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Good find.
Fictional Warships - Novels
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J. E. MacDonnell, Collison Course, 1964
Australia
HMAS Pelican (H40)
Destroyer, class not specified
4 x 4 inch guns (Two twin turrets, A & X), 6 TT (Three twin mounts), Depth charges (Port Starboard launchers on the quarterdeck, rails aft) 1 2pdr QF Mk VII (four barrelled 'Pom Pom' gun, mounted abaft the funnel).
AA augmented with 'scrounged' SMG/MGs, 6 x Bren Guns (Mounted three a side midships), Browning mounted on motor boats forward davit.
Launched 1918
1300 tons
Draught: 11ft (3.35m)
Machinery produces 30,000 horsepower driving twin screws.
300ft long
Single funnel
Single rudder
30 knots (31 knots design speed)
Fitted with radar and sonar.
Note: Pennant number clashes with that of HMS Anthony an interwar A Class Destroyer that was scrapped in 1948.
HMAS Curlew
J Class Destroyer
Details as per the real ships
Note: Name does not fit class. Author refers to the ship as being a 'Javelin Class' (E.g J Class) Destroyer, a term he would also use in the later novel 'Confirmed in Command' (1966). In the entry for the earlier novel 'Abandon and Destroy' (1963) I identified this ship as a 'J, K & N Class Destroyer' a term I have coined for the undifferentiated term 'Fleet Destroyer' the author uses in his novels.
HMAS Utmost
Scott Class Destroyer Leader
Armament: 1 x 4.7inch gun (A position), 1 x 1 2pdr QF Mk VII (Four barrelled 'Pom Pom' gun.)
Dimensional details as per the real ships.
Has been converted into a high speed transport.
Note: Class identification is based on the fact that the Scott Class HMAS Stuart was converted into a high speed transport in 1944, while the author does not provide class specific details it is most likely that he based the ship in the novel and it's history on HMAS Stuart.
Japan
Various unnamed warships.
Plot summary: Risk taking has always been part of war, but when the crew of HMAS Pelican take one risk too many the consequences are drastic, both for them and the ship.
Notes: J. E. MacDonnell was a prolific Australian writer of action fiction for newsstand paperbacks. Some of the novels by him covered in this thread include, 'Gimme the boats!' (1953), 'The Frogman' (1958), 'Night Encounter' (1958), 'The Surgeon' (1959), 'The Secret Weapon' (1959), 'Subsmash' (1960), 'The Coxswain' (1960), 'Sainsbury VC' (1962), 'U-Boat' (1962), 'Not Under Command' (1963), 'Killer Group' (1964), 'Hell Ship' (1966), 'The Snake Boats' (1967), 'Approved to Scrap' (1968), 'The Hammer of God' (1968), 'Petty Officer Brady' (1968), 'Hunter-Killer' (1968), 'The Last Stand' (1970), 'The Kill', (1974), 'Breaking Point' (1979), 'Jim Brady, Able Seaman' (1985) & 'The Glory Hunter' (c. 1980s) . He also wrote a series of 'James Bond' style superspy thrillers featuring an agent named Mark Hood, novels in this series that have appeared in the thread are 'Come Die With Me' (1965), 'Carribean Striker' (1967) and 'Operation Octopus' (1968).
In this novel, as with several others, the author is more concerned with creating a 'wartime atmosphere' than strictly keeping to history, or series continuity. Thus HMAS Pelican is lost in situation identical to that which resulted in the loss of the first HMAS Voyager while supplying guerillas in East Timor, an event which took place in 1942. HMAS Stuart's conversion to a transport, the event that inspires the third and final part of the storyline, took place in 1944, however both events are presented as being in close temporal proximity in the story. In the 1980s the author wrote a novel entitled 'The Glory Hunter' which presents a very different version of HMAS Pelican's loss, this time linking it to the night action at the Battle of Matapan in 1941.
Australia
HMAS Pelican (H40)
Destroyer, class not specified
4 x 4 inch guns (Two twin turrets, A & X), 6 TT (Three twin mounts), Depth charges (Port Starboard launchers on the quarterdeck, rails aft) 1 2pdr QF Mk VII (four barrelled 'Pom Pom' gun, mounted abaft the funnel).
AA augmented with 'scrounged' SMG/MGs, 6 x Bren Guns (Mounted three a side midships), Browning mounted on motor boats forward davit.
Launched 1918
1300 tons
Draught: 11ft (3.35m)
Machinery produces 30,000 horsepower driving twin screws.
300ft long
Single funnel
Single rudder
30 knots (31 knots design speed)
Fitted with radar and sonar.
Note: Pennant number clashes with that of HMS Anthony an interwar A Class Destroyer that was scrapped in 1948.
HMAS Curlew
J Class Destroyer
Details as per the real ships
Note: Name does not fit class. Author refers to the ship as being a 'Javelin Class' (E.g J Class) Destroyer, a term he would also use in the later novel 'Confirmed in Command' (1966). In the entry for the earlier novel 'Abandon and Destroy' (1963) I identified this ship as a 'J, K & N Class Destroyer' a term I have coined for the undifferentiated term 'Fleet Destroyer' the author uses in his novels.
HMAS Utmost
Scott Class Destroyer Leader
Armament: 1 x 4.7inch gun (A position), 1 x 1 2pdr QF Mk VII (Four barrelled 'Pom Pom' gun.)
Dimensional details as per the real ships.
Has been converted into a high speed transport.
Note: Class identification is based on the fact that the Scott Class HMAS Stuart was converted into a high speed transport in 1944, while the author does not provide class specific details it is most likely that he based the ship in the novel and it's history on HMAS Stuart.
Japan
Various unnamed warships.
Plot summary: Risk taking has always been part of war, but when the crew of HMAS Pelican take one risk too many the consequences are drastic, both for them and the ship.
Notes: J. E. MacDonnell was a prolific Australian writer of action fiction for newsstand paperbacks. Some of the novels by him covered in this thread include, 'Gimme the boats!' (1953), 'The Frogman' (1958), 'Night Encounter' (1958), 'The Surgeon' (1959), 'The Secret Weapon' (1959), 'Subsmash' (1960), 'The Coxswain' (1960), 'Sainsbury VC' (1962), 'U-Boat' (1962), 'Not Under Command' (1963), 'Killer Group' (1964), 'Hell Ship' (1966), 'The Snake Boats' (1967), 'Approved to Scrap' (1968), 'The Hammer of God' (1968), 'Petty Officer Brady' (1968), 'Hunter-Killer' (1968), 'The Last Stand' (1970), 'The Kill', (1974), 'Breaking Point' (1979), 'Jim Brady, Able Seaman' (1985) & 'The Glory Hunter' (c. 1980s) . He also wrote a series of 'James Bond' style superspy thrillers featuring an agent named Mark Hood, novels in this series that have appeared in the thread are 'Come Die With Me' (1965), 'Carribean Striker' (1967) and 'Operation Octopus' (1968).
In this novel, as with several others, the author is more concerned with creating a 'wartime atmosphere' than strictly keeping to history, or series continuity. Thus HMAS Pelican is lost in situation identical to that which resulted in the loss of the first HMAS Voyager while supplying guerillas in East Timor, an event which took place in 1942. HMAS Stuart's conversion to a transport, the event that inspires the third and final part of the storyline, took place in 1944, however both events are presented as being in close temporal proximity in the story. In the 1980s the author wrote a novel entitled 'The Glory Hunter' which presents a very different version of HMAS Pelican's loss, this time linking it to the night action at the Battle of Matapan in 1941.
