much larger, more capable platform that can actually keep pace with other ships in the fleet, and maneuver/defend itself when it's alone. A repurposed oil rig would need to be baby-sat for it's entire forward deployment by at least one destroyer at all times to defend it against submarines and other anti ship combatants. A repurposed Nimitz could essentially be it's own independent operations center while also being capable of rearming destroyers and cruisers at sea. It could also just operate as a standalone missile truck, carrying literally hundreds or thousands of missile tubes. 4 acres of ex-flight deck would hold a LOT of vertical launch equipment.
Extending the service life of Nimitz-class carriers beyond their original 50-year timeframe by more than a few years would pose significant financial challenges. These carriers play a critical role in meeting the congressional requirement to maintain 11 operational carriers at all times. With funding delays impacting the procurement of new carriers, there is a looming shortfall expected by the 2040s. Repurposing these complex ships as missile trucks or as rearmament ships, although an unique concept, will not align with their intended operational role. Instead, it would be more practical and beneficial to keep use carriers for their intended role. Separately, many of the systems and components onboard (especially the NUCLEAR reactors) were designed with a 50-year service life in mind, and pushing beyond this timeframe could lead to increased maintenance costs and operational risks
@@user-gm9mz6nh3s Intended use case doesn't mean anything when they are going to be scrapped. Most of the cost of upkeep on a Nimitz is flight related, or personnel related. By gutting the systems used for flight ops, and turning it into something NOT revolving around flight ops, you remove the vast majority of the operational costs for the ships. A missile truck/ forward deployed sea base will require 1/20th the manpower that a floating airport requires. No steam CATOBAR components to maintain anymore.. the list goes on for reasons to reutilize the platform. As far as needing them for the 11 carrier doctrine, that's why we designed the Fords. They are slated to be removed from service because they are no longer fit to perform their intended mission. So.... Since they are already heading to a scrapyard, remove the old school reactors, replace them with turbines, and pump new life into the ship. Decommissioning and scrapping each carrier is going to cost an ASTOUNDING amount of money, so why not spend it to rejuvenate the (still structurally sound) ship instead?
I think converting nuclear carriers to conventional ones is too expensive. But there are other vessels that could be used, like the Bob Hope-class or Algol-class ships. The Algols can reach speeds of 33 knots. Ref: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Hope-class_vehicle_cargo_ship en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algol-class_vehicle_cargo_ship
@@mattbear9177 This is much better thinking. Using a relatively modern cargo ship design as an arsenal ship makes more sense. Also leverages commercial ship building. For that matter, use a commercial cargo ship design as a basis. USN is already moving towards that.
That's an amazing design. You can position these defensively off the coast and free up DDG-51's from patrol duty. The only problem with these is they will be massive targets. Say they're filled with SM-6, that's almost $4 Billion dollars worth of missiles. One submarine and this thing is finished.
I agree the Subs are the problem. However being stationary/minimal moving they can deploy a good sensor system with bouys and sonar. Add in a pair of Mk 48 torpedo tubes below the surface and potentially helicopters with air dropped torpedo and they become very dangerous platforms to engage. positioning motors would likely be electric with raft mounted diesels to generate power. they would be fairly quiet without the cavitation of a large propeller. Very interesting concept.
@@lukedogwalkeryou are correct it should never be close to a hostile. But that won’t stop a hostile from searching and engaging these massive platforms. Doesn’t matter how close or far it is positioned.
@@armchairgeneral7557 Our main adversary currently is China, this hulk would have to be kept 500-1000 miles away from the Chinese mainland to be safe, and at that point it would almost be easier to just rearm in Japan.
The Philippines need a facility like this to replace the rusting ship they are using for a base at the Second Thomas Shoal. This would help them hold off the Chinese in the South China Sea.
@@paulsteaven The platform featured is a much more stable facility designed for military ops. Oil platforms are NOT designed for military ops. The best you can do with an oil platform is a listening station. The platform featured can host USVs /UAV's and maintain long distance ordinance
@@Jiaqi-p5b They would be trying to use it as a base considering they are currently using a rusted ship with NO missiles that is completely defenseless and may sink.
That is not a arsenal ship or platform, thats a god damn weapons barge! I have had a similar or nearly the same idea as this platform in my mind for quite some time now, and i thought i was crazy
The Biggest problem with that is it's a stationary target for any enemy but if it's well equipt along with some heavy armaments it can be such an autonomus fortress with some 24/7 back up and well maintain facility but when it is within the sea the challenge is the rusty along with sea and temperature the eefects is a fast rust and it has a continous or edible structure like body frame.
MODEP is a missile/torpedo magnet, and how long is it going to take to reload a destroyer? It's better to take a flotilla of those autonomous drone ships at 1:37 and bolt as many Mk 41 vls on the after deck as possible. The task group could draw upon these missile stockpiles first using a data link before having to use their own. Once the drone ships missiles are expended they can go back to a friendly port and have their empty Mk 41 vls replaced. That MODEP wouldn't last long in a shooting match, and it would need defending. When it's ballasted down, it won't be going anywhere fast and will be a sitting duck. And it's got life lifeboats indicating a civilian crew.
Personally, I wouldn't use them to restock vessels. I'd use them as large capacity VLS defensive stations. Those drone boats can't house a VLS system. You'd need something about 10x the displacement to start thinking about it. And it'd need to be purpose built for that mission, they wouldn't be swappable like the containers on those boats are. As for these things being a missile magnet: perfect. The conversion of a surplus oil platform into an arsenal ship would probably cost less than building a new destroyer. And take less time. Not only that, but they have the missile capacity of almost an entire carrier battle group. So good luck hitting it. A SPY-6 should be able to see a helluva way from up there. And subs? Always a threat. Luckily, you can base some anti-sub helicopters on it in case your own attack subs & maritime patrol aircraft didn't already cleanse the region.
