So, with all the threads on here about bringing back the battleships, I was thinking maybe it would be a good idea to bring the USS Constitution back into a combat role. While some may scoff at the idea, I think we would be foolish to ignore all the capabilities it brings to the table:
First and foremost, her unlimited range would allow her to cruise with the Nimitz class carriers with no need to worry about refueling. She can remain on station and provide support to a carrier for as long as is necessary.
She is one of a handful of active ships in the US Navy that have actually engaged and sunk another ship in surface combat. She carries proven weapons systems which, though not technically state of the art, are very effective when used in the proper setting.
She carries a battery of 44 guns, made up of 24 pounders and 32 pounders. Both of these types have a bore larger than the pitiful 5 inchers carried by the so-called "modern" surface combatants, which only manage to carry one or two guns. It is entirely possible that we may be able to design guided munitions to improve the accuracy of the guns, or perhaps rocket assisted rounds to extend their range.
If that massive battery is still not enough, I see no reason not to install a VLS in the center of the ship, between the foremast and the mainmast. Though there might be some issues with the sails catching fire on launch, I think with modern sail materials, we can work past this issue.
Granted, she isnt exactly stealthy, but her total lack of engines or radar systems makes her totally immune to heatseaking or anti-radiation missiles. Perhaps some stealth sails can be developed to make her even harder to get a lock on?
Overall, I think it would require a fair amount of work, but I think we are doing ourselves a disservice by not giving Old Ironsides a chance to prove that she is still a viable fighting ship in the 21st century.
First and foremost, her unlimited range would allow her to cruise with the Nimitz class carriers with no need to worry about refueling. She can remain on station and provide support to a carrier for as long as is necessary.
She is one of a handful of active ships in the US Navy that have actually engaged and sunk another ship in surface combat. She carries proven weapons systems which, though not technically state of the art, are very effective when used in the proper setting.
She carries a battery of 44 guns, made up of 24 pounders and 32 pounders. Both of these types have a bore larger than the pitiful 5 inchers carried by the so-called "modern" surface combatants, which only manage to carry one or two guns. It is entirely possible that we may be able to design guided munitions to improve the accuracy of the guns, or perhaps rocket assisted rounds to extend their range.
If that massive battery is still not enough, I see no reason not to install a VLS in the center of the ship, between the foremast and the mainmast. Though there might be some issues with the sails catching fire on launch, I think with modern sail materials, we can work past this issue.
Granted, she isnt exactly stealthy, but her total lack of engines or radar systems makes her totally immune to heatseaking or anti-radiation missiles. Perhaps some stealth sails can be developed to make her even harder to get a lock on?
Overall, I think it would require a fair amount of work, but I think we are doing ourselves a disservice by not giving Old Ironsides a chance to prove that she is still a viable fighting ship in the 21st century.
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