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Clive Cussler and Paul Kemprecos, Lost City, 2004
United Kingdom (His/Her Majesties Coastguard)
HMCGS Scapa
Patrol Boat
Length: 110ft (33.53m)
Speed: 30knots
No other details provided
Note: In the real world, the UK Coastguard (His/Her Majesties Coastguard) is a purely land based service which is concerned with performing shoreline rescues and co-ordinating other assets for naval based rescue operations. They do not operate ships on their own behalf. It appears the authors thought that the service was similar in function to the US Coast Guard.
Non-State
Non-Warship, but interesting.
NUMA
Mummichug
Research Vessel
Hull form: Catamaran
Length: 80ft (24.4m)
Engines: Diesel
Speed: 20kts (Cruise)
Crew: 8
Carries a SEAMobile mini-sub (A real mini-sub that was commercially available at the time the novel was written.)
Fitted with side scan sonar
Note: Stated to be the smallest research ship in the NUMA fleet at the time the novel is set which is assumed to be 2004. Stated to be derived from a design used off the coast of New England, this ship can be used on both coastal and inland waterways.
Plot summary: The discovery of a frozen body dating from just before WWI and a subseqent attempt to steal it sparks off a desparate hunt for those behind the attempt.
United Kingdom (His/Her Majesties Coastguard)
HMCGS Scapa
Patrol Boat
Length: 110ft (33.53m)
Speed: 30knots
No other details provided
Note: In the real world, the UK Coastguard (His/Her Majesties Coastguard) is a purely land based service which is concerned with performing shoreline rescues and co-ordinating other assets for naval based rescue operations. They do not operate ships on their own behalf. It appears the authors thought that the service was similar in function to the US Coast Guard.
Non-State
Non-Warship, but interesting.
NUMA
Mummichug
Research Vessel
Hull form: Catamaran
Length: 80ft (24.4m)
Engines: Diesel
Speed: 20kts (Cruise)
Crew: 8
Carries a SEAMobile mini-sub (A real mini-sub that was commercially available at the time the novel was written.)
Fitted with side scan sonar
Note: Stated to be the smallest research ship in the NUMA fleet at the time the novel is set which is assumed to be 2004. Stated to be derived from a design used off the coast of New England, this ship can be used on both coastal and inland waterways.
Plot summary: The discovery of a frozen body dating from just before WWI and a subseqent attempt to steal it sparks off a desparate hunt for those behind the attempt.
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Dilandu
I'm dissatisfied, which means, I exist.
Cussler was... notorious for poorly researching subjects outside of his sphere of competence.
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But he (and his later collaborators) produced some 'rattling, good yarns'...
D
Deleted member 2278
Guest
I found Cussler to be quite entertaining for the most part but some of the storylines did begin to blur. Was it the Phoenicians who got to Mexico first or was it the Aztecs that made it to North Africa?
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Or is Canada a part of the United States...
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J. E. MacDonnell, The Ordeal, 1961
Australia
HMAS Wind Rode
J, K & N Class Destroyer
Details as per the real ships
Note: Part way through the novel there is a reference to the events of 'Command' (1958) which confirms this is the same ship that took part in the previous novel.
Japan
Unnamed
Hyuga Class Battleship
Details as per the real ships.
Note: While not named this appears to be a fictional third, unmodified member of the class added to the Japanese battleline at the Battle of Suriago Strait.
United States
Various Unnamed Warships
Plot summary: As the greatest threat to the US landings in the Phillipines approaches the captain of one Australian destroyer is injured in an accident putting the first officer in charge. As the Battle of Samar (Part of the Battle of Leyte Gulf) looms, will the first officer prove to have the skills to command in his own right or not.
Note: This is one of the few novels I know of by the author based around a major historic event. Like 'Eagles over Taranto' (1961) considerable liberties are taken with history, with the span of time between the battles of Suriago Strait and Samar being separated by several days in the plot when in fact they took place on the same day.
The novel may also preserve early terminology about Kamikazes as shown in this excerpt:
'The Ordeal' (1961), pg 140 (1970s reprint, Classic Edition Nº. 39)
For details of other books by this author covered in the thread see the entry for: 'Collision Course' (1964)
Australia
HMAS Wind Rode
J, K & N Class Destroyer
Details as per the real ships
Note: Part way through the novel there is a reference to the events of 'Command' (1958) which confirms this is the same ship that took part in the previous novel.
Japan
Unnamed
Hyuga Class Battleship
Details as per the real ships.
Note: While not named this appears to be a fictional third, unmodified member of the class added to the Japanese battleline at the Battle of Suriago Strait.
United States
Various Unnamed Warships
Plot summary: As the greatest threat to the US landings in the Phillipines approaches the captain of one Australian destroyer is injured in an accident putting the first officer in charge. As the Battle of Samar (Part of the Battle of Leyte Gulf) looms, will the first officer prove to have the skills to command in his own right or not.
Note: This is one of the few novels I know of by the author based around a major historic event. Like 'Eagles over Taranto' (1961) considerable liberties are taken with history, with the span of time between the battles of Suriago Strait and Samar being separated by several days in the plot when in fact they took place on the same day.
The novel may also preserve early terminology about Kamikazes as shown in this excerpt:
'The Ordeal' (1961), pg 140 (1970s reprint, Classic Edition Nº. 39)
For details of other books by this author covered in the thread see the entry for: 'Collision Course' (1964)
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Nick
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I distinctly recall one character as coming from "Royal Navy Dockyard Grimsby". Think it was in Vixen 03 where they shell Washington DC with a reactivated New Jersey battleship.
If it'd said RN Dockyard Pembroke or Invergordon or Sheerness I would have assumed it was a 'what-if the former base had stayed open' scenario.
Another from the The Emperor's Men series: Unnamed Imperial Japanese Navy British E-Class submarine:
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J. E. MacDonnell, The Blind Eye, 1961
Australia
HMAS Wind Rode
J, K & N Class Destroyer
Details as per the real ships
Armament has been modified, one torpedo has been replaced with an experimental depth charge. (See below)
Note: Part way through the novel there is a reference to the events of 'Command' (1958) which confirms this is the same ship that took part in the previous novel.
United Kingdom
HMS Antelope (H36)
A Class Destroyer
Real ship, details as in service (1930 - 1946)
Note: In the real world this ships combat history was in European and West African waters. It never ventured into the Indian Ocean where the novel is set.
Unnamed
'Battleship', class not specified
No other details provided.
Fictional Naval Weapon
Unnamed
Experimental Depth Charge
Appearance: "...looks to me like an outsize torpedo warhead..."
Warhead: "more than two thousand pounds of... ...torpex"
Launched from a torpedo tube using cordite charges.
The ship launching the weapon needs to be travelling at 30knots to avoid being damaged by the weapon when it detonates.
Note: This weapon may have been based on the Mark X depth charge which used Minol rather than Torpex. The warhead size is comparible to around half the explosive load of the Tallboy bomb.
Japan
Various Unnamed warships.
Plot summary: Operational tests of experimental weapons are complicated things, especially if the enemy does not provide the right targets.
Note: For details of other books by this author covered in the thread see the entry for: 'Collision Course' (1964)
Australia
HMAS Wind Rode
J, K & N Class Destroyer
Details as per the real ships
Armament has been modified, one torpedo has been replaced with an experimental depth charge. (See below)
Note: Part way through the novel there is a reference to the events of 'Command' (1958) which confirms this is the same ship that took part in the previous novel.
United Kingdom
HMS Antelope (H36)
A Class Destroyer
Real ship, details as in service (1930 - 1946)
Note: In the real world this ships combat history was in European and West African waters. It never ventured into the Indian Ocean where the novel is set.
Unnamed
'Battleship', class not specified
No other details provided.
Fictional Naval Weapon
Unnamed
Experimental Depth Charge
Appearance: "...looks to me like an outsize torpedo warhead..."
Warhead: "more than two thousand pounds of... ...torpex"
Launched from a torpedo tube using cordite charges.
