Originally Posted by
Going Boeing
This diagram clearly shows the “time on station” advantages of the SSN over the SSK in the areas that RAN submarines are likely to operate. It’s very significant and shows why 8 SSN’s will be more effective than the previous plan for 12 SSK’s.
Yes. That graphic certainly explains some of the capability increase.
Can anyone explain why the proposed number to be purchased is at least 8 and not at least 9? I thought there was a long-standing ‘rule of three’ with naval hardware (one available/on station for every three due transit/maintenance/etc).
Surely pushing for at least 9 is a small extra price to pay for an even greater amount of available hulls at any one time? Or does 8 provide for something I don’t know about?