On occasion, I use this platform for professional writing and naval advocacy. This essay is of that nature. If you are here for my light-hearted glimpses of everyday life and are bored by matters of national security, it would be best for you to move on to other things.
The Navy has been worried about the venerability of its capital ships for forever. Back in the day, my little group at NASA wind tunnel tested VSTOL fighter designs that could land and take off the little boys. It was fun. The idea is a no starter when you think of the sea states and logistics required for the little boys to service aircraft.
We have been here before. The French jeune ecole of the early 1900s, Jackie Fisher and his Fish Pond a little later. Strategic Bombing uber alles in the 50s. Mcnamara and his whiz kids, and anything labelled as "Transformational" nowadays. The fundamental requifrements of naval power remain--and certainly platforms and technology change. As somebody else said, "I am imptessed that the NYT can acually spell "Navy".
Nice work!
Bryan, did you try submitting a letter to the editor to New York Times? Maybe you have already.
The Navy has been worried about the venerability of its capital ships for forever. Back in the day, my little group at NASA wind tunnel tested VSTOL fighter designs that could land and take off the little boys. It was fun. The idea is a no starter when you think of the sea states and logistics required for the little boys to service aircraft.
Cheap, fewer crew, easier to lose? Fast Response Cutter hull with a quad of NSMs like a Coast Guard guy said in USNI Review.
And we've got plenty of unmanned weapons to attack the enemy with, they're called Tomahawks and NSMs.
I take it you don't think the CONSTELLATION Class fits this bill?
What the US Navy needs is a good frigate that can be built in reasonable quantities without crushing the bank account.
And yes, the new automated vessels would be very useful in augmenting the limited magazine and sensor suite of such smaller ships.
We have been here before. The French jeune ecole of the early 1900s, Jackie Fisher and his Fish Pond a little later. Strategic Bombing uber alles in the 50s. Mcnamara and his whiz kids, and anything labelled as "Transformational" nowadays. The fundamental requifrements of naval power remain--and certainly platforms and technology change. As somebody else said, "I am imptessed that the NYT can acually spell "Navy".