The ship launching the weapon needs to be travelling at 30knots to avoid being damaged by the weapon when it detonates.
Note: This weapon may have been based on the Mark X depth charge which used Minol rather than Torpex. The warhead size is comparible to around half the explosive load of the Tallboy bomb.
Japan
Various Unnamed warships.
Plot summary: Operational tests of experimental weapons are complicated things, especially if the enemy does not provide the right targets.
Note: For details of other books by this author covered in the thread see the entry for: 'Collision Course' (1964)
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J. E. MacDonnell, Dive,Dive,Dive!, 1959
United Kingdom
HMS Arrow
River Class Submarine
Details as per the real ships
Note: Name clashes with that of an A Class Destroyer in service 1930 - 1943. There is a River Arrow in Worcestershire in England. Class assignment is based on armament details and crew size. The author simply describes the ship as a "...modern large submarine..."
Japan
Various Unnamed warships.
Plot summary: 'Simple pickups' are never simple.
Note: This 1959 story is an outlier in authors output as none of his regular characters make an appearance.
For details of other books by this author covered in the thread see the entry for: 'Collision Course' (1964)
United Kingdom
HMS Arrow
River Class Submarine
Details as per the real ships
Note: Name clashes with that of an A Class Destroyer in service 1930 - 1943. There is a River Arrow in Worcestershire in England. Class assignment is based on armament details and crew size. The author simply describes the ship as a "...modern large submarine..."
Japan
Various Unnamed warships.
Plot summary: 'Simple pickups' are never simple.
Note: This 1959 story is an outlier in authors output as none of his regular characters make an appearance.
For details of other books by this author covered in the thread see the entry for: 'Collision Course' (1964)
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J. E. MacDonnell, Away Borders!, 1962
Australia
HMAS Darwin
County Class Cruiser
Details as per the real ships.
Note: Darwin is the capital of Australia's Northern Territory. The name was not used by the RAN for a warship until the 1980s and the introduction of the Adelaide Class Frigates.
Germany
Unnamed (aka MV Straat Sunda)
Armed Merchant Ship (Supply Ship)
Displacement: 6000tons
Armament: 1 x 4inch gun (Mounted Aft, disguised by a fake deckhouse.), MGs
One Funnel
Engines: Diesel
Speed: 12knots (Cruising), 15knots (Max)
No other details provided.
Unnamed
Armed Merchant Ship (Commerce Raider)
Displacement: 17,000tons
Armament: 6 x 5.9inch guns (3 a side), all other armament details unspecified.
Three Funnels
No other details provided
Note: Pretending to be an RN Armed Merchant Cruiser. One victim of the raider speculates the ship has been specially constructed for the purpose.
U-246
U-Boat, type not specified
No other details provided.
Note: The pennant number is that of a Type VIIc U-Boat commissioned in January 1944 and sunk in March 1945.
Plot summary: First commands always have a steep learning curve.
Note: For details of other books by this author covered in the thread see the entry for: 'Collision Course' (1964)
Australia
HMAS Darwin
County Class Cruiser
Details as per the real ships.
Note: Darwin is the capital of Australia's Northern Territory. The name was not used by the RAN for a warship until the 1980s and the introduction of the Adelaide Class Frigates.
Germany
Unnamed (aka MV Straat Sunda)
Armed Merchant Ship (Supply Ship)
Displacement: 6000tons
Armament: 1 x 4inch gun (Mounted Aft, disguised by a fake deckhouse.), MGs
One Funnel
Engines: Diesel
Speed: 12knots (Cruising), 15knots (Max)
No other details provided.
Unnamed
Armed Merchant Ship (Commerce Raider)
Displacement: 17,000tons
Armament: 6 x 5.9inch guns (3 a side), all other armament details unspecified.
Three Funnels
No other details provided
Note: Pretending to be an RN Armed Merchant Cruiser. One victim of the raider speculates the ship has been specially constructed for the purpose.
U-246
U-Boat, type not specified
No other details provided.
Note: The pennant number is that of a Type VIIc U-Boat commissioned in January 1944 and sunk in March 1945.
Plot summary: First commands always have a steep learning curve.
Note: For details of other books by this author covered in the thread see the entry for: 'Collision Course' (1964)
royabulgaf
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It was sort of like the opposing air strikes at midway. The fleets passed each other.
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J. E. MacDonnell, Command Decision, 1985
Australia
HMAS Pelican (H40)
Destroyer, class not specified
Armament: 4 x 4 inch guns (Two twin turrets, A & X), 6 x TT (Three twin mounts), Depth charges (Port Starboard launchers on the quarterdeck, rails aft) 1 x 2pdr QF Mk VII (four barrelled 'Pom Pom' gun, mounted abaft the funnel).
AA augmented with 'scrounged' SMG/MGs, 6 x Bren Guns (Mounted three a side midships), Browning mounted on motor boats forward davit.
Launched: 1918
Displacement: 1300 tons
Length: 300ft (91.4m)
Draught: 11ft (3.35m)
Machinery produces 30,000 horsepower driving twin screws.
Funnels: 1
Rudders: 1
Speed: 30 knots (31 knots design speed)
Fitted with radar and sonar.
Note: Pennant number clashes with that of HMS Anthony an interwar A Class Destroyer that was scrapped in 1948. Described as a prototype destroyer. The implied backstory is that she was transferred to the RAN as part of the 1930s 'Gift Fleet' and was still in service when WWII broke out.
HMAS Wolverine
J, K & N Class Destroyer?
Details as per the real ships
Note: Name clash with the V & W Class Destroyer HMS Wolverine (D78), that was in service 1919 - 1946. The ship also appears in 'The Glory Hunter' (c. 1980s)
HMAS Air Cloud
Type Two 63 ft HSL
Details as per the real ships.
Germany
Various Unnamed warships.
Plot summary: A former crewman on a cruiser, demoted after getting on the wrong side of his captain, finds that the war is much different when you are on a destroyer.
Note: This novel is the direct sequel to 'Jim Brady, Able Seaman' (1985) and is one of several novels the author wrote during his career featuring the character of Jim Brady. The order of the series, going on the books I've located appears to be as follows in terms of the Second World War: 'Petty Officer Brady' (1968) is set in 1941, 'Jim Brady, Able Seaman' (1985) is set in 1942, 'Gimme the boats!'(1953) is set in 1943 and 'Subsmash' (1960) is set in 1959 or 1960.
This is the first novel I've seen from this publisher where the cover artist is identified. On back of the cover the signature 'Phil Belbin' can be made out.
Note: For details of other books by this author covered in the thread see the entry for: 'Collision Course' (1964)
Australia
HMAS Pelican (H40)
Destroyer, class not specified
Armament: 4 x 4 inch guns (Two twin turrets, A & X), 6 x TT (Three twin mounts), Depth charges (Port Starboard launchers on the quarterdeck, rails aft) 1 x 2pdr QF Mk VII (four barrelled 'Pom Pom' gun, mounted abaft the funnel).
AA augmented with 'scrounged' SMG/MGs, 6 x Bren Guns (Mounted three a side midships), Browning mounted on motor boats forward davit.
Launched: 1918
Displacement: 1300 tons
Length: 300ft (91.4m)
Draught: 11ft (3.35m)
Machinery produces 30,000 horsepower driving twin screws.
Funnels: 1
Rudders: 1
Speed: 30 knots (31 knots design speed)
Fitted with radar and sonar.
Note: Pennant number clashes with that of HMS Anthony an interwar A Class Destroyer that was scrapped in 1948. Described as a prototype destroyer. The implied backstory is that she was transferred to the RAN as part of the 1930s 'Gift Fleet' and was still in service when WWII broke out.
HMAS Wolverine
J, K & N Class Destroyer?
