Beyond The Sprues

Modelling => Ideas & Inspiration => Sea => Topic started by: dy031101 on March 14, 2015, 11:42:11 AM

Title: Makeshift Warships
Post by: dy031101 on March 14, 2015, 11:42:11 AM
Rio Damuji class OPV, converted from Spanish-built fishing trawlers:

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4e/Rio_Damuji_n%C2%B0_390.jpg/1920px-Rio_Damuji_n%C2%B0_390.jpg)
Early configuration, one twin 57mm adopted from AA tank, two P-15 Termit AShM launchers, two 14.5mm MGs, and two twin 25mm autocannons.

(http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/cuba/images/rio-damuji-image3.jpg)
Upgrades, with adopted AA tank turret replaced by naval turret, and 25mm mounts by two AK-630 CIWS with associated fire control radars.

Cubans apparently fly Mi-8 or Mi-14 off the two OPVs of the class.

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It makes me wonder what other ships can be modified this way......  maybe some might even retain their original functions (for examples, cargo or fuel transport) while serving as patrol ships?
Title: Re: Makeshift Warships
Post by: GTX_Admin on March 14, 2015, 10:39:28 PM
Interesting.

A trawler retaining their original function would make the "Cod Wars" interesting to say the least...
Title: Re: Makeshift Warships
Post by: Volkodav on March 14, 2015, 11:51:00 PM
On the sexier end of the spectrum there is the Iranian project to reverse engineer the Bladerunner to use as a fast attack craft.
http://www.naval-technology.com/features/featureiran-fast-attack-craft-fleet-behind-hyperbole/ (http://www.naval-technology.com/features/featureiran-fast-attack-craft-fleet-behind-hyperbole/)

Another thought that comes to mind is a modern day Armed Merchant Cruiser using modular containerised systems such as the USNs LCS modules, Danish STANFLEX or even German MEKO modules.  A container ship would be ideal but the Queen Mary II would be pretty awesome.