When its a great place to live on after nukes drop or zombies arrive. Id love one of these designed to be a home. That or a huge katamari with some spare parts on board
@@AbuHajarAlBugatti There's a 200+ year old Napoleonic fort about 1 mile out at sea from Portsmouth Harbour that's been converted into a home. Comes complete with helicopter pad, tennis courts, luxury accommodation, solitude and failing damp proof. Ideal for a zombie apocalypse.
When I first heard the Navy wanted to explore mobile forward basing type assets, my initial idea was oil rigs would be the solution. I was surprised when the Puller tanker ship was the actual prototype first developed. Now, I'm not sure if the oil rig is better, as it's probably a little too vulnerable. Maybe a mix, oil rigs between Hawaii and the 2nd Island Chain, and Puller EMB's between the 1st and 2nd IC.
Imagine the assets required to defend that leviathan whilst it slowly crawls it's way to its destination. With that much ordnance onboard, it'd be a prize target needing escort, as well as defending in-theater
In a knock-down fight with China, yeah its utility as a *warship* is limited. But this isnt a warship. This is a pre-deployed system. It provides its own air defence, hell it's meant to provide other units with air defence. This would be of exceptional utility in the red sea, and as other have pointed out for the Phillipines. For my money, I'd argue it would even be beneficial in a fight with china providing additional air defence against Chinese anti-ship ballisitic missiles.
Can anyone let me know what is the purpose of such naval exhibitions cuz only different countries contain large navys and if they were to buy any ship they'd probably have a govt to govt deal. Firearms, drones and security expos i get. But i never got the goal of such naval expos.
Government people and military people go there to look for cool new interesting stuff from „smaller“ companies and bigger from around the world and for products big home companies didnt propose to them. And then they think „damn cool sheit lets tell our officials to buy that“ and then buy more new overpriced crap that turns out to be a waste of money. Atleast thats how it usually goes
Xavier did Gibbs & Cox explain that they were trying compete for RAN tier 2 light frigates even though they weren't considered 4 options? I know design isn't in it building phase but Gibbs & Cox does have the room to build light frigates if needed by RAN?
HOLD THE FRONT PAGE.... It's just been announced that the Patriot missiles can now be quad packed into the MK41 launcher and integrated into the AEGIS system. Instead of 1 × SM2, you can now have 4 × Patriot in the same silo. Ergo, there is no need for this drone ship.
Seriously look at this thing then look at that thing static.wikia.nocookie.net/armoredcore/images/f/f0/Ebd6ac9756c9e2c0ac0b207875705517f25222c1.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/250?cb=20100904073747 the only difference between the two is one doesn't have amphibious capabilities and is slightly taller and isn't plastered in guns
The big question on my mind is not which platform to fire VLS missiles from (or reload from), but how do you ramp up production of said missiles. Back when the aresanal ship concept was first discussed by the Navy the limiting factor was how many missiles could be produced per year. I do think this idea handles the reloading question, but not the manufacturing question of how do you make way more missiles.
Worked rigs for 25 years. They're massive but fragile. Last I checked destroyers don't have DP propulsion and being tied to a rig is not an option. Also these things are slow. 2 to 4 months to reposition.
@AbuHajarAlBugatti A gaint floating base that can't move. Perfect target for China's aircraft carrier killer ballistic missiles. You would need to deploy two destroyers and the SBX-1 to protect it.
I'm hoping a few of our Aussie RAN commanders are watching... This looks to me an ideal solution to some of our shorter-term naval requirements, allowing design of useful vessels that are not weighed down with unnecessary numbers of weapons cells... ?
Even if this platform is intended to never be stationed near an actively contested zone, they should still be surrounded by similar, uncrewed or minimally crewed, platforms which are loaded down with weapons systems for both overwatch and underwatch.
True enough. If "weaponized buoys" a tenth the size of this platform are easier to turn out and don't present significant disadvantages, it could be worth considering.
I think many of you missed the part of this video where he explains this platform can be only operational during a Sea State of 4, and can survive a Sea State of 9. This means it can't survive a common oceanic storm, and can only operate under great weather conditions. In a place like South China Sea or near Japan this means it can only be deployed for a few months out of the year. This means it can really be in operational conditions in January thru March (by coincidence, if China invades Taiwan, now you know the timing). In 2023 there was two typhoons recorded during this time, which means it will be moving from safe harbor to safe harbor constantly. This is not a super viable solution.
Currently, America's Pacific fleet can only rearm its warships at specific ports in Japan, Guam and I think there is only 1 port in each place that can carry it out as it take special infrastructure. Two of these platforms could be deployed to other friendly harbors where they are sheltered and still increase the re-arming capacity by 100% or more depending on how well they do the job. Plus they probably have better defenses than a civilian port
People that talk about it's survivability seem to assume it's role is something it isn't. The main job of this platform is to be closer than San Diego so it doesn't take a month to rearm our VLS assets. Not to be some kind of a naval FOB.
I could see putting 1 or 2 of these nearby to Hawaii, Guam, and Japan. That would give a huge defence capability. Especially if 25-50% of the cells were SM6 and 25-50% LRASM.
I can certainly see a MODEP being used as a temporary forward base while a permanent base is being built. For example, at the new Japanese/USA island base not far off Taiwan. You would need integral ASW capability though as well as UAVs etc.
How Could They Be Fully autonomous ????What Would Stop Someone Getting on it And Removing All the Weapons For Themselves,It Could Never Be Left Alone Without a Crew To Guard it 24/7 !!!!!!!
@@ThisPartIsAndrew there's 512 VLS cells on it. What do you mean there's no air defense. All those can be fired. It also has an aegis radar clearly visible. This platform is nothing but defense.
THIS. I had same thought on why not use oil platform tech to make tie up points out in a country’s EEZ. As Aussie this be great up north coast. Especially with increased navy coming, as well as our allies. Be great for VLS reload points
I imagine that would involve taking an existing oil industry MODU platform of which there 100’s and modifying it to fit the mission requirements. While it probably would work ,I believe a missile depot ship concept would be a better choice to accomplish the same goals. Essentially a super tanker type hull similar to the NASSCO built USN ESB’s fitted with the same offensive/defensive missile tubes and which could easily provide all the same advantages plus be far faster, maneuverable and much better suited to warship replenishing.