Details as per the real ships
Note: Name clash with the V & W Class Destroyer HMS Wolverine (D78), that was in service 1919 - 1946. The ship also appears in 'The Glory Hunter' (c. 1980s)
HMAS Air Cloud
Type Two 63 ft HSL
Details as per the real ships.
Germany
Various Unnamed warships.
Plot summary: A former crewman on a cruiser, demoted after getting on the wrong side of his captain, finds that the war is much different when you are on a destroyer.
Note: This novel is the direct sequel to 'Jim Brady, Able Seaman' (1985) and is one of several novels the author wrote during his career featuring the character of Jim Brady. The order of the series, going on the books I've located appears to be as follows in terms of the Second World War: 'Petty Officer Brady' (1968) is set in 1941, 'Jim Brady, Able Seaman' (1985) is set in 1942, 'Gimme the boats!'(1953) is set in 1943 and 'Subsmash' (1960) is set in 1959 or 1960.
This is the first novel I've seen from this publisher where the cover artist is identified. On back of the cover the signature 'Phil Belbin' can be made out.
Note: For details of other books by this author covered in the thread see the entry for: 'Collision Course' (1964)
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With thanks to Michel Van who took the first run at this novel, back when this thread first started.
Philip E. High, The Time Mercenaries, 1968
United Kingdom
HMS Euphrates
'Submarine' (SSN), class not specified
Speed: 36kts(Surf), submerged speed is not specified.
Armament: 1 x 'Gun' (Most likely a 4 inch weapon, the last British subs to carry a deck gun, the Amphion Class, used the 4 inch QF Mk. XXIII.) 2 x Quad MGs (Mounted at either end of the conning tower), 2 x 20mm Oerlikons. Cover indicates 6 x 21inch TT (Bow), dialog suggests 4 x 21inch TT Bow
Note: Described as "...the most up-to-date vessel in it's class..."
No other details provided.
HMS Mentor
'Destroyer', class not specified
No other details provided.
Note: Name only mentioned, plays no part in the story proper.
Plot Summary: A sunken submarine and it's crew are revived in the distant future to save a world that's forgotten about war from invaders who know nothing else.
Philip E. High, The Time Mercenaries, 1968
United Kingdom
HMS Euphrates
'Submarine' (SSN), class not specified
Speed: 36kts(Surf), submerged speed is not specified.
Armament: 1 x 'Gun' (Most likely a 4 inch weapon, the last British subs to carry a deck gun, the Amphion Class, used the 4 inch QF Mk. XXIII.) 2 x Quad MGs (Mounted at either end of the conning tower), 2 x 20mm Oerlikons. Cover indicates 6 x 21inch TT (Bow), dialog suggests 4 x 21inch TT Bow
Note: Described as "...the most up-to-date vessel in it's class..."
No other details provided.
HMS Mentor
'Destroyer', class not specified
No other details provided.
Note: Name only mentioned, plays no part in the story proper.
Plot Summary: A sunken submarine and it's crew are revived in the distant future to save a world that's forgotten about war from invaders who know nothing else.
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Patrick Rogers, Don Pendleton's Mack Bolan, Stony Man: Skylance, 1996
United States
USS Sam Houston (SSN-609)
Ethan Allen Class Submarine
Real ship, details as in service (1962 - 1991)
Armament: At this point in her carreer the ballistic missiles have been removed and she is armed with Mk. 48 torpedoes, UGM-84 'Harpoon' and UGM-109 'Tomahawk' Missiles.
Fitted with a shelter on the back to carry an SDV.
Note: The ship has been fictionally kept in service into the mid 1990s.
Non-State
Kanabo Corporation (Fictional Japanese Company)
Unnamed
Krivak II (Pr.1135M) Class Frigate
Details as per the real ships.
Note: Ex-Soviet Navy Unit.
For the Aircraft Mavens.
US
XSR-92 'Skylance'
Military Space Shuttle
Manufacturer: Lockheed
Crew: 2
Equiped with ELINT Equipment, Infra-red and visual cameras.
Engines: 2 Jets & 2 Rockets (for use in space.)
Weapons: "It can also carry advanced weapons in an internal bomb bay and can carry out either nuclear or conventional attacks..." On this mission it was carrying two non-nuclear EMP weapons codenamed 'Starflash'.
Note: Launched just like the space shuttle. Based out of Vandenberg AFB.
Plot summary: When the United States most advanced reconnaissance plane is forced down in Indonesia the US contacts the organisation they use when they cannot send in the military. The order, find the plane and destroy it, but when they arrive they find they are not the only ones searching for the plane.
Note: This novel is part of a long running 'newsstand' action series. The plotline falls firmly into the category of 'Yellow Peril (Japan)'.
United States
USS Sam Houston (SSN-609)
Ethan Allen Class Submarine
Real ship, details as in service (1962 - 1991)
Armament: At this point in her carreer the ballistic missiles have been removed and she is armed with Mk. 48 torpedoes, UGM-84 'Harpoon' and UGM-109 'Tomahawk' Missiles.
Fitted with a shelter on the back to carry an SDV.
Note: The ship has been fictionally kept in service into the mid 1990s.
Non-State
Kanabo Corporation (Fictional Japanese Company)
Unnamed
Krivak II (Pr.1135M) Class Frigate
Details as per the real ships.
Note: Ex-Soviet Navy Unit.
For the Aircraft Mavens.
US
XSR-92 'Skylance'
Military Space Shuttle
Manufacturer: Lockheed
Crew: 2
Equiped with ELINT Equipment, Infra-red and visual cameras.
Engines: 2 Jets & 2 Rockets (for use in space.)
Weapons: "It can also carry advanced weapons in an internal bomb bay and can carry out either nuclear or conventional attacks..." On this mission it was carrying two non-nuclear EMP weapons codenamed 'Starflash'.
Note: Launched just like the space shuttle. Based out of Vandenberg AFB.
Plot summary: When the United States most advanced reconnaissance plane is forced down in Indonesia the US contacts the organisation they use when they cannot send in the military. The order, find the plane and destroy it, but when they arrive they find they are not the only ones searching for the plane.
Note: This novel is part of a long running 'newsstand' action series. The plotline falls firmly into the category of 'Yellow Peril (Japan)'.
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Tim Somheil, Don Pendleton's Mack Bolan, Stony Man: Terms of Control, 2004
Non-State
Senator Franklin Jackson's Presidential Election Committe (aka 'Jobs for America'.)
Unnamed
Minisub
Displacement: 55tons
Range: 125(+) Nautical Miles
Engines: Pump jets powered by a metal hydride/liquid oxygen fuel cell.
Electronics: "...GPS augmented with nose-mounted and belly-mounted sonar sensors. A destination was typically preprogrammed, or the sub could be piloted with a joystick."
Controls: Touch screen with the exception of the joystick.
Stealth: An experimental system described as follows: "...the grooves along the surface are the givaway. The channels were designed for full scale experimentation with channeling water around the hull to craste a sound-polarizing effect. ...the thought was to mask the boat's noise... The shape of the grooves can be dynamically augmented during ...operation - hydraulic fill pieces move into and out of the grooves. It happens authmatically to create the quietest signature based on the speed and altitude of the sub." (In practice the system only worked intermittently.)
Note: The submarine is a one-of-a-kind prototype built for a USN contract. According to official records it was scrapped after the program failed. In actuality the companies owner, US Senator Franklin Jackson kept the vessel handy for when it was needed. Had it entered service it would have been carried by Virgina Class Submarines.
Plot summary: A series of attacks at home and abroad which seem to be designed to drive foreign investment out of the United States leads the US government to use a 'private military contractor' to investigate, leading to an unexpected discovery about just who's behind it all.
