Hellenic Kingdom : Revisited

[eswube]

Nice updates.

[odysseus1980]

As said in ACV(HL) history, Ionian Hoverlines did had 3 SR.N4 Mk2. They entered service in 1977 and were more advanced from their British sisters. Instead of four Bristol/Rolls Royce Proteus, Ionian Hoverlines went for the oprion of four AlLisson KF570 each 4,500hp. The KF570 in real world was offered as an oprion to BH.7, which use a sigle engine/pylon identical with those of SR.N4, so is feasible to have a KF570-engined SR.N4. Ioonian Hoverlines was not a seperate company, it was a subsidiary company of Ionian Lines, while the Ionian Flying Doplhins was the second subsidiary company. So, competition for the hovercraft was curiously internal. Ticket price was kept as low as possible, but it was more expensive that the hydrofoil. However, the hovercaft could take cars or buses, offering almost double speed from the hydrofoils and about four times the speed of the convectional ferry.

Base of Ionian Lines was the Astakos port (opposite of Ithaki island) and Igoumenitsa. Hovercafts were used to Astakos - Zakynthos, Astakos - Ithaki - Kefalonia (Argostoli), Kefalonia (Sami) - Astakos and Astakos - Zakynthos - Kyparissia routes. The end of hovercaft serive in Hellenic Kingdom and the latter route came into the 1990's.

Note that Ionian Hoverlines did not adopt the aircraft crew look-alike uniform from Seaspeed for hovercaft crew, but used the standard unifrom of Hellenic Merchantile Navy as convectional ferries' and hydrofoils' crew. However, the bridge crew did wear earphones.

https://www.worldometers.info/img/maps/ ... al_map.gif

Ionian Hoverlines donated the three hovercrafts in Royal Hellenic Navy after their retirement, together with all spares for them on stock. They were armed by the RHN Weapons Command in Salamis Naval Base docks and serve as fast transport ships for resupplying naval bases with ammunition and missiles. This role was applied to them because they were civilian vessels without the reinforced hull of their military cousins.

[odysseus1980]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zubr-class_LCAC
https://web.archive.org/web/20090309034 ... ory_en.asp

Both in real world and this AU, Hellas has these hovercraft in service. Links are refered to real world, in my AU Hellenic Kingdom there are some differences. 6 Zubr are in service into RHN Amphibious Forces Command, first four purchased from Russia (2 used/reconditioned and 2 new) commissioned in 2000 and 2004 respectively, plus 2 used from Ukraine in 2006. In my AU world Ukraine had inherited four Zubr from USSR, which were in working conition, but Ukrainian Navy actually did not need them. They had already tried sold them to Hellenic Kingdom back in 2000, but without success. But in 2006 all were finally purchased from HLK, together with all remaining spares from Ukrainian Navy stock. From these, 2 entered service after an overhaul by Hellenic Hoverwork with assistance from ALMAZ shipyard and rest were used for additional spares. In early 2010's Hellenic Navy launched a program of modernizing the Zubrs locally. The old Soviet designed FCS was changed with a defivative of Delta Electronics Sea Arrow, plus a new longer range radar. Already from 2008 the Strela missile launcher in bow had beed converted to remote control by Amphibious Forces Command engineers and RHN R&D Center, during the MLU program the indigenous Thunder IV missile was also fitted, retaining however the capabity of launching Russian Igla-S missiles, latter were purchasedinto 2005-10 Five Year Defense Plan. Latest addition in Zubr fleet was new engines from UEC Saturn (M70FRU).

In my AU also the Hellenic flag is much smaller and the pennant number was repositioned on the engine ducts below the flag into the MLU program.

Ships in class (all named after Ionian Sea islands)

L-180 Kefalonia
L-181 Ithaca
L-182 Kerkyra
L-183 Zakynthos
L-184 Lefkada
L-185 Kythira

[odysseus1980]

The Combattante III were the most numerous missile boats of Royal Hellenic Navy. In total 18 were built in three batches from 1974 to 1987. Only first four units were built in France, rest built under license in HLK. The first batch, named Combattante IIIA were the first of their class worldwide, equipped initially with 4 x MM38 missiles.