You could use almost any platform with a flight deck to launch helicopters to look for subs. The problem with this particular vessel is it's too big, too slow, too vulnerable and if you want a helicopter onboard to go chasing enemy subs you will want two sets of pilots. Fuel, ammunition, spare parts, flight deck team, maintenance team, and before the helicopter takes off, it has to know where to look. It's a big ocean. The range of a heavyweight Torpedo such as the British spearfish is 33 miles and travels at 92 mph. The sub only has to get within 30 miles of this thing fire 2-3 torpedoes and its dead and if theres a destroyer alongside being reloaded it's dead too., By the time you know what happened, the subs gone deep and disappeared. This is just a massive target filled with hundreds of very expensive missiles. And how long is it going to take to reload all those missiles onto a destroyer?
If it has an integrated targeting and radar system it could easily replace 4 air batteries or more while staying mobile and being able to use the ordinance for defense or reloading operation. BANANAS
But, those things are incredibly slow aren't they? Like really really really slow, how would this be a viable option against threats if it can't move faster than 10 knots? Only in friendly waters than you argue? You already have faster carriers and airbases for that...
The design needs some work. All 4 legs where the angle changes need to accommodate mk 41 VLS launchers. Each corner needs a CWIS. Upgrade the radar using gallium nitride and it creates its own AAAD bubble. other than that, it's good to go. I was always in favor of an arsenal barge.
Great idea as both a mobile weapons supply depot and mobile command carrier, but there doesn't seem to be any defensive systems included or shown on it. I think it would be an easy target for submarines or aerial bombers without any defensive capabilities added or included in the design.
You mean defensive weapons besides the 512 VLS cells, right? It was shown to have two RIM-116 launchers which could be substituted by Phalanx CIWS if they wanted. If submarines are a threat they could have acoustic countermeasures and a deployable sonar with VL-ASROC loaded into some of those VLS cells to defend itself against submarines. On top of having an MH-60R ASW helicopter or two on the deck.
@@stevenreddy6842Great idea, but what if the submarine commander is NOT a complete idiot and remembers to hide in the thermal layers negating the effectiveness of your active sonar? I did ASW patrols in the 1980s in the GIUK gap and a surface ship looking for submarines is like looking for a gas leak with a match.
@@stephennelmes4557 A deployed sonar as in something like the TB-37 MFTA, something that’s usually towed by a destroyer or submarine so that it can listen under the thermal layer while the host ship/boat is above.
Yes I understand but not at the slow speed this things going to be traveling at. You would be trying to conduct a vertrep using a crane to load explosive ordinance onto a destroyer. The destroyers generators are going to be running. Your own are also running, and you'll be trying to ascertain the bearing and guessing the range of a contact on passive sonar to try to prosecute it. The whole thing is a missile magnet 🧲 and a sitting duck. Use the drone as shown and fire the missiles from it using link.
@@kristinaF54At between 5 - 7 kts ??? Too big to hide, too slow to keep up and when its ballasted down its going absolutely nowhere. It's also got SPY phased array radar on the model , WTF ?. Are you really going to launch missiles from this while conducting a replenishment. Missiles on cranes, destroyers alongside and crew on deck? The PLA ( N ) would love this sitting duck.
Unless you're stringing several of them together, you're not landing anything big enough to load/offload more than a few tons by air anyway. The main way to supply it would be by ship.
I've been talking about this for years to my long suffering friends who pretend to listen. Also a carrier trimaran consisting of a Nimitz class carrier in the middle and a couple of mothballed carriers as outriggers. 😜
Why could not the idea of using or converting, former semi-submersible floating-platform self-propelled oil and gas rig's. In to forward deployed Mobile Logistical Replenishment at Sea, Semi-submersible Floating-platform Self-propelled Sea Base. Not just for supporting and resupplying Naval Warships and Submarines, with the likes of Surface to Air Missiles, or Anti Ship Missiles. Or the likes of Anti-Submarine Missiles, or Land Attack Cruise Missiles, or even Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles, or new Hypersonic Attack Missiles too. By using multiple heavy lift cranes, which are mounted on either side of the floating base. While between the Semi-submersible pontoons, also under the platform main structural. Could be a lowering and extendable loading and unloading vehicle ramp, which the likes of Air Cushion Landing Craft's (ACLC's), or Vehicle Personnel Landing Craft's (VPLC's). Or Landing Craft Medium's (LCM's) and Landing Craft Utility (LCU's), plus Landing Ships Medium's (LSM's) and Landing Ship Logistic (LSL's), could all dock with and load from or unload too. Or even Amphibious Armoured Assualt Vehicles, could deploy into the water from, or be recovered back from water onto as well. Though equally supporting and resupplying Littoral Amphibious Marine Units too. These converted former semi-submersible floating-platforms self-propelled oil and gas rig's, could be equally provided on top. With a both short take-off and vertical take-off plus vertical landing Flight Deck, as well as Island housing Flight Operation Deck and Bridge Deck with sensors and communication arrays etc too. Which has short take-over runway, that long enough for F-35B's take-off, maybe with a Skyjump at one end too. While the rest of the Flight Deck, is divided up into Helicopter Landing and Take-off Pads, plus Landing Pads for F-35B's too. Then one level down from the Flight Deck, would be a large Aircraft Hangar Deck, which is linked to the Flight Deck, by a pair of external Aircraft Elevators. While the Flight Deck and Aircraft Hangar Deck, are linked internally to lower Cargo Storage Decks, Weapons Storage Decks, Accommodation Decks, maybe a Marine Emergency Surgiccal Hospital deck too. By different personnel, weapons, cargo and vehicle lift shafts too, able to transfer anything from Light Armoured Wheeled Fighting Vehicles, to stretchards carrying wounded personnel. So these Mobile Logistical Replenishment at Sea, Semi-submersible Floating-platform Self-propelled Sea Bases, could supporting a Marine Air Wing. Consisting of a Squadron of F-35B Lighting ll Fighter's, as well as a squadron of AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopters. Along with a Squadron of UH-1Y Venom Utility Helicopters, with a Squardon of MV-22B Osprey Tilt-Rotor's and a Squadron of CH-53K King Stallion Heavy Lift Helicopters too. Plus a Squardon of US Navy MH-60R "Romo" Seahawk Anti-Submarine Warfare Helicopters and MH-60S "S" Knighthawk Multirole (CSAR /VERTREP / MEDEVAC / CAS / MARINDT / SWS / ISR / ALMDS) Helicopters too. Along with one Marine Littoral Battalion of Marines, plus Squardon of Naval Special Forces too. With these Mobile Logistical Replenishment at Sea, Semi-submersible Floating platform Self-propelled Sea Base, equally built with their own Vertical Launch System (VLS). Equally mounted with Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS's) plus Direct Energy Weapons (DEW's) too, both for the Self Defence of the Sea Base, with the added capability of Offensive Strike Operations too.