Note (Spoiler): This long running action series was well known for 'gung ho' action and a right-of-centre attitude. To see the series regulars taking on the agents of a 'Donald Trump-like' demagogue is a bit of a surprise.
Non-State
Senator Franklin Jackson's Presidential Election Committe (aka 'Jobs for America'.)
Unnamed
Minisub
Displacement: 55tons
Range: 125(+) Nautical Miles
Engines: Pump jets powered by a metal hydride/liquid oxygen fuel cell.
Electronics: "...GPS augmented with nose-mounted and belly-mounted sonar sensors. A destination was typically preprogrammed, or the sub could be piloted with a joystick."
Controls: Touch screen with the exception of the joystick.
Stealth: An experimental system described as follows: "...the grooves along the surface are the givaway. The channels were designed for full scale experimentation with channeling water around the hull to craste a sound-polarizing effect. ...the thought was to mask the boat's noise... The shape of the grooves can be dynamically augmented during ...operation - hydraulic fill pieces move into and out of the grooves. It happens authmatically to create the quietest signature based on the speed and altitude of the sub." (In practice the system only worked intermittently.)
Note: The submarine is a one-of-a-kind prototype built for a USN contract. According to official records it was scrapped after the program failed. In actuality the companies owner, US Senator Franklin Jackson kept the vessel handy for when it was needed. Had it entered service it would have been carried by Virgina Class Submarines.
Plot summary: A series of attacks at home and abroad which seem to be designed to drive foreign investment out of the United States leads the US government to use a 'private military contractor' to investigate, leading to an unexpected discovery about just who's behind it all.
Note (Spoiler): This long running action series was well known for 'gung ho' action and a right-of-centre attitude. To see the series regulars taking on the agents of a 'Donald Trump-like' demagogue is a bit of a surprise.
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Chuck Rogers, Don Pendleton's Mack Bolan, The Executioner: Chill Effect, 2000
Argentina
ARA Veinticinco de Mayo (V-2)
Colossus Class Aircraft Carrier
Real ship, details as in service (Argentina 1969 - 1997)
Note: In the real world the ship was inoperable in 1990, seven years prior to decomissioning, in the novel the ship is still operational in 2000.) The novel refers to her as the 'ARA Venti Cinco de Mayo'.
ARA Hércules (B-52, former pennant: D-1)
Type 42 Destroyer
Real ship, details as in service (1976 - 1999 as a destroyer, reclassified as a transport in 1999.)
Note: In the novel the ship is sunk by an 'SS-13'
ARA Espora (P-41)
Espora Class Frigate
Real ship, details as in service
Note: In the novel the ship is sunk by an 'SS-13'
Note: In the novel's opening it's stated that the Argentine Navy is looking into purchasing decomissioned Sturgeon Class SSNs from the United States.
Chile
Captain Prat (DLH-11) (ex-HMS Norfolk (D21))
County Class Destroyer (Batch 1)
Real ship, details as in service. (RN 1970 - 1981) (Amada de Chile 1982 - 2006)
Note: In the novel the ship is sunk by an 'SS-13'
United Kingdom
HMS Illustrious (R06)
Invincible Class Aircraft Carrier
Real ship, details as in service (1982 - 2014)
HMS Ark Royal (R07)
Invincible Class Aircraft Carrier
Real ship, details as in service (1985 - 2011)
HMS Manchester (D95)
County Class Destroyer (Batch 3)
Real ship, details as in service (1982 - 2011)
Note: In the novel the ship is sunk by an 'SS-13'
HMS Boxer (F92)
Type 22 Frigate (Batch 2)
Real ship, details as in service (1983 - 1999)
Note: Fictionally retained in service until 2000.
Note: In the novel the ship is sunk by an 'SS-13'
HMS Battleaxe (F89)
Type 22 Frigate (Batch 1)
Real ship, details as in service (1980 - 1996)
Note: Continually referred to as 'HMS Battle-Axe' in the novel. Historically the ship was sold to Brazil in 1997. In the novel it appears to still be in service with the RN as of 2000. In the novel the ship is sunk by an 'SS-13'
HMS Triumph (S93)
Trafalgar Class Submarine
Real ship, details as in service (1991 - ongoing.)
United States
USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN-705)
Los Angeles Class Submarine
Real ship, details as in service (1983 - 2017)
Note: The novel refers to her as the 'USS Corpus Christi' which had been the submarines intended name prior to launch.
Fictional Weapons System
'SS-13'
Ballistic Missile
Anti-Ship derivative of the RT-2 (Probably closer in appearance to the RT-15 or later derivatives.)
Can be fitted with a conventional or nuclear warhead.
Terminal guidance uses an unspecified radar, fitted with electronic countermeasures.
Note: Developed in the last days of the Soviet Union, the Russians sold the prototypes to private interests to raise cash. Consistently referred to as an 'SS-13' which was the NATO designation for a three-stage ballistic missile. The missile in the novel is a two stage weapon carried by a tracked launcher.
For the Aircraft Mavens
Two B-2 'Spirit' bombers ('Spirit of Texas' (AV-7) & 'Spirit of Kitty Hawk' (AV-19) (Note: The novel refers to the latter as 'Spirit of Kittyhawk')) are used for a HALO drop in the novels climactic sequence with 'Spirit of Kitty Hawk' carrying a five man team in her bomb bay. 'Spirit of Texas' is carrying 1 x B83 nuclear bomb and 8 x Mk-84 (GBU-31) bombs.
Plot summary: It is the 'Day After Tomorrow'. A series of attacks bring the United Kingdom and Argentina to the brink of war. The US realizes that someone else is behind the attacks, but rather than send CIA Agents into the region and tip their hand, the US Government contacts a former vigilante turned freelance covert agent and his friends to find out just what is going on.
Note: The cover picture is in part based on photographs taken during the weapons trials that sank HMS Hardy (F54) in 1984.
Argentina
ARA Veinticinco de Mayo (V-2)
Colossus Class Aircraft Carrier
Real ship, details as in service (Argentina 1969 - 1997)
Note: In the real world the ship was inoperable in 1990, seven years prior to decomissioning, in the novel the ship is still operational in 2000.) The novel refers to her as the 'ARA Venti Cinco de Mayo'.
ARA Hércules (B-52, former pennant: D-1)
Type 42 Destroyer
Real ship, details as in service (1976 - 1999 as a destroyer, reclassified as a transport in 1999.)
Note: In the novel the ship is sunk by an 'SS-13'
ARA Espora (P-41)
Espora Class Frigate
Real ship, details as in service
Note: In the novel the ship is sunk by an 'SS-13'
Note: In the novel's opening it's stated that the Argentine Navy is looking into purchasing decomissioned Sturgeon Class SSNs from the United States.
Chile
Captain Prat (DLH-11) (ex-HMS Norfolk (D21))
County Class Destroyer (Batch 1)
Real ship, details as in service. (RN 1970 - 1981) (Amada de Chile 1982 - 2006)
Note: In the novel the ship is sunk by an 'SS-13'
United Kingdom
HMS Illustrious (R06)
Invincible Class Aircraft Carrier
Real ship, details as in service (1982 - 2014)
HMS Ark Royal (R07)
Invincible Class Aircraft Carrier
Real ship, details as in service (1985 - 2011)
HMS Manchester (D95)
County Class Destroyer (Batch 3)
Real ship, details as in service (1982 - 2011)
Note: In the novel the ship is sunk by an 'SS-13'
HMS Boxer (F92)
Type 22 Frigate (Batch 2)
Real ship, details as in service (1983 - 1999)
Note: Fictionally retained in service until 2000.
