The return of the BB?

Totenkopf · Post by **Totenkopf** » 2002-12-08 04:15pm

Page 73, of Popular Science's 21st Century Soldier :

" In addition to the Triton, the US Navy four Trimarans on the drawing board: A patrol boat, a Frigate, a Corvette and a 750 foot long battelship called the Leviathan which might outperform the Triton as well.
Despite it's size, the Leviathan would be able to turn on a dime, thanks to side mounted thrusters called azipods, also used for docking. Firepower for the Leviathan would include
Two Electromagnetic Rail Guns powered by the ship's turbine engines. Each Rail gun could fire an artillery shell 500 miles at speeds of Mach 10, allowing it to quickly hit inland targets. Also onboard the mighty Leviathan, would be an array of 80 unmanned underwater and aerial vehicles."

Thoughts?

Anarchist Bunny · Post by **Anarchist Bunny** » 2002-12-08 04:17pm

I need a new pair of underwear.

Post by **Kuja** » 2002-12-08 04:20pm

Holy shit.

Cpt_Frank · Post by **Cpt_Frank** » 2002-12-08 04:24pm

ÜBERWANK!!!!!

You really think this'll come true?

Raptor 597 · Post by **Raptor 597** » 2002-12-08 04:26pm

Ah, excellent. The NWELBS Tyrant begins the attack on Britannia and her Commonwealths.

Majin Gojira · Post by **Majin Gojira** » 2002-12-08 04:26pm

Holy poop on stick!!!

Admiral Valdemar · Post by **Admiral Valdemar** » 2002-12-08 04:29pm

Probably bullshit. Watch as a single sub sends it to the bottom with a Spearfish.

BBs are not perfect and are too costly that even the US wouldn't be stupid enough to spend so much cash on one ship which can be fulfilled by numerous smaller vessels.

HemlockGrey · Post by **HemlockGrey** » 2002-12-08 04:30pm

I want one.

Admiral Valdemar · Post by **Admiral Valdemar** » 2002-12-08 04:31pm

Cyril wrote:I want one.

Keep wanting, I can't see this becoming true unless we are reverting to old skool stuff now.

I forsee Man-O-Wars and giant broadsides by 2015...

Laughing Mechanicus · Post by **Laughing Mechanicus** » 2002-12-08 04:35pm

I bring pictures!

Saw them in an article in a science magazine about a year ago, the Royal Navy is apparently part of the project.

Admiral Valdemar · Post by **Admiral Valdemar** » 2002-12-08 04:37pm

Arrr, they be ripping off the HMS Triton that they be!

The Dark · Post by **The Dark** » 2002-12-08 04:40pm

Admiral Valdemar wrote:Arrr, they be ripping off the HMS Triton that they be!

Trimarans have been researched for quite a while. Besides, as said, the RN appears to be part of the project. I don't think they're feasible, but I'm no expert in military technology.

Admiral Valdemar · Post by **Admiral Valdemar** » 2002-12-08 04:42pm

The Dark wrote:
Admiral Valdemar wrote:Arrr, they be ripping off the HMS Triton that they be!
Trimarans have been researched for quite a while. Besides, as said, the RN appears to be part of the project. I don't think they're feasible, but I'm no expert in military technology.

Aye, trimarans are old skool (uh, yeah). But the designs look like the USN and RN are all going for the same layout, flush and relatively small designs, a lot like the Swedish stealth patrol vessel.

I wish the RN was getting those trimaran carriers now...

Laughing Mechanicus · Post by **Laughing Mechanicus** » 2002-12-08 04:45pm

There is anything technically impossible about them, the smaller vessels might be quite useful as the next step when current tech becomes obsolete. Going back to battleships just begs the question "Why...?", although looking at the specs of that ship it seems to be more of an aircraft carrier with 2 big guns "just in case" as opposed to "proper" battleship of old.

Admiral Valdemar · Post by **Admiral Valdemar** » 2002-12-08 04:47pm

Aaron Ash wrote:There is anything technically impossible about them, the smaller vessels might be quite useful as the next step when current tech becomes obsolete. Going back to battleships just begs the question "Why...?", although looking at the specs of that ship it seems to be more of an aircraft carrier with 2 big guns "just in case" as opposed to "proper" battleship of old.

The idea has been floating around for an age, but it was really just a dream and I say still is.

Railguns are good, but no reason to bring the BBs back.