i feel like there looking at ukraine specifically how russia used their sea platforms in the black sea. i still feel like repairing would be what u really want here
LCS don't have VLS. Best we can do is put of deck launcher is the helo pad. This is partly the reason why LCS program was a failure. We spent 500-600M per LCS and all it can do is chase pirates on rubber crafts.
What a fantastic idea to accelerate ecological destruction! Now, in addition to getting rid of missile bases, you get a complimentary oil spill with every attack!
How the hell does a Chinese account get to post a Wikipedia link and it doesn't get deleted but every time I post any sort of link for any sort of source, my comments get deleted
@@ThisPartIsAndrew I do not have that problem, perhaps someone flagged you for posting something you shouldn't en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sachsen-class_frigate
I love this idea! Using this to defend fixed sites would free up a huge chunk of the surface fleet.
MODEP is a winner in my book. I would like to see one designed with an angle deck from Starboard aft to the Port forward corner. This would make a great Tender and reload ship.
It is like the 1985 portable tactical battle platform from G.I. Joe TV show.
Coolest concept I've ever seen, smart idea to leverage our oil rig industry, just spam these all over the Pacific and Guam, acting as detterent, re-arm, basing, and BMD, its genius really, if the Navy was smart they'd start building these right away, they could also be almost fully autonomous eventually too, most of what our Navy needs is platforms to launch VLS from its less about ships than that really.
This thing is oozing with potential.
So did Texas Tower #4.
@racoming1035 Looks like that was intended as a permanent installation. This one can at least move out of the way of the worst weather.
@@racoming1035 you do realize we have been operating this exact type of platform for oil industry in the roughest sea states for 70 years since the Tower 4 loss?
An equally important capability would be taking fresh missiles off transport ships, and then transferring them to warships. Obviously you don’t want to be putting this ship in high risk forward areas, but it potentially makes any sheltered waters into a naval base capable of reloading navy ships. That’s where its value lies, not as an arsenal ship (though the massive number of VLS cells does make it look like one).
SOLID SNAKE WOULD BE PROUD
You mean Big Boss.
Motherbase
MODEP looks really interesting. I'm wondering what it's defensive capabilities will be though. Given it's size (about as long as an Arleigh Burke and about two to three times the width) and slow speed, it could be easily intercepted and mission killed.
There are definitely two things going for it though. First, it would be hard to sink, I think. And second, it seems to be easy to produce and thus, there would be more of them in reserve.
It doesn't seem to be positioned as a standalone surface combatant. It would need to be protected just like the rest of the logistics chain.
@@Nainara32 So it would be a part of a resupply fleet/convoy? Understood, thank you.
@@ladikthrawn7078 not even that. It would have to be prepositioned, so you would guess in advance where you're going to need it and send it out ahead of time. Alternatively, when you realise that a conflict is escalating or dragging on longer than you hoped (like the Red Sea) you would belatedly deploy a Europe-based unit down to the region, or relocate one from near the Gulf if that's where you had it.
Definitely an easy submarine target.
@@NATObait and for ballistic missiles but those are operational problems...iam more intersted if it can unload VLS cells from a faster supply ship, how long it would take to rearm a vls cell on average and if you could use it even for medium size repairs ... the system is very interesting and has alot of potential.
While it's a really cool idea, it's simply isn't realistic. A huge structure that can only move at 8 knots is going to be an instant target at the onset of a real conflict.
A more realistic idea would be to take the Nimitz carriers that are going to be decommissioned, gut the fixed wing flight systems, increase armor and armament, and outfit them with heavy lift cranes. Then you have a much larger, more capable platform that can actually keep pace with other ships in the fleet, and maneuver/defend itself when it's alone. A repurposed oil rig would need to be baby-sat for it's entire forward deployment by at least one destroyer at all times to defend it against submarines and other anti ship combatants. A repurposed Nimitz could essentially be it's own independent operations center while also being capable of rearming destroyers and cruisers at sea. It could also just operate as a standalone missile truck, carrying literally hundreds or thousands of missile tubes. 4 acres of ex-flight deck would hold a LOT of vertical launch equipment.
Extending the service life of Nimitz-class carriers beyond their original 50-year timeframe by more than a few years would pose significant financial challenges. These carriers play a critical role in meeting the congressional requirement to maintain 11 operational carriers at all times. With funding delays impacting the procurement of new carriers, there is a looming shortfall expected by the 2040s.
Repurposing these complex ships as missile trucks or as rearmament ships, although an unique concept, will not align with their intended operational role. Instead, it would be more practical and beneficial to keep use carriers for their intended role. Separately, many of the systems and components onboard (especially the NUCLEAR reactors) were designed with a 50-year service life in mind, and pushing beyond this timeframe could lead to increased maintenance costs and operational risks
@@user-gm9mz6nh3s Intended use case doesn't mean anything when they are going to be scrapped. Most of the cost of upkeep on a Nimitz is flight related, or personnel related. By gutting the systems used for flight ops, and turning it into something NOT revolving around flight ops, you remove the vast majority of the operational costs for the ships. A missile truck/ forward deployed sea base will require 1/20th the manpower that a floating airport requires. No steam CATOBAR components to maintain anymore.. the list goes on for reasons to reutilize the platform.
