Originally Posted by
ORAC
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/babc...s-small-as-50/
Babcock plans next-gen frigates with crews as small as 50
Babcock has announced its plans for the Type 32 frigates, which could see the vessels operated with crews as small as 50 sailors.
In a detailed discussion with The Telegraph, John Howie, Babcock’s Chief of Corporate Affairs, shed light on the potential that recent technological advancements hold for reducing the necessary crew size on naval ships.
“People talk about a Type 32 frigate – we like to refer to it as Type 31 batch two. We’re doing a crew of about 105 on Type 31, so realistically we should be aiming to half that number for batch two,” Howie explained….
By significantly reducing the crew size from the current requirement of approximately 105 sailors on the Type 31 frigates, Babcock seems to be recognising that the Royal Navy can no longer jam ships full of people and that recruitment is an issue.
Howie also noted the possibility of further reducing the crew numbers below 50, although he acknowledged the importance of maintaining safety and operational integrity.
Assuming T32 would also come in around the c.5000 Ton region, how does a crew of 50 (given that probably mean around 15 officers) keep the ship clean? How do they manage damage control evolutions?
Autonomous systems are great, but cannot completely replace people.