The second batch, the Comabattante IIIB was equipped with 12 (that's right, 12 missiles!) HSSM-1A Hades. This was the second anti-ship missile with IR guidance after the Norwegian Penguin, which beat HSSM-1A in service by five months. Hades was never better than Penguin, even in its last -A4 mod. This surface launched variant followed a parabolic climb to 2,000m, travelled horizontally and when lock on target dived on it nearly vertically with supersonic speed. Later Hades A3 followed somewhat surface skimmed path, changing to a steep climb and then steep dive on the target. Imagine this as the letter "Λ". The Hades A2 had increased reliability and the A4 was the same for the A3. However, ever that developed version had misfires or broke downs occasionally. The air launched HASM-1A/B was exported to Iraq and Cyprus. Iraqis used it in Iran - Iraq War with minor success (indeed, Iraqi suggestions led to impovements on the missiles). HLK had used the Hades missile family in combat before, in the Cypriot War of 1977. Hades missiles withdraw in serice in mid 2000's from RHN Coastal Defense. Latter variant used modified Sherman tanks (1970's variant) and later M-47D (from late 1980's), with 3 missiles, inspired from the Soviet 2K12 Kub.

The third and last batch of Combattante III, the -C, switch to MM-40 Block 2 or the HSSM-2 and was fitted with Israeli Barak 1 missile in an octuple trainable launcher at stern, replacing the 76mm gun. FCS and radars were of Israeli origin, intergrated to a hellenic derivative of Thomson CSF Vega CDS. Refit programs of previous batches started in mid 1990's, with Exocet replacing the Hades SSM and the Combattante IIIA were fitted with the quadruple Light Alabatros launcher and Sea Arrow FCS recycled from the decomissioned Gearing destroyers. Note that this Sea Arrow was a hybrid MK2/Mk3, with the old bell like FCS and the IR/camera from the newer variant. From early 2000's to early 2010's the Combattante III were gifted gradually to Armenia and Pontus. A last refit was done before the transfer, with an ARIS VI replacing the Barak 1, while the IIIA-M retained the Albatros. All were also fitted with latest Sea Arrow FCS. Pontus received 12 units (6 x IIIA-M and 6 IIIC-M) and Armenia the IIIB-M.

Note that first Armenian IIIB-M was named by Leo V the Armenian, a Byzantine emperor of Armenian origin to remind the thousand years long relation between Hellenes and Armenians.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leo_V_the_Armenian

[odysseus1980]

The Ioannis Kapodistrias class helicopter cruisers were developed in Hellenic Kingdom as ASW platforms and flagships for such operations as well. There was US assistance in development, being somewhat based on USN Belknapp and Truxtun class. Half sister class Ioannis Tsamados class of AAW cruisers were actually a convectional powered USS Truxtun, but heavily modified for RHN requirements. Initially 3 each of these cruisers planned, 6 total, but only 4 (2 each type) were built because RHN fleet plan changed and built 3 additional Kimon Class DDGs in place of the cancelled cruisers. Each Ioannis Kapodistrias helicopter cruiser was a command ship/flagship for a squadron of four Salamis Class frigates (or Fletcher/Gearing destroyers) plus three Admiral or HSY-102 class corvettes. Also one AOR of Erkyna Class (named after springs of Hellas) was included. Patrol areas were East Mediterranean and Aegean sea. Also theses cruisers were equipped for emergency refueling frigates or corvettes by astern refueling system.

Ioannis Kapodistrias cruisers were engaged in 1977 Cypriot War with Ottoman Republic (AU Turkey) and after mid 1980's became part of Ionian Sea Command. Alexander the Great tested the new Hellenic Microwave Laboratory radar , the MkXIV 3D LR AESA with replaced the AN/SPS-39 in mid 1990's to early 2000's, but never fitted with a MkXIV operationally. Both ships were sunk as target ships in late 2000's and early 2010's. Only the Ioannis Tsamados was retained as a museum ship in Thessaloniki Naval Museum.


General specifications

Type : Cruiser
Classification : Guided Missile Cruiser Helicopter
Shipyard : Hellenic Shipyards, Elefsis & Neorion (Island of Syros)
Built : 1960-1969
Planned : 3
Built : 2
Active (2021) : none (decommissioned in 2003 and 2004)

Ships in Class

C 222 Ioannis Kapodistrias (1967-2003)
C 223 Alexander the Great (1969-2004)