Note: In the novel the ship is sunk by an 'SS-13'
HMS Battleaxe (F89)
Type 22 Frigate (Batch 1)
Real ship, details as in service (1980 - 1996)
Note: Continually referred to as 'HMS Battle-Axe' in the novel. Historically the ship was sold to Brazil in 1997. In the novel it appears to still be in service with the RN as of 2000. In the novel the ship is sunk by an 'SS-13'
HMS Triumph (S93)
Trafalgar Class Submarine
Real ship, details as in service (1991 - ongoing.)
United States
USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN-705)
Los Angeles Class Submarine
Real ship, details as in service (1983 - 2017)
Note: The novel refers to her as the 'USS Corpus Christi' which had been the submarines intended name prior to launch.
Fictional Weapons System
'SS-13'
Ballistic Missile
Anti-Ship derivative of the RT-2 (Probably closer in appearance to the RT-15 or later derivatives.)
Can be fitted with a conventional or nuclear warhead.
Terminal guidance uses an unspecified radar, fitted with electronic countermeasures.
Note: Developed in the last days of the Soviet Union, the Russians sold the prototypes to private interests to raise cash. Consistently referred to as an 'SS-13' which was the NATO designation for a three-stage ballistic missile. The missile in the novel is a two stage weapon carried by a tracked launcher.
For the Aircraft Mavens
Two B-2 'Spirit' bombers ('Spirit of Texas' (AV-7) & 'Spirit of Kitty Hawk' (AV-19) (Note: The novel refers to the latter as 'Spirit of Kittyhawk')) are used for a HALO drop in the novels climactic sequence with 'Spirit of Kitty Hawk' carrying a five man team in her bomb bay. 'Spirit of Texas' is carrying 1 x B83 nuclear bomb and 8 x Mk-84 (GBU-31) bombs.
Plot summary: It is the 'Day After Tomorrow'. A series of attacks bring the United Kingdom and Argentina to the brink of war. The US realizes that someone else is behind the attacks, but rather than send CIA Agents into the region and tip their hand, the US Government contacts a former vigilante turned freelance covert agent and his friends to find out just what is going on.
Note: The cover picture is in part based on photographs taken during the weapons trials that sank HMS Hardy (F54) in 1984.
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Continuing an exploration of the last years of 'Gold Eagle', Harlequin books imprint for male readers...
Nick Polotta, Don Pendleton's Mack Bolan, Stony Man: Deep Rampage, 2002
United States
USS Lincolnshire (CG-??)
Ticonderoga Class Cruiser
Details as per the real ships.
Note: Name does not fit class.
USS Culpepper
'Warship' class not specified
Note: In the chapter prior to the one in which this name is mentioned reference is made to the sinking of both a Los Angeles and Seawolf Class submarine, so it must be one of these, but the author never specifies.
USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)
Kitty Hawk Class Aircraft Carrier
Real ship, details as in service (1961 - 2009)
Various Unnamed warships.
Algeria
Unnamed (aka Yankee Clipper)
Armed Merchant Ship
Trawler
Armament: 3 x Shkval (Mod.) torpedos. Small Arms.
Disguised as a US owned trawler.
No other details provided.
Iran
Glory of Paradise
'Submarine', class not specified
Ex-Soviet submarine.
Armament includes Shkval (Mod.) torpedos
No other details provided.
Iraq
Sword of the Lion
'Submarine', class not specified
Ex-Soviet submarine.
Armament includes Shkval (Mod.) torpedos
No other details provided.
Non-State
Red Dagger (Former Spetznaz team)
Varyag
'Submarine', class not specified
Ex-Soviet submarine.
Armament Shkval (Mod.) torpedos
No other details provided.
Fictional Weapon
Russia
Shkval (Mod.)
Details as per the real weapon.
Speed: 300knots
Can be fitted with a nuclear or conventional warhead.
US
'Vandal'
Anti-torpedo missile
Project cancelled due to cost.
No other details provided.
Plot summary: As Russia falls into chaos, some renegade Spetznaz steal both copies of the latest iteration of the Shkval torpedo and the plans needed to build more. As the deadly weapons turn up in the hands of whoever is willing to pay for them the race is on to stop the carnage.
Note: The author makes some rather interesting mistakes in this one. He claims that the Channel Tunnel is an automotive tunnel and that the Los Angeles Class SSNs are in fact SSBNs. Compared with some of the previous books from this franchise I've read this is a lesser effort, the author piles on the carnage without fully exploring the long term implications of some of the things he describes.
Nick Polotta, Don Pendleton's Mack Bolan, Stony Man: Deep Rampage, 2002
United States
USS Lincolnshire (CG-??)
Ticonderoga Class Cruiser
Details as per the real ships.
Note: Name does not fit class.
USS Culpepper
'Warship' class not specified
Note: In the chapter prior to the one in which this name is mentioned reference is made to the sinking of both a Los Angeles and Seawolf Class submarine, so it must be one of these, but the author never specifies.
USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)
Kitty Hawk Class Aircraft Carrier
Real ship, details as in service (1961 - 2009)
Various Unnamed warships.
Algeria
Unnamed (aka Yankee Clipper)
Armed Merchant Ship
Trawler
Armament: 3 x Shkval (Mod.) torpedos. Small Arms.
Disguised as a US owned trawler.
No other details provided.
Iran
Glory of Paradise
'Submarine', class not specified
Ex-Soviet submarine.
Armament includes Shkval (Mod.) torpedos
No other details provided.
Iraq
Sword of the Lion
'Submarine', class not specified
Ex-Soviet submarine.
Armament includes Shkval (Mod.) torpedos
No other details provided.
Non-State
Red Dagger (Former Spetznaz team)
Varyag
'Submarine', class not specified
Ex-Soviet submarine.
Armament Shkval (Mod.) torpedos
No other details provided.
Fictional Weapon
Russia
Shkval (Mod.)
Details as per the real weapon.
Speed: 300knots
Can be fitted with a nuclear or conventional warhead.
US
'Vandal'
Anti-torpedo missile
Project cancelled due to cost.
No other details provided.
Plot summary: As Russia falls into chaos, some renegade Spetznaz steal both copies of the latest iteration of the Shkval torpedo and the plans needed to build more. As the deadly weapons turn up in the hands of whoever is willing to pay for them the race is on to stop the carnage.
Note: The author makes some rather interesting mistakes in this one. He claims that the Channel Tunnel is an automotive tunnel and that the Los Angeles Class SSNs are in fact SSBNs. Compared with some of the previous books from this franchise I've read this is a lesser effort, the author piles on the carnage without fully exploring the long term implications of some of the things he describes.
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From another of Gold Eagles 'Man Adventure' paperbacks...
Jon Guenther, Don Pendleton's Stony Man: War Tides, 2010
United States
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69)
Nimiz Class Aircraft Carrier
Real ship, details as in service (1977 - ongoing.)
USS Harpoon
Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer
Details as per the real ships.
Note: Name does not fit the class. Class assignment based on the fact that the Arleigh Burke Class was the only class of destroyers in US service by the time the novel came out.
Non-State
Intiqam-ut-Allah ('Revenge of Allah')
Generic Islamic Terrorist Group.
Fast-Attack Covert Operations Submarine (FACOS)
Mini Sub (Fictional Class)
Crew: 6
Engines: As designed Nuclear, as built Diesel.
Submergence depth (Max): 110ft (33.53 m)
Speed: "...twice that of any conventional submarine currently in service..."
Armament: "...up to four nuclear warheads of up to 10 megatons each." (These are not ground-laid weapons, the text simply refers to them as missiles.)
Other details: "It's size makes it nearly impervious to any antisubmarine defenses and its footprint is generally to small to trigger most surveillance systems currently in use."
Concept:
"You should probably know that this vessel is more than just another submarine. It's a superweapon designed to cary a very small crew complement, penetrate enemy waters and deliver a first strike nuclear payload."
