HMS Ark Royal (R07) on eBay (end time 28-Oct-10 18:25:34 BST)
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If you recall, John Wayne owned a battleship which he used frequently. I could see this happening but the crew must be staggering...
At that price I wouldn't be surprised if the old girl and her Harriers get snapped up by Serco (or one of those other "out-sourcing" bandits) and leased back to the MoD/RN at a vast profit until 2020 when the new planes will be ready for the Prince of Wales and her sister ship!
Lions and donkeys!
Let's pitch in; You can be captain!
Group buy?
Group buy?
look good In the bath.............................:D
There was an interesting article in the Sunday papers here that suggested that before they buy and send to sea the 'new' aircraft carrier 'PRINCE OF WALES' without aircraft to protect it, maybe someone ought to remind them of the fate of the last PRINCE OF WALES that went to sea without aircraft to protect it. Hit and sunk within two hours and 40 minutes wasn't it?
When the Navy had sea harriers, the sea harriers protected the carrier and the carrier provided Aircraft cover for the fleet. The fleet also protected the carrier and therefor the Harriers. What was the point in that I wonder?
At least whent the Navy got RAF Harrier II GR7/9 and T10/11, they could protect the fleet and also drop bombs and 'Guided' munitions. All a Sea Harrier could do was launch SRAAMs.
There have been rumours in the RAF for years that they may 'Navyfy' the BAe Typhoon for carrier ops, it could certainly take off from the new carriers, even with a very substancial payload, but it would be down to costs again. One Typhoon can do the job of a Harrier, Tornado F3 and Tornado GR4, it really is quite cost effective despite the way the press put a spin on it. This airframe can carry 6 Bombs, 4 (6 depending on role) AMRAAM, 2 (4 depending on role) ASRAAM and self designate. It also has a greater range and endurance of any other A/C in British service.
Now lets all pray to the Typhoon and keep me in a job!
That would be great party boat
I wonder who they will rent an aircraft carrier from, when they need one? To bad, that was a decent ship. I somehow doubt she is fully servicable or the bidding would only include international bidders, that are qualified. At this stage in the world's economic downturn, there won't be many bidders.
Those ships are utilitarian as far as living standards go and would require an extremely expensive refit. Even for an extravagent oil magnate, it would be cheaper and easier to build from scratch.
I am also willing to bet, spares are a nightmare and special purpose built. Again extremely expensive. There must be several million pounds($) of scrap in her though. Her generators alone, would provide enoung power to run a small city.
Actually it was an ex-minesweeper. Still got to be Captain though.:DQuote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
Well if you can't afford to buy the whole thing you can have a piece of her. In the catalog for Deutsche Optik the are selling of the china from the officers mess in lots. I passed because the china itself has no actual marking on it tying to to the Ark Royal the just have pictures of the boxes that it was purchased in with label on it reading supply officer Ark Royal.
Michael
This thread reminds me of a very funny story I heard from an Ex Naval contact I used to know.
This is true!Two Frigates were in a minor collison when entering Harbour. One signalled to the other: 'What is your next move?'
The other replied: 'Buy a Farm'! LOL. I guess the captain knew that was the end of HIS career!
It's a conterovercial win for the Government either way really.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brit plumber
If they sell her, they make money, if they scrap her, they make money.
The public lose an Iconic item of History though.
It would make a splendid museum. BUT, the upkeep of a vessel this size would most likely be cost prohibitive, sadly!
Then "mothball" the bloody thing! Park up in the frozen north somewhere where it won't rust away and forget about it until it's needed.Quote:
Originally Posted by tankhunter
:banghead:
To be specific, he purchased a converted minesweeper according to a book published about it by the skipper Wayne hired.Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
Sadly, that couldnt happen! If the ship were put into preservation (Mothballed) it would STILL cost a fortune with it's upkeep. A vessel of this size would have to have a fultime crew doing absolutely nothing but routine maintainance. Things rust/corrode/seize up with lack of use! As the vessel would be floating, hull observation & maintainance/rust removal would be an ongoing thing also. It's different with small arms as Peter & myself can attest! Grease 'em up & pack 'em in wood crates! Even then, they are taken out on a ratio of approx 10 percent on a yearly basis & inspected to ensure no deterioration! :thdown:Quote:
Originally Posted by Surpmil
Well, all I can say is, the USA does it, so why not the UK?Quote:
Originally Posted by tankhunter
I think the Brits should just give it Canada, after all we bought those wonderful "subs" at a bargain basement price...LOL????
Oh yeah. I'm sure that would work out waaaaaay better than the subs.Quote:
Originally Posted by enfield303t
Stevo, are you insinuating the subs weren't a good buy? :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Stevo
Question, do we still have those subs or were they "converted" into paper clips?
We still have them. Not sure how they're working out yet.
Wayne had a PT boat moored at Marina Del Ray in S. California. I cleand the bottom a few times for quick cash.Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
Two of the subs are supposedly working well, after extensive refit. Would have been cheaper to buy new ones.
One has been mothballed for an undetermined length of time.