General Specifications

Displacement : full load 9,050 tn
LOA : 566 ft 2 ft (172.6 m)
Beam (max) : 60 ft 8 in (18.5 m)
Draught (hull) : 30ft 6 in ft (9.30m at sonar)
Propulsion : Four METKA 650 psi boilers, two METKA steam turbines (80,000 hp total)
Screws : 2, variable pitch
Max Speed : >32 kn
Range : 7,000 nm / 16 kn
Complement : 420 (+ 40 Command officers)

Armament

1 X 120/45 HDS Y1938/52/65
4 X 2 X 35 mm Oerlikon GDM-A
2 X RWS 14.5mm (HDS Y1965 HMG, 14,5 X 114 mm)
1X Mk13 Mod 1 (RIM-66A/B Standard MR and RGM-66D/F, RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles)
1 X Mk29 GMLS, 24 missiles (8 in launcher, 16 in Riva Calzoni type automatic reloader)
2 X 3 X Mk32 torpedo tubes (24 Mk46 or domestic HDS Muraena torpedoes)
2 X 4 HSUM-1 Triton ASW missiles
Aviation capabilities : Helipad and hangar for 4 X AB-204 or AB-212 of 6 X AS-319. Helipad can also support one AS-321 with landing spot in center.


Sensors & Electronics

Combat Direction System : ISI HCDS III
FCS : 1 X Mk74 Tartar FCS
2 X Delta Electronics Sea Arrow 2 LR (for Sparrow missiles and main gun)
1 X Delta Electronics Sea Arrow 2 SR (for 35mm guns)
2 X AN/SPG-51C
Triton ASW FCS
Radars : AN-SPS-39B 3D Air Search
AN/SPS-10 Surface Seach plus HML MkIX LR 2D
HML MkXI navigation radar
Sonar : AN/SQS-26CX
ESM : DARE-S Intergated EW System (RWR, Jammer and Countermeasures)
On board Countermeasures : 2 X 12 CM-127 (127mm chaff launchers) + 4 X DL-24 decoy launchers (anti-IR, active, anti-torpedo countermeasures)
Torpedo Countermeasures : AN/SLQ-25 Nixie + C3T Thelxiope I

Communication Systems

Links : 11,14, HDDL (Hellenic Domestic Data Link)

[odysseus1980]

The cruisers of Anastasios Tsamados Class were the first such warships designed on Hellenic Kingdom post WW2, built from 1960 to 1969. Two variants built in a common hull, somewhat similar with the USS Truxtun, but with convectional steam turbine propulsion instead of nuclear plant. Tsamados Class had Mk10 GMLS Mod 7 with Terrier and ASROC missiles and Kapodistrias Class had larger aviation facilities at rear and a Mk13 GMLS front. Initially planning was for three hulls from each variant, but in the end only 4 built (2 from each variant) and in their place three additional Kimon Class DDGs were built. Although these cruisers did not upgraded to NTU as Kimon and Nikiforos Fokas Classes, they received a refit to their armament. First upgrade was Harpoon missiles (from 1978), then in early 1980's the obsolete MK25 GMLS replaced with Mk29 and also sensors were replaced with newer.

Propulsion was twin hellenic origin steam turbines with reduction gear from METKA (ΜΕΤαλλικές ΚΑτασκευές, = Metal Constructions), a company with roots back in late 19th century. METKA main products are power plants for coal/lignite/oil/natural gas fired power stations, nuclear power stations and hydroelectric turbines, plus hulls for tanks and other armored vehicles built in Hellenic Kingdom. Each cruiser had four 650 psi "Ioannou - Mitilinaios" boilers, originally designed in 1930's with 400 psi steam pressure. The post WW2 improved version came in several horsepower variants and installed in ocean liners as well. Although obsolete and not very fuel efficient, the METKA plant was incredibly reliable.

Armament was a mix of old and new weapons of 1960's, eg the main gun was the fictional Pyrkal 120/45 Y1938/52/65 HE gun. This was based on British 1930's designs but with a different turret, loading mechanism and tray, capable of much higher elevation, up to 75 degrees, being a dual purpose gun with anti-aircraft and anti surface capabilities. It entered service in 1938 ("Y" in Greek is "Υπόδειγμα", in English translates in "Model") , diameter was actually 4.7", but Hellenic Kingdom used the metric system and the gun was designated 120mm with a 45 caliber long barrel, identical with its British ancestors. Next numbers indicate improvements, in 1952 and 1965.


