For discussion a larger late game AVH for 11 heilcopters
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Brygun FS AVH 1968 h11
Brygun’s design for a Foreign Service vessel as an Aviation Helicopter in 1968 with 11 helicopters.
At a cost just above $4 per ton for 10,000 ton vessel would fill large demand needs for foreign service in a sea zone. Smaller 2,500 ton foreign service corvettes at $3.5/ton with a single helicopter would be around fulfilling small needs. As a helicopter carrier they have abilities either limited in or not affordable from the large 40,000, 50,000 ton and larger super carriers. Helicarrier missions include ASW sweeps, land raids and fleet support.
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Helicopter assignments:
The air group size of 11 helicopters is based on putting forward an 8 helicopter mission with one on ASW to guard the ship and allowing for 2 spares. For a land raid mission this formation intended is:
= 4 as Assault with 12+ infantry each, collectively deploying a platoon
= 1 as Mission equipment (such as an artillery piece) or capacity to rescue VIPS
= 2 as Gunships armed with a rockets, gatling weapons and possibly missiles (light antiship or antitank)
= 1 as Director maintaining operational command, overwatch, backup capacity and directing other assets
In a fleet support role the large helicopter force can scout in many directions. With the right technology they can be providing radar guidance for long range antiship missiles. In submarine hunting a submarine commander would have to face a constant 2+ ASW helicopter patrol. On engagement more helicopters can come to swarm the submarine and sweep avenues of escape.
Other fleet duties include pilot search and rescue for a jet carrier. The growing demands for transport of personnel, mail, supplies and wounded are well serviced by the helicarrier. Anti-piracy and smuggling interception is well served by putting up a wave of helicopters that can drop infantry teams on ships or land positions.
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Ship equipment:
For ship board equipment there is:
= Decent speed (29 knots)
= Torpedo defense 2 for surviving mines or submarine attacks
= Anti-splinter armor against near hits. Heavier armor being too costly compared to reduction of the flight group.
= 4 heavy anti-ship missiles for an initial defense against a rogue attacker
= Medium and light SAM for countering air attacks or suppressing enemy helicopters from a nearby area.
= 5” DP each side for HAA and engaging small attackers that get close
= Radar MAA and LAA for defense
= The LASM capability of the helicopter force
= Ship ASW equipment of ASW mortar, enhanced sonar and towed array making it a capable sub hunter on its own.
= Underwater torpedoes (port, starboard and aft) both for urgent firing at pursuing attacks and for firing ASW torpedoes.
= Colonial Service representing the manpower, fittings and other assets to improve sea control.
Graphic draw notes:
= Deck edge lifts on the starboard side fore and aft
= Utility lift on the port side midships for munitions, service vehicles and less than helicopter loads
= Improved landing grids on the aft approximately as an angled flight deck using the stern and aft-port of the flight deck. These might have other devices such as pull down bars for the helicopter’s winch.
= Four ready launch positions for sufficient for cycling routine operations and the first half of a large strike.
= Spare deck space for the second half of the strike to be positioned on the two landing positions ready to launch. Two more can be shifted near the elevators on near ready possible with rotor blades stowed to be unfolded as soon as there is safe space.
= Pass through corridor along the starboard near the conning tower and port edge to move helicopters or equipment.
= Lifting crane for recovery of a floating helicopter or adjoining location
= HASM is positioned forward on a rotary launch mount
= MSAM is on the stern
= 5” DP two gun positions on each forward side
= LSAM on each forward side
= Ship boats, such as sea boats for rescue of crews from the water, would be handled off the port midship underneath the flight deck overhang.
