As MM points out, this is not before time.
The Type 45 was supposed to enter service in 2007 (according to that nice Mr Ingram) but was delayed. The delay is particularly unfortunate considering the fragile state of the RN's anti air capabilities, given the state and age of the Type 42s, the reduced sixe of the fleet, and the loss of the Sea Harrier (as discussed
here). Yes, the politicians did say that the T45 would cover the shortfall in capability caused. We were meant to get twelve, and should consider ourselves lucky if we get eight. You would need a lot of T45s to provide the same level of capability as a sqaudron of fighters.
When Des Browne made his recent announcement regarding the
Future Carriers many of us expected that the T45 order would be cut to six ships. It was not. Whether we actually get eight is another matter.
Some of the systems developed for the T45 will end up in CVF. SAMPSON comes to mind. Even the building techniques, where the bow section is made by Vosper Thornycroft down South and then transported by barge to the Clyde and integrated with the rest (VT also build the mast) will provide valuable experience for building and integrating CVF.
The
Telegraph says that they will have Harpoon and Tomahawk. Really?
See these other PPRuNe threads:
Type 45 Destroyer - Embarked Aviation
RN T45s to be diverted for Saudi order?
On the subject of NGS:
At Goose Green NGS was provided by HMS
Arrow. The problem was caused by a microswitch, not by the gun jamming. Source:
Task Force: The Falklands War, 1982 by Martin Middlebrook, Penguin, 1987, now on sale updated and under a different name.
BAE Systems proposed a 155mm gun. See
this:
In collaboration with DERA and GIAT, Land Systems are involved in a jointly funded study to assess future naval fire-support requirements for the Royal Navy. Work will focus on the potential to develop a 155mm naval gun which could take advantage of standard NATO ammunition and new extended-range guided munitions already in development for land-based 155mm artillery. The study was intended to identify key enabling technologies, risk-reduction and the most affordable approaches to future naval fire support.