Type : Cruiser
Classification : Guided Missile Cruiser
Shipyard : Hellenic Shipyards, Elefsis & Neorion (Island of Syros)
Built : 1960-1969
Planned : 6
Built : 4
Active (2021) : none (decommissioned from 2001 to 2002)

Ships in Class

C 220 Anastasios Tsamados (1965-2001)
C 221 Antonios Oikonomou (1968-2002)

General Specifications (in 1980)

Displacement : full load 8,800 tn
LOA : 564ft (172m)
Beam (max) : 58 ft (18m)
Draught (hull) : 30ft 6 in ft (9.30m at sonar)
Propulsion : Four METKA 650 psi boilers, two METKA steam turbines (80,000 hp total)
Screws : 2, variable pitch
Max Speed : >32 kn
Range : 7,000 nm / 16 kn
Complement : 370 (+40 Command officers)

Armament

1 X 120/45 Pyrkal Y1938/52/65
4 X 2 X 35 mm Oerlikon GDM-A mod (AHEAD capable)
2 X RWS 14.5mm (HDSO Y1965 HMG, 14,5 X 114 mm)
1X Mk10 Mod 7 (RIM-2D/F Terrier and RUR-5A ASROC)
1 X Mk25 GMLS, 24 missiles
8 X RGM-84A Harpoon anti ship missiles
2 X 3 X Mk32 torpedo tubes
Aviation capabilities : Helipad and hangar for one AB-204 or AB-212 helicopter. Another option was 2 X AS-319.


Sensors & Electronics

Combat Direction System : ISI HCDS I
FCS : 1 X Mk76
2 X Delta Electronics Sea Arrow 1 LR (for Sparrow missiles and main gun)
1 X Delta Electronics Sea Arrow 1 SR (for 35mm guns)
2 X AN/SPG-55B
Mk114 ASCROC FCS
Radars : AN-SPS-39B 3D Air Search
AN/SPS-10 Surface Seach plus HML MkIX LR 2D
HML MkXI navigation radar
Sonar : AN/SQS-26AXR
ESM : DARE-S Intergated EW System (RWR, Jammer and Countermeasures)
EW Countermeasures : 2 X 12 CM-127 (127mm chaff launchers)
Torpedo Countermeasures : AN/SLQ-25 Nixie

Communication Systems

Links : 11,14

[odysseus1980]

The "Jason" (Ιάσων) or Island Class LST was designed by Hellenic Navy and Athens University/Naval Studies in mid 1980's to replace WW2 and 1950's era LSTs. Main requirements for the new LSTs were to be capable of transfer up to 22 MBTs or APCs, IFVS, military trucks etc in all sea conditions of Aegean, Ionian or East Mediterranean plus 280-350 fully armed men. Another requirements was to be capable of mine laying, so they have twin ramps at bow and stern. At bow there is a folding ramp capable of holding 55t (or 60t, not remember exactly) fully lowered and 50t half open, but unfold. Final requirement was a helipad at stern for a helicopter up to 10t.

Nine ships built in two batches from 1987-1990 and 1991-1994, all identical. These are real ships of Hellenic Navy (5 built , L173 to L177), but in my AU world 9 were built with small changes. Most significant change from real world is that all 9 ships were modernized in with new Combat Management System, received 2 SADRAL launchers, Oerlikon 35mm were modernized with AHEAD ammunition , new Fire Control System Sea Arrow Mk.3 MR and IR scope was fitted to their twin 20mm Oerlikon cannons. The 20mm cannons will soon be replaced by 30mm Remote Control Stations with Nexter M791 cannon. They are also known as "Samos" Class, because L174 Samos was the first unit commissioned into the RHN. That ship in real world is the lead ship of is class.

Type : Landing Ship
Classification : Landing Ship Tank
Shipyard : Hellenic Shipyards, Elefsis & Perama
Built : 1987-1994
Planned : 9
Built : 9
Active (2021) : 9

Ships in Class

L171 Crete
L172 Syros
L173 Chios
L174 Samos
L175 Ikaria
L176 Lesvos
L177 Rhodes
L178 Limnos
L179 Kos

General Specifications

Displacement : full load 4,930 tn, empty 2,770 tn
LOA : 380 ft 6 ft (116 m)
Beam (max) : 50 ft 2 in (15.3 m)
Draught (hull) : 15 ft 1 in ft (4.6m at stern at full load)
Propulsion : Twin Wartsila Nohab 16V25 diesel, 10,000 hp total
Screws : 2, variable pitch
Max Speed : 17 kn, service speed 14-16 kn
Range : 4,700 nm / 16 kn
Complement : 116-120 (plus 280-350 men)