Description: "They sat like sharks hovering just above the water in their dry docks of the frames, their rear mounted sails rising ominously above the sleek, knifelike bodies. The sails were equipped with full sensor suite packages each one costing about a third of their value on the black market."
Note: From the limited details it this would appear to be an updated version of the British X-Craft concept. Some of the descriptive quotes apply to the version the US was planning to build, others to the versions built by Intiqam-ut-Allah based on stolen US plans. No other details are provided in the story.
Plot summary: Generic Islamic Terrorists (Intiqam-ut-Allah), have stolen the plans for a highly advanced mini-submarine from the United States. The investigation into the theft reveals that the group has almost completed at least six such submarines based on leaked project information. The plans they stole gave them the details lacking in the leaked information, the race is now on to stop their use.
Jon Guenther, Don Pendleton's Stony Man: War Tides, 2010
United States
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69)
Nimiz Class Aircraft Carrier
Real ship, details as in service (1977 - ongoing.)
USS Harpoon
Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer
Details as per the real ships.
Note: Name does not fit the class. Class assignment based on the fact that the Arleigh Burke Class was the only class of destroyers in US service by the time the novel came out.
Non-State
Intiqam-ut-Allah ('Revenge of Allah')
Generic Islamic Terrorist Group.
Fast-Attack Covert Operations Submarine (FACOS)
Mini Sub (Fictional Class)
Crew: 6
Engines: As designed Nuclear, as built Diesel.
Submergence depth (Max): 110ft (33.53 m)
Speed: "...twice that of any conventional submarine currently in service..."
Armament: "...up to four nuclear warheads of up to 10 megatons each." (These are not ground-laid weapons, the text simply refers to them as missiles.)
Other details: "It's size makes it nearly impervious to any antisubmarine defenses and its footprint is generally to small to trigger most surveillance systems currently in use."
Concept:
"You should probably know that this vessel is more than just another submarine. It's a superweapon designed to cary a very small crew complement, penetrate enemy waters and deliver a first strike nuclear payload."
Description: "They sat like sharks hovering just above the water in their dry docks of the frames, their rear mounted sails rising ominously above the sleek, knifelike bodies. The sails were equipped with full sensor suite packages each one costing about a third of their value on the black market."
Note: From the limited details it this would appear to be an updated version of the British X-Craft concept. Some of the descriptive quotes apply to the version the US was planning to build, others to the versions built by Intiqam-ut-Allah based on stolen US plans. No other details are provided in the story.
Plot summary: Generic Islamic Terrorists (Intiqam-ut-Allah), have stolen the plans for a highly advanced mini-submarine from the United States. The investigation into the theft reveals that the group has almost completed at least six such submarines based on leaked project information. The plans they stole gave them the details lacking in the leaked information, the race is now on to stop their use.
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Tom Harper, Zodiac Station, 2014
United States (Coast Guard)
USCGC Terra Nova
'Icebreaker', class not specified
Crew: 81, Officers & Crew
Pax: 33, Scientists.
Fitted with a hangar and helipad, carries one helicopter of unspecified type.
No other details provided.
Plot summary: The crew of a US Coast Guard icebreaker stumble across a man claiming to be the sole survivor of a British run Arctic research post with an incredible tale to tell...
United States (Coast Guard)
USCGC Terra Nova
'Icebreaker', class not specified
Crew: 81, Officers & Crew
Pax: 33, Scientists.
Fitted with a hangar and helipad, carries one helicopter of unspecified type.
No other details provided.
Plot summary: The crew of a US Coast Guard icebreaker stumble across a man claiming to be the sole survivor of a British run Arctic research post with an incredible tale to tell...
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Michael Kasner, Don Pendleton's Mack Bolan, Stony Man: Eye Of The Ruby, 1997
United States
USS Seattle
Seawolf Class Submarine
Details as per the real ships.
Note: Name does not fit the class and clashes with a member of the Sacramento Class Combat Support Ships.
All other US ships mentioned in the novel are real.
Plot summary: The Chinese try to conquer Taiwan...
United States
USS Seattle
Seawolf Class Submarine
Details as per the real ships.
Note: Name does not fit the class and clashes with a member of the Sacramento Class Combat Support Ships.
All other US ships mentioned in the novel are real.
Plot summary: The Chinese try to conquer Taiwan...
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David Robbins, Don Pendleton's Mack Bolan, The Executioner: Deep Attack, 1998
United States (Coast Guard)
CG 30390
'Patrol Boat', class not specified
Fitted with state-of-the-art 'surveillance and detection equipment...'
No other details provided
Note: The identifying number is of the type used on 30ft surf rescue boats, however the vessel is implied to be much larger.
USCGC Liberty (WPB-1334)
Island Class Cutter
Real ship, details as in service (1989 - ongoing).
Note: In real life the cutter is deployed in Canadian/Alaskan Waters. In the novel she's operating off the California coast. Authors description implies a heavier main gun has been fitted than the 25mm Chain gun associated with the class.
Non-state
Quesada Cartel
Fictional Columbian Cartel
Unnamed
'Minisub', class not specified
Length: 90ft
Crew: 4
Armament: Unspecified torpedos.
Other equipment: Periscope
Note: Used to transport cocaine from modified freighters to shore. The cartel owns 12 such minisubs.
Cartagena
Armed Merchant Ship
Freighter used as support vessel for the smuggling minisubs on the US West Coast
Armament: 2 x 'guns' from the description at least 3 - 4 inch in concealed mounts.
Pasmarina
Armed Merchant Ship
Freighter used as support vessel for the smuggling minisubs on the US West Coast
Armament: 2 x 'guns' from the description at least 3 - 4 inch in concealed mounts.
Plot summary: Evidence has come to light that a Columbian cartel is using minisubs to smuggle cocaine into the United States.
Note: This story can be considered a late entry in the 'turn the military on the cartels' genre that was popular in the late 1980s/early 1990s. Other examples to be found in this thread are Tom Clancy's 'Clear and Present Danger' (1989) and Dale Brown's 'Hammerheads' (1990)
United States (Coast Guard)
CG 30390
'Patrol Boat', class not specified
Fitted with state-of-the-art 'surveillance and detection equipment...'
No other details provided
Note: The identifying number is of the type used on 30ft surf rescue boats, however the vessel is implied to be much larger.
USCGC Liberty (WPB-1334)
Island Class Cutter
Real ship, details as in service (1989 - ongoing).
Note: In real life the cutter is deployed in Canadian/Alaskan Waters. In the novel she's operating off the California coast. Authors description implies a heavier main gun has been fitted than the 25mm Chain gun associated with the class.
Non-state
Quesada Cartel
Fictional Columbian Cartel
Unnamed
'Minisub', class not specified
Length: 90ft
Crew: 4
Armament: Unspecified torpedos.
Other equipment: Periscope
Note: Used to transport cocaine from modified freighters to shore. The cartel owns 12 such minisubs.
Cartagena
Armed Merchant Ship
Freighter used as support vessel for the smuggling minisubs on the US West Coast
Armament: 2 x 'guns' from the description at least 3 - 4 inch in concealed mounts.
Pasmarina
Armed Merchant Ship
Freighter used as support vessel for the smuggling minisubs on the US West Coast
Armament: 2 x 'guns' from the description at least 3 - 4 inch in concealed mounts.
Plot summary: Evidence has come to light that a Columbian cartel is using minisubs to smuggle cocaine into the United States.
Note: This story can be considered a late entry in the 'turn the military on the cartels' genre that was popular in the late 1980s/early 1990s. Other examples to be found in this thread are Tom Clancy's 'Clear and Present Danger' (1989) and Dale Brown's 'Hammerheads' (1990)
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Chuck Rogers, Don Pendleton's, Stony Man: Citadel of Fear, 2015
United States
USS Coronado (LCS-4)
Independence Class Littorial Combat Ship
Real ship, details as in service (2014 - ongoing)
Note: Equipped with a Fleet Class Umanned Surface Vessel (Real USV Class)
Non-State
Generic Islamic Terrorist Group.