As far as needing them for the 11 carrier doctrine, that's why we designed the Fords. They are slated to be removed from service because they are no longer fit to perform their intended mission. So.... Since they are already heading to a scrapyard, remove the old school reactors, replace them with turbines, and pump new life into the ship. Decommissioning and scrapping each carrier is going to cost an ASTOUNDING amount of money, so why not spend it to rejuvenate the (still structurally sound) ship instead?
@espeterson522 it's not john or jane q public you'd need to convince.
I think converting nuclear carriers to conventional ones is too expensive. But there are other vessels that could be used, like the Bob Hope-class or Algol-class ships. The Algols can reach speeds of 33 knots. Ref: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Hope-class_vehicle_cargo_ship en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algol-class_vehicle_cargo_ship
@@mattbear9177 This is much better thinking. Using a relatively modern cargo ship design as an arsenal ship makes more sense. Also leverages commercial ship building. For that matter, use a commercial cargo ship design as a basis. USN is already moving towards that.
Metal gear solid ahh base
That's an amazing design. You can position these defensively off the coast and free up DDG-51's from patrol duty. The only problem with these is they will be massive targets. Say they're filled with SM-6, that's almost $4 Billion dollars worth of missiles. One submarine and this thing is finished.
I agree the Subs are the problem. However being stationary/minimal moving they can deploy a good sensor system with bouys and sonar. Add in a pair of Mk 48 torpedo tubes below the surface and potentially helicopters with air dropped torpedo and they become very dangerous platforms to engage. positioning motors would likely be electric with raft mounted diesels to generate power. they would be fairly quiet without the cavitation of a large propeller. Very interesting concept.
This thing should never be within 500 miles of a hostile. This is a mobile resupply node, not a shooter.
@@lukedogwalkeryou are correct it should never be close to a hostile. But that won’t stop a hostile from searching and engaging these massive platforms. Doesn’t matter how close or far it is positioned.
@@armchairgeneral7557 Our main adversary currently is China, this hulk would have to be kept 500-1000 miles away from the Chinese mainland to be safe, and at that point it would almost be easier to just rearm in Japan.
You can easily protect this thing from subs by simply moving it to shallow water. It's perfect for defending natural reef sites.
The Philippines need a facility like this to replace the rusting ship they are using for a base at the Second Thomas Shoal. This would help them hold off the Chinese in the South China Sea.
The Philippine Navy/Marines already occupies some decommissioned oil rigs as FOBs. Safe to assume that they add more in the near future.
@@paulsteaven The platform featured is a much more stable facility designed for military ops. Oil platforms are NOT designed for military ops. The best you can do with an oil platform is a listening station. The platform featured can host USVs /UAV's and maintain long distance ordinance
putting assets like this in the South China Sea only increase tension. It’s not war time yet.
@@waynecmontgomerythese things have too many missiles on them and is moving way too slow to be put in a hot zone in my opinion.
@@Jiaqi-p5b They would be trying to use it as a base considering they are currently using a rusted ship with NO missiles that is completely defenseless and may sink.
Denmark has been contemplating a seabased replenishment platform somewhat of this kind around Greenland years ago
Do you have a source for this?
That is not a arsenal ship or platform, thats a god damn weapons barge!
I have had a similar or nearly the same idea as this platform in my mind for quite some time now, and i thought i was crazy
The Biggest problem with that is it's a stationary target for any enemy but if it's well equipt along with some heavy armaments it can be such an autonomus fortress with some 24/7 back up and well maintain facility but when it is within the sea the challenge is the rusty along with sea and temperature the eefects is a fast rust and it has a continous or edible structure like body frame.
MODEP is a missile/torpedo magnet, and how long is it going to take to reload a destroyer? It's better to take a flotilla of those autonomous drone ships at 1:37 and bolt as many Mk 41 vls on the after deck as possible. The task group could draw upon these missile stockpiles first using a data link before having to use their own. Once the drone ships missiles are expended they can go back to a friendly port and have their empty Mk 41 vls replaced. That MODEP wouldn't last long in a shooting match, and it would need defending. When it's ballasted down, it won't be going anywhere fast and will be a sitting duck. And it's got life lifeboats indicating a civilian crew.
Personally, I wouldn't use them to restock vessels. I'd use them as large capacity VLS defensive stations.
Those drone boats can't house a VLS system. You'd need something about 10x the displacement to start thinking about it. And it'd need to be purpose built for that mission, they wouldn't be swappable like the containers on those boats are.
As for these things being a missile magnet: perfect. The conversion of a surplus oil platform into an arsenal ship would probably cost less than building a new destroyer. And take less time. Not only that, but they have the missile capacity of almost an entire carrier battle group. So good luck hitting it. A SPY-6 should be able to see a helluva way from up there.
And subs? Always a threat. Luckily, you can base some anti-sub helicopters on it in case your own attack subs & maritime patrol aircraft didn't already cleanse the region.
Exactly - it's survival time is the time it takes a sub to get there
They could claim "bait" is its secondary role
When its a great place to live on after nukes drop or zombies arrive. Id love one of these designed to be a home. That or a huge katamari with some spare parts on board
@@AbuHajarAlBugatti There's a 200+ year old Napoleonic fort about 1 mile out at sea from Portsmouth Harbour that's been converted into a home. Comes complete with helicopter pad, tennis courts, luxury accommodation, solitude and failing damp proof. Ideal for a zombie apocalypse.
@@Wannes_ Yeah,..jail bait. Because the guy that designed it wants locking up.
Bit like a floating Fort. A forward mounting area.
It's a good concept, but what can you do to deter submarines and drones or from detection? Can such big structure become stealth?
