Recent content by calculus

Right, but based on the Brits, it looks like the time to build their T26 is around 7 years, versus 3.5 average for the FDI. It was just a question, not a criticism...

The build rate?

Why couldn't Irving adopt some of the techniques, tools, and procedures used by Naval Group to build their FDI frigates so quickly? https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2026/04/video-how-naval-group-builds-fdi-frigates-so-quickly/

Seen here in this nice description and graphic: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/dam/lockheed-martin/rms/documents/naval-launchers-and-munitions/MK41-VLS-product-card.pdf

Also, Noah is claiming the RCN is looking at adding 8 more MK41 cells. Bottom of the following link: This Week in Defence (03/30/26): River-Class, VLS-Cells, CDC Limits, New Contracts, 2% Talk, New CHER Bundles

MV-75 is very close to being fielded. One would hope this is an option under consideration for nTACS. https://www.military.com/feature/2026/03/27/mv-75-armys-new-aircraft-and-future-of-air-assault-warfare.html

I don't disagree, but I thought one of the design principles for the first batch of 3 was to use mature and in-service systems to reduce risk as much as possible?

The Hunter class are reputedly slightly wider, which I My concern is LEED is largely still in development. It's remarkably hard to find any information on where this program stands.

One of the best looks at the changes introduced in the recently released updated River class model. Interestingly the mention of space for another 8-cell MK41 is discussed again...

No, it (the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho, a batch 1 sub) was commissioned in August 2021. You might be thinking of the first batch 2 version.

Related topic, Cellula has scored a contract to develop a prototype AUV for the USN: https://www.navaltoday.com/2026/03/25/cellula-robotics-wins-contract-to-deliver-auv-prototype-for-us/

The round is called "Shell Shock", and uses basically a steel case (tungsten carbide): This guy was getting those velocities out of an 18 inch barrel. He started to experience barrel burnout around 3500-4000 rds, and some parts breakage, but that was on a pretty standard pattern AR15...

What ammo spec are we talking here? I've seen video of 75 grain bullets travelling at 3500fps, with a pressure of 100000 psi! I would agree with @KevinB that is a substantial increase over standard NATO 556, which is generically described at 62 gr/~62000 psi. That will be punishing to barrels no...

Looks like we can thank Japan for massively de-risking SPY-7, especially with regards to integration with the AEGIS CMS: https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/navy-news/2026/japan-completes-first-spy-7-radar-detection-trials-to-track-multiple-missile-threats-on-asev-destroyers

I noticed the same thing, but I think it's a perspective issue, as the model shown yesterday does not show that feature.