Armament

1 X OTO Melara 76/62 76mm
2 X 2 X 35 mm Oerlikon GDM-A mod (AHEAD capable)
2 X Oerlikon 20/70 20mm
2 x SADRAL (6 Mistral missiles each)
2 CM-127 chaff launchers
Aviation capabilities : Helipad for one medium helicopter up to 10 tn
Boats & landing craft carried : 4 X Motomarine LCVP-36F (originally) or LCVP-44F, 4 X Watercat M12 (after MLU) of which one armed with 120mm NEMO mortar

The Watercat M12 was built under license in HLK, being its largest user with more than 100 units in service by RHN/Landing Ships Command.

I am sure that the Watercat M12 can be fitted on these LSTs, deck space is enough with minimal modifications. Davits and crane also need upgrades for lifting more weight and new beds for the M12 are also need to replace the ones for the Motomarine LCVP 36F. It also plausible for Watercat to modify the M12 for carrying in davits.

The LCVP-44F is a fictional design, inspired from real LCVP-36F and the Dutch LCVP Mk3. It is a bit smaller than Watercat M12, powered by twin 1,000 hp diesel engines coupled to Hamilton waterjets. Top speed is more than 20 kn at full load. It is still in service together with Watercat M12. 48 built for RHN plus a number for export. RHN variant is armed with a Y1965/94 15mm heavy machine gun or a M2 0.5'' macnine gun.

[odysseus1980]

In total 12 more Combattante III were built into 1990's, 6 each for Hellenic Coast Guard and Hellenic Frontier Guard. Latter differs only in white color and pennant numbers (ΑΦ 121 to ΑΦ 126 for Coast Guard, ΣΦ 131 to ΣΦ 136 for Frontier Guard). ΑΦ = ΑκτοΦυλακή (Coast Guard), ΣΦ = Συνοριακή Φρουρά (Frontier Guard). All are identical with the missile boat vesion minus the missiles and 2 RHIBs in that position, one each 7m and 6m plus a crane for launching and recover.

[odysseus1980]

Here is the "680" Class OPV of Hellenic Coast Guard AU. Six built in 1980's in parallel with the frigates in shipyards located in Salamis island. Derived from the frigates, they use exactly the same hull and electronics minus the missiles, the sonar systems and the topedoes. They are however fixed but not fitted with the DL-21 decoy launchers and features somewhat curiously the CM-120 chaff mortar system. Propulsion is CODOG, based on the Argentinian Mariano Moreno Class variant, with twin 2-stroke diesel AHC 20V630E2 5,500 hp each plus the twin Rolls Royce Olympus TM3C, identical with those fitted in frigates. Range can reach almost 11,000 nm and automony for 45 days in sea. Finally, the replenisment on sea capabilty of the frigate is retained.

There are aviantion faclities for twin AB-412 or one AS-332C1, while UAS are also used. They carried twin USV Defender (the AU Hellenic equivalent of the Rafael Protector, jointly developed with Cyprus) and twin 7,5m RHIB. Also the 680 Class pioneered the space below the helipad for additional vessels, fitted also in Karteria Class and HCG OPV "440" Class.

Ships in Class (named from real people, all commanders of OTL Hellenic Coast Guard, with exception the ΑΦ 685, Commader Kassavetis is listed in WW2 killed officers unfortunately without details)

ΑΦ 682 Vice Admiral Christofis Miltiades
ΑΦ 683 Vice Admiral Papatheodorou Nikolaos
ΑΦ 684 Admiral Boukas Constantinos
ΑΦ 685 Commader Kassavetis Emmanuel
ΑΦ 686 Vice Admiral Tsemperopoulos Athanasios
ΑΦ 687 Vice Admiral Vasileiades Isidoros

[odysseus1980]

Hellenic Kingdom operates a large number (>100) of CB90HL, in service with Hellenic Army Amphibious Infantry Forces in Aegean Sea and Hellenic Coast Guard. The CB90-HL is based on the Norwegian S90N variant.

 Latest addition to this fleet is the Watercat M18 AMC, of which 36 are in service. They are armed with a Y1965/94 15mm heavy machine gun (based on the FN BRG-15, HSDO participated in development of BRG-15 and purscaced the whole program after FN cancelled it). HDSO has a long relation with FN, from 19th century.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FN_BRG-15