When I first heard the Navy wanted to explore mobile forward basing type assets, my initial idea was oil rigs would be the solution. I was surprised when the Puller tanker ship was the actual prototype first developed. Now, I'm not sure if the oil rig is better, as it's probably a little too vulnerable. Maybe a mix, oil rigs between Hawaii and the 2nd Island Chain, and Puller EMB's between the 1st and 2nd IC.
Thanks for video.
Imagine the assets required to defend that leviathan whilst it slowly crawls it's way to its destination. With that much ordnance onboard, it'd be a prize target needing escort, as well as defending in-theater
In a knock-down fight with China, yeah its utility as a *warship* is limited. But this isnt a warship. This is a pre-deployed system. It provides its own air defence, hell it's meant to provide other units with air defence. This would be of exceptional utility in the red sea, and as other have pointed out for the Phillipines. For my money, I'd argue it would even be beneficial in a fight with china providing additional air defence against Chinese anti-ship ballisitic missiles.
Can anyone let me know what is the purpose of such naval exhibitions cuz only different countries contain large navys and if they were to buy any ship they'd probably have a govt to govt deal. Firearms, drones and security expos i get. But i never got the goal of such naval expos.
Government people and military people go there to look for cool new interesting stuff from „smaller“ companies and bigger from around the world and for products big home companies didnt propose to them. And then they think „damn cool sheit lets tell our officials to buy that“ and then buy more new overpriced crap that turns out to be a waste of money. Atleast thats how it usually goes
Xavier did Gibbs & Cox explain that they were trying compete for RAN tier 2 light frigates even though they weren't considered 4 options? I know design isn't in it building phase but Gibbs & Cox does have the room to build light frigates if needed by RAN?
HOLD THE FRONT PAGE....
It's just been announced that the Patriot missiles can now be quad packed into the MK41 launcher and integrated into the AEGIS system. Instead of 1 × SM2, you can now have 4 × Patriot in the same silo. Ergo, there is no need for this drone ship.
2:55 LOL hey everyone look it's an arms Fort from armored Core for answer
Seriously look at this thing then look at that thing static.wikia.nocookie.net/armoredcore/images/f/f0/Ebd6ac9756c9e2c0ac0b207875705517f25222c1.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/250?cb=20100904073747 the only difference between the two is one doesn't have amphibious capabilities and is slightly taller and isn't plastered in guns
The big question on my mind is not which platform to fire VLS missiles from (or reload from), but how do you ramp up production of said missiles. Back when the aresanal ship concept was first discussed by the Navy the limiting factor was how many missiles could be produced per year. I do think this idea handles the reloading question, but not the manufacturing question of how do you make way more missiles.
鑽油台改造成為飛彈防禦，
不緊緊可以提供船艦補給。
船隻驅動系統，建議參照如下：
海面上有強勁的風，
船艦上是否安裝風力發電系統
要不就是安裝太陽能發電系統，
兩項系統作為該船艦的輔助系統
提供給予船艦的動能。
柴油為主要動力，
新生能源為輔助動力。
Now make it stealthy.
You can't. It's as big as a building.
Congress & DOD ought to be investing in this ASAP! Like, right now!
Worked rigs for 25 years. They're massive but fragile. Last I checked destroyers don't have DP propulsion and being tied to a rig is not an option. Also these things are slow. 2 to 4 months to reposition.
A base on sea is great.
China just builds artifical islands instead.
@AbuHajarAlBugatti A gaint floating base that can't move. Perfect target for China's aircraft carrier killer ballistic missiles. You would need to deploy two destroyers and the SBX-1 to protect it.
I'm hoping a few of our Aussie RAN commanders are watching... This looks to me an ideal solution to some of our shorter-term naval requirements, allowing design of useful vessels that are not weighed down with unnecessary numbers of weapons cells... ?
Even if this platform is intended to never be stationed near an actively contested zone, they should still be surrounded by similar, uncrewed or minimally crewed, platforms which are loaded down with weapons systems for both overwatch and underwatch.
You can put the same defense systems on there as on a frigate or any other ship
True enough. If "weaponized buoys" a tenth the size of this platform are easier to turn out and don't present significant disadvantages, it could be worth considering.
Bout time something like this get's built, Front Mission was doing naval defense platforms in the 90s, way behind the 8ball.
I would think Gibb and Cox would want to work with the expeditionary mobile base to handle this mission. I'm guessing the problem is size?
I think many of you missed the part of this video where he explains this platform can be only operational during a Sea State of 4, and can survive a Sea State of 9. This means it can't survive a common oceanic storm, and can only operate under great weather conditions. In a place like South China Sea or near Japan this means it can only be deployed for a few months out of the year. This means it can really be in operational conditions in January thru March (by coincidence, if China invades Taiwan, now you know the timing). In 2023 there was two typhoons recorded during this time, which means it will be moving from safe harbor to safe harbor constantly. This is not a super viable solution.
Currently, America's Pacific fleet can only rearm its warships at specific ports in Japan, Guam and I think there is only 1 port in each place that can carry it out as it take special infrastructure. Two of these platforms could be deployed to other friendly harbors where they are sheltered and still increase the re-arming capacity by 100% or more depending on how well they do the job. Plus they probably have better defenses than a civilian port
Great potential as an AAW and replenishment platform.
But, it's going to need an ASW screen around it.
Slow and vulnerable to submarines.
People that talk about it's survivability seem to assume it's role is something it isn't. The main job of this platform is to be closer than San Diego so it doesn't take a month to rearm our VLS assets. Not to be some kind of a naval FOB.
I could see putting 1 or 2 of these nearby to Hawaii, Guam, and Japan. That would give a huge defence capability. Especially if 25-50% of the cells were SM6 and 25-50% LRASM.
I would call this The Sitting Duck lol
why use it primarily as resupply and not mobile missile bmd base?
there's also a humanitarian aspect to this platform..
nah, just war. there's already plenty of humanitarian platforms in ships and they're MASSIVE
I can certainly see a MODEP being used as a temporary forward base while a permanent base is being built. For example, at the new Japanese/USA island base not far off Taiwan. You would need integral ASW capability though as well as UAVs etc.
since this thing is very slow ofcs it will be a pain in the ass to defend with ASAW
Offer the platform to the Philippines
How Could They Be Fully autonomous ????What Would Stop Someone Getting on it And Removing All the Weapons For Themselves,It Could Never Be Left Alone Without a Crew To Guard it 24/7 !!!!!!!
