Originally Posted by
ExtraShot
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?
Yes, that’s a valid point. The Collins class always has 2 in heavy maintenance which leaves 2 (sometimes 3) available for deployment with the last one working up to operational status following maintenance.
There have been a number of statements where they talk about a “minimum of 8” SSN’s to be built in Australia, so they are leaving the option open for additional submarines if the political situation warrants it.