I am always impressed by the ingenuity of the IRGC. This ship apparently cost around $2.5 million, just look how cost effectively they get their jobs done. A dozen or so of such ships, backed by other naval vessels will be a great start to the IRGC's stated goal of having a permanent base in the Indian Ocean.
Yes,it has enormous potential with the right refit.
For instance if the lifeboats were relocated to the rear of the ship and the bridge wings moved to the front of the bridge block,there would be plenty of space for the mounting of 2 vls units on either side of the bridge block.There would be plenty of room on top of the bridge for mounting either a rotating 2 faced janus type radar array comprised of 2 3rd of khordad antennas or perhaps a 3 or 4 faced fixed array mounted on a solid mast,one could also look at installing the optronic raad system on the mast as a back up tracking and engagement system as well,plus the tracking and fire controls for the sub sonic antiship cruise missiles.
In addition one could easily fit between 4-6 ciws units in the bow,amidships and on top of the bridge,tho the exhaust stack on the starboard side would need to be lowered to ensure that the ciws unit on that side of the bridge would have a clear field of fire.Another possibility would be mounting one of the automated fajr-27 76mm naval main gun turrets in the bow as well especially if it was capable of firing basir type laser guided shells
Fitting of an aircraft elevator would also make good sense as it would greatly simplify the handling of aircraft and other vehicles and equipment.
Another possibility would be the fitting of a permanent telescoping hanger on the top deck,perhaps next to the entrance ramp,as this would allow the full time stationing of aircraft on the top deck for greater ease of operations.
Other options would be the fitting of smaller auxiliary doors and ramps cut into the main vehicle loading ramp as this would allow much faster launching and recovery of smaller patrol craft rather than having to crane them over the side.Another option would be a small moon pool to allow covert docking with iranian submarines for refueling/resupplying and even exchanging fresh crews as well.
I think that they made a very good choice with the purchase of this craft as it has a staggering amount of potential considering the extremely cheap price paid for it.
Hopefully we will see at least some of this huge potential realised,as I think that if anyone can do it its the irgc.
www.aparat.com