We putting Phalanxes on each corner, right? I see no air defense.
Phalanx us out, it's so yesterday, today it's RAM
@@heuhen all RAMs are Phalanx-based. The SeaRAM is a combination of the Phalanx and the RAM missile system.
@@ThisPartIsAndrew there's 512 VLS cells on it. What do you mean there's no air defense. All those can be fired. It also has an aegis radar clearly visible. This platform is nothing but defense.
Dude 512 vls = 2048 sam
If desired
Clueless
@@JZGreenline that’s great for ballistic missile defense but that’s not all that would be aiming at this
MODEP could be use by the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea
sometimes, i don't like USA STYLE, its like planning but in its way, its just TRIAL AND ERROR
THIS.
I had same thought on why not use oil platform tech to make tie up points out in a country’s EEZ.
As Aussie this be great up north coast. Especially with increased navy coming, as well as our allies. Be great for VLS reload points
Ex £10 POM. Lived in Frankston 3199 as a kid. Happy memories.
i want one
Does the JMSDF know?
24 months? that's crazy fast
I imagine that would involve taking an existing oil industry MODU platform of which there 100’s and modifying it to fit the mission requirements. While it probably would work ,I believe a missile depot ship concept would be a better choice to accomplish the same goals. Essentially a super tanker type hull similar to the NASSCO built USN ESB’s fitted with the same offensive/defensive missile tubes and which could easily provide all the same advantages plus be far faster, maneuverable and much better suited to warship replenishing.
Thailand should contract for 2 vessels - one for the Gulf of Thailand, and one for the Andaman Sea.
You could use almost any platform with a flight deck to launch helicopters to look for subs. The problem with this particular vessel is it's too big, too slow, too vulnerable and if you want a helicopter onboard to go chasing enemy subs you will want two sets of pilots. Fuel, ammunition, spare parts, flight deck team, maintenance team, and before the helicopter takes off, it has to know where to look. It's a big ocean. The range of a heavyweight Torpedo such as the British spearfish is 33 miles and travels at 92 mph. The sub only has to get within 30 miles of this thing fire 2-3 torpedoes and its dead and if theres a destroyer alongside being reloaded it's dead too., By the time you know what happened, the subs gone deep and disappeared. This is just a massive target filled with hundreds of very expensive missiles. And how long is it going to take to reload all those missiles onto a destroyer?
They could probably have VSTOL jets on station for air cover.
Just add the crane to the USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB-3).
If it has an integrated targeting and radar system it could easily replace 4 air batteries or more while staying mobile and being able to use the ordinance for defense or reloading operation. BANANAS
But, those things are incredibly slow aren't they? Like really really really slow, how would this be a viable option against threats if it can't move faster than 10 knots? Only in friendly waters than you argue? You already have faster carriers and airbases for that...
🇺🇸
We need hundreds of those deployed across the free world to defend against the coming nuclear war
I believe the Phillipines should build a oil rig military base
The design needs some work. All 4 legs where the angle changes need to accommodate mk 41 VLS launchers. Each corner needs a CWIS. Upgrade the radar using gallium nitride and it creates its own AAAD bubble. other than that, it's good to go. I was always in favor of an arsenal barge.
Great idea as both a mobile weapons supply depot and mobile command carrier, but there doesn't seem to be any defensive systems included or shown on it. I think it would be an easy target for submarines or aerial bombers without any defensive capabilities added or included in the design.
You mean defensive weapons besides the 512 VLS cells, right? It was shown to have two RIM-116 launchers which could be substituted by Phalanx CIWS if they wanted.
If submarines are a threat they could have acoustic countermeasures and a deployable sonar with VL-ASROC loaded into some of those VLS cells to defend itself against submarines. On top of having an MH-60R ASW helicopter or two on the deck.
@@stevenreddy6842Great idea, but what if the submarine commander is NOT a complete idiot and remembers to hide in the thermal layers negating the effectiveness of your active sonar? I did ASW patrols in the 1980s in the GIUK gap and a surface ship looking for submarines is like looking for a gas leak with a match.
@@stephennelmes4557 A deployed sonar as in something like the TB-37 MFTA, something that’s usually towed by a destroyer or submarine so that it can listen under the thermal layer while the host ship/boat is above.
Yes I understand but not at the slow speed this things going to be traveling at. You would be trying to conduct a vertrep using a crane to load explosive ordinance onto a destroyer. The destroyers generators are going to be running. Your own are also running, and you'll be trying to ascertain the bearing and guessing the range of a contact on passive sonar to try to prosecute it. The whole thing is a missile magnet 🧲 and a sitting duck. Use the drone as shown and fire the missiles from it using link.
@@stephennelmes4557 Could you maybe, I don't know, use helicopters off of this thing to look for subs? From the clearly shown helipads?
Floating Golden 🦆....
what a fantastic idea
Not survivable. Oops there goes 500+ rockets
Long live the enclave
9 to 12 month on station without refuel? Thats a standing time.
Metal Gear Solid 5 anyone?
Boy, what a target.
Stationary high value target.
Not stationary like an oil rig, this platform cruises the high seas.
Yep, big fat juicy sitting duck. Especially when ballasted down... Missile magnet 🧲.
@@kristinaF54At between 5 - 7 kts ??? Too big to hide, too slow to keep up and when its ballasted down its going absolutely nowhere. It's also got SPY phased array radar on the model , WTF ?. Are you really going to launch missiles from this while conducting a replenishment. Missiles on cranes, destroyers alongside and crew on deck? The PLA ( N ) would love this sitting duck.
Totally agree 👍.
A lot less stationary than the Patriot batteries on Guam or Japan.
Shouldn't they design this with a traditional runway , so they can get supplies when vtol is unavailable ?
