In XXI century the idea of a big warship is quite weird, but not utterly impossible. In the 80ies the Soviets commisioned a fleet of Kirov´s BCs and the US had their Iowa´s BBs. Then, if the two most powerfull navies of Cold War built huge warships then it was not a Science Fiction idea, isn´t it? The only reason they are out of comission was due to Gorbachev´s surrender of the commi empire and the usual lack of sight of american politicians considering that if no Russia then no need of dreadnoughts.
Well, but my idea of a brand new BB for XXI century is this:
1. A 270 meter (886 feet) long dreadnought.
2. 65,000 tons with an up to date amour along all her hull and very deep. All her vitals covered with a sloped armour.
3. Three 18" triple turrets: two front, one aft.
4. Amidships: four Cruise Missile and four Shipwreck missile launch pods.
5. Aegis radar
6. Four Phalanx CIWS, two per side.
7. One VSTOL platform amidships
8. Nuclear powered
Her name is, obvious, Bismarck II.
Just imagine it!
new battleships!!! in our era
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Karl Heidenreich
- Senior Member
- Posts: 4808
- Joined: Thu Jan 12, 2006 3:19 pm
- Location: San José, Costa Rica
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Karl Heidenreich
- Senior Member
- Posts: 4808
- Joined: Thu Jan 12, 2006 3:19 pm
- Location: San José, Costa Rica
A newly state of the art 18" gun with Aegis radar directed fire control could give a heavier warhead than any shipwreck missile, on one hand, that can sink (for example) an aircraft carrier with one salvoe, and could give a stupendous fire back up for troops in a shore landing operation.
And it has a psicological effect: it projects the muscle of diplomacy.
A real life account:
From 1982 until 1988 (+ or -) there was war here, in Central America, the commies were operating from Nicaragua to take all the five countries of the zone. Reagan deployed a battlegroup in the Caribean and sent USS Iowa to Pacific waters. I remember when it came to Costa Rica, huge ship with those majestic triple turrets. The Costa Rican president, who didn´t make up his mind about working with the US, be neutral or throw himself in commie´s arms was invited on board. When he was on deck, without any warning, the ship´s turrets rotated to the West and fired a complete salvoe. That was really something! When the President came ashore again he helped Uncle Sam in every way and finally the commies where kicked out of Nicaragua´s goverment.
Such a ship is a diplomacy´s big stick. No CVN could accomplish such a feat to change minds so quickly. The British understood that in XIX century and Teddy Roosevelt too. But to ask that to Clinton, Bush or Krusty the Clown is to ask too much.
Best regards.
And it has a psicological effect: it projects the muscle of diplomacy.
A real life account:
From 1982 until 1988 (+ or -) there was war here, in Central America, the commies were operating from Nicaragua to take all the five countries of the zone. Reagan deployed a battlegroup in the Caribean and sent USS Iowa to Pacific waters. I remember when it came to Costa Rica, huge ship with those majestic triple turrets. The Costa Rican president, who didn´t make up his mind about working with the US, be neutral or throw himself in commie´s arms was invited on board. When he was on deck, without any warning, the ship´s turrets rotated to the West and fired a complete salvoe. That was really something! When the President came ashore again he helped Uncle Sam in every way and finally the commies where kicked out of Nicaragua´s goverment.
Such a ship is a diplomacy´s big stick. No CVN could accomplish such a feat to change minds so quickly. The British understood that in XIX century and Teddy Roosevelt too. But to ask that to Clinton, Bush or Krusty the Clown is to ask too much.
Best regards.
An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.
Sir Winston Churchill
Sir Winston Churchill