Unless you're stringing several of them together, you're not landing anything big enough to load/offload more than a few tons by air anyway.
The main way to supply it would be by ship.
Have yet to hear an American defense contractor pronounce Fincantieri correctly! 😂
I've been talking about this for years to my long suffering friends who pretend to listen. Also a carrier trimaran consisting of a Nimitz class carrier in the middle and a couple of mothballed carriers as outriggers. 😜
Yeah thats just oil rigs with guns
First phrase that came to mind when I saw this was South China Sea ;)
Philippine badly needs this ASAP before vaChina take over its shores
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards have been sing oil rigs as military bases
It didn''t work out well for them
Why could not the idea of using or converting, former semi-submersible floating-platform self-propelled oil and gas rig's.
In to forward deployed Mobile Logistical Replenishment at Sea, Semi-submersible Floating-platform Self-propelled Sea Base.
Not just for supporting and resupplying Naval Warships and Submarines, with the likes of Surface to Air Missiles, or Anti Ship Missiles.
Or the likes of Anti-Submarine Missiles, or Land Attack Cruise Missiles, or even Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles, or new Hypersonic Attack Missiles too.
By using multiple heavy lift cranes, which are mounted on either side of the floating base.
While between the Semi-submersible pontoons, also under the platform main structural.
Could be a lowering and extendable loading and unloading vehicle ramp, which the likes of Air Cushion Landing Craft's (ACLC's), or Vehicle Personnel Landing Craft's (VPLC's).
Or Landing Craft Medium's (LCM's) and Landing Craft Utility (LCU's), plus Landing Ships Medium's (LSM's) and Landing Ship Logistic (LSL's), could all dock with and load from or unload too.
Or even Amphibious Armoured Assualt Vehicles, could deploy into the water from, or be recovered back from water onto as well.
Though equally supporting and resupplying Littoral Amphibious Marine Units too.
These converted former semi-submersible floating-platforms self-propelled oil and gas rig's, could be equally provided on top.
With a both short take-off and vertical take-off plus vertical landing Flight Deck, as well as Island housing Flight Operation Deck and Bridge Deck with sensors and communication arrays etc too.
Which has short take-over runway, that long enough for F-35B's take-off, maybe with a Skyjump at one end too.
While the rest of the Flight Deck, is divided up into Helicopter Landing and Take-off Pads, plus Landing Pads for F-35B's too.
Then one level down from the Flight Deck, would be a large Aircraft Hangar Deck, which is linked to the Flight Deck, by a pair of external Aircraft Elevators.
While the Flight Deck and Aircraft Hangar Deck, are linked internally to lower Cargo Storage Decks, Weapons Storage Decks, Accommodation Decks, maybe a Marine Emergency Surgiccal Hospital deck too.
By different personnel, weapons, cargo and vehicle lift shafts too, able to transfer anything from Light Armoured Wheeled Fighting Vehicles, to stretchards carrying wounded personnel.
So these Mobile Logistical Replenishment at Sea, Semi-submersible Floating-platform Self-propelled Sea Bases, could supporting a Marine Air Wing.
Consisting of a Squadron of F-35B Lighting ll Fighter's, as well as a squadron of AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopters.
Along with a Squadron of UH-1Y Venom Utility Helicopters, with a Squardon of MV-22B Osprey Tilt-Rotor's and a Squadron of CH-53K King Stallion Heavy Lift Helicopters too.
Plus a Squardon of US Navy MH-60R "Romo" Seahawk Anti-Submarine Warfare Helicopters and MH-60S "S" Knighthawk Multirole (CSAR /VERTREP / MEDEVAC / CAS / MARINDT / SWS / ISR / ALMDS) Helicopters too.
Along with one Marine Littoral Battalion of Marines, plus Squardon of Naval Special Forces too.
With these Mobile Logistical Replenishment at Sea, Semi-submersible Floating platform Self-propelled Sea Base, equally built with their own Vertical Launch System (VLS).
Equally mounted with Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS's) plus Direct Energy Weapons (DEW's) too, both for the Self Defence of the Sea Base, with the added capability of Offensive Strike Operations too.
Stay off the drugs.
i feel like there looking at ukraine specifically how russia used their sea platforms in the black sea. i still feel like repairing would be what u really want here
👏👍🤙
A forward deployed, mobile base. Interesting concept. Use a few Independence LCS ships loaded for anti air as self protection.
LCS don't have VLS. Best we can do is put of deck launcher is the helo pad. This is partly the reason why LCS program was a failure. We spent 500-600M per LCS and all it can do is chase pirates on rubber crafts.
Concept is called, "Sitting Duck".
Not really, everyship is already a " sitting duck " if found 😂.
This thing will be harder to kill , much harder
Screw the new frigates for Canada, this is perfect
These are always unworkable concepts. Interesting, but worthless if it can't move at battle speeds.
They built an autonomous transport ship? Do they want their stuff stolen? They also want to build a very slow aircraft carrier. Pass.
So Uss constitution
What a fantastic idea to accelerate ecological destruction! Now, in addition to getting rid of missile bases, you get a complimentary oil spill with every attack!
Nobody ever tell this guy what fuels almost every single warship in every navy ...
@@dgthe3
Dont tell him about nuclear powered ships and subs
MODEP is like Chinese made HQ-981. Everytime it appear, it present for international law violation
talk talk talk... get to the damn point.
Taiwan would love these stationed around the island hmmm 🤔
We will see the Chinese copy this
No 😂😂.
Reminds me of this: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siebel_ferry
Easy target, if no weapons defense for that built. 😅
keep in mind this is a base layout, but on it is one Phalanx CIWS and one sea ram
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_ABSD-6
How the hell does a Chinese account get to post a Wikipedia link and it doesn't get deleted but every time I post any sort of link for any sort of source, my comments get deleted
@@ThisPartIsAndrew I do not have that problem, perhaps someone flagged you for posting something you shouldn't
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sachsen-class_frigate
@@heuhen true, CCP bots flag me for posting the truth about their floundering Navy, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't