Halleujah Jordan
Armed Merchant Ship
8 x 3M-54 Kalibr missiles mounted in modified shipping containers
Note: The missiles are not standard 3M-54 Kalibr's they have been manufactured using a highly advanced form of 3D Printing. They are fitted with thermobaric warheads.
Plot summary: An investigation into Russian crime gangs uncovers a number of mysterious high-tech items originating in a libertarian enclave in Belize. Investigations into the source uncover something far more disturbing.
Note: This is yet another 'terrorist of the month' plotline of the kind that had been popular with both the 'Bolanverse' and other low end 'gung-ho action' action series since the 1980s, this one is only of interest for the authors decision to not even bother to come up with a snappy name for their terrorists. Probably the most interesting part of the story is the infiltration of the libertarian enclave in Belize that the terrorists have compromised.
United States
USS Coronado (LCS-4)
Independence Class Littorial Combat Ship
Real ship, details as in service (2014 - ongoing)
Note: Equipped with a Fleet Class Umanned Surface Vessel (Real USV Class)
Non-State
Generic Islamic Terrorist Group.
Halleujah Jordan
Armed Merchant Ship
8 x 3M-54 Kalibr missiles mounted in modified shipping containers
Note: The missiles are not standard 3M-54 Kalibr's they have been manufactured using a highly advanced form of 3D Printing. They are fitted with thermobaric warheads.
Plot summary: An investigation into Russian crime gangs uncovers a number of mysterious high-tech items originating in a libertarian enclave in Belize. Investigations into the source uncover something far more disturbing.
Note: This is yet another 'terrorist of the month' plotline of the kind that had been popular with both the 'Bolanverse' and other low end 'gung-ho action' action series since the 1980s, this one is only of interest for the authors decision to not even bother to come up with a snappy name for their terrorists. Probably the most interesting part of the story is the infiltration of the libertarian enclave in Belize that the terrorists have compromised.
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Chuck Rogers, Don Pendleton's Mack Bolan: Breakaway, 2002
United States
USS Essex (LHD-2)
Wasp Class Landing Helicopter Dock
Real ship, details as in service (1992 - ongoing)
USS Los Angeles (SSN-688)
Los Angeles Class Submarine
Real ship, details as in service (1976 - 2011)
Unnamed
Armed Merchant Ship (converted fishing junk)
Hull: Wooden
Speed: (Diesels) 30knots (Cruise), (Sails) Unspecified
Equipped with: "...just about anything. Satellite links, optical-imaging systems, sonar, you name it."
Armament: 1 x TOW missile launcher with six reloads, 1 x Browning M-2 .50 caliber MG, 1 x 40mm Bofors Gun, 1 x Stinger missile launcher with an unspecified number of reloads. (Note: The TOW Missile launcher is located in the former cabin which has been turned into a concealed weapons housing. The crew sleep in the former fishing hold.)
Carries an inflatable Zodiac motorboat.
No other details provided.
Note: Ship belongs to the CIA who use it for covert surveillance work.
China (Peoples Republic of)
Various Unnamed warships.
Plot summary: A series of murders on Okinawa point to a resurgence of a long simmering independence movement on the island, but as the investigation proceeds an even more disturbing picture starts to emerge.
Note: There are several references to a previous story by the same author which is never identified in the text. While this is the same author as 'Citadel of Fear' (2015) which I covered in the previous post, this is a much better story, there's a good mystery at the heart of the plot, the bad guys are definitely not 'Generic Islamic Terrorists', the hero's are not depicted as indestructable and there are several good action setpieces right up to the climactic battle. In this 'era' of the Mack Bolan series both front and back cover were illustrated, with the backcover featuring scenes from the novel including in this case the USS Los Angeles bursting through a wooden bridge, as to the lady on the front cover, she's a Japanese secret agent who helps the gwailo heroes in their investigation....
United States
USS Essex (LHD-2)
Wasp Class Landing Helicopter Dock
Real ship, details as in service (1992 - ongoing)
USS Los Angeles (SSN-688)
Los Angeles Class Submarine
Real ship, details as in service (1976 - 2011)
Unnamed
Armed Merchant Ship (converted fishing junk)
Hull: Wooden
Speed: (Diesels) 30knots (Cruise), (Sails) Unspecified
Equipped with: "...just about anything. Satellite links, optical-imaging systems, sonar, you name it."
Armament: 1 x TOW missile launcher with six reloads, 1 x Browning M-2 .50 caliber MG, 1 x 40mm Bofors Gun, 1 x Stinger missile launcher with an unspecified number of reloads. (Note: The TOW Missile launcher is located in the former cabin which has been turned into a concealed weapons housing. The crew sleep in the former fishing hold.)
Carries an inflatable Zodiac motorboat.
No other details provided.
Note: Ship belongs to the CIA who use it for covert surveillance work.
China (Peoples Republic of)
Various Unnamed warships.
Plot summary: A series of murders on Okinawa point to a resurgence of a long simmering independence movement on the island, but as the investigation proceeds an even more disturbing picture starts to emerge.
Note: There are several references to a previous story by the same author which is never identified in the text. While this is the same author as 'Citadel of Fear' (2015) which I covered in the previous post, this is a much better story, there's a good mystery at the heart of the plot, the bad guys are definitely not 'Generic Islamic Terrorists', the hero's are not depicted as indestructable and there are several good action setpieces right up to the climactic battle. In this 'era' of the Mack Bolan series both front and back cover were illustrated, with the backcover featuring scenes from the novel including in this case the USS Los Angeles bursting through a wooden bridge, as to the lady on the front cover, she's a Japanese secret agent who helps the gwailo heroes in their investigation....
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Len Deighton, Spy Story, 1974
United States
USS Paul Revere
Ethan Allen Class Submarine (AGI variant)
Details as per the real ships in regards the dimensions.
Torpedo armament is identical to the real ships, the ballistic missiles have been replaced with a compartment containing electronic intelligence gathering equipment, signal processing eqipment and electronic countermeasures equipment.
Note: The text implies there are several other identical submarines in service, but they are never mentioned by name.
Plot summary: A professional wargamer working for the British Government finds himself caught up in real life intrigue.
United States
USS Paul Revere
Ethan Allen Class Submarine (AGI variant)
Details as per the real ships in regards the dimensions.
Torpedo armament is identical to the real ships, the ballistic missiles have been replaced with a compartment containing electronic intelligence gathering equipment, signal processing eqipment and electronic countermeasures equipment.
Note: The text implies there are several other identical submarines in service, but they are never mentioned by name.
Plot summary: A professional wargamer working for the British Government finds himself caught up in real life intrigue.
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Christopher Nicole, Iron Ships, Iron Men, 1987
United Kingdom
HMS Splendid
Steam Sloop (Sidewheel)
Length: 80ft (24.4m)
Armament: 4x 12pdr guns (2 x fwd, 2x aft)
Hull: Wooden
Note: At the time this part of the story is set (1858), there was no ship of this name in the Royal Navy, the previous holder was launched in 1597, the next, an S Class Destroyer (WWI) was launched in 1918.
United States
USS Montgomery
Schooner (Sail)
Draft: 16ft (4.9m)
No other details provided
Note: At the time this part of the story is set (1858), there was no ship of this name in the United States Navy, the last holder was a schooner in service on Lake Champlain between 1813-1815. The next ship to hold the name was a steam powered sloop in service 1861-1865.
USS Tuscaloosa
Steam Frigate
No other details provided
Note: At the time this part of the story is set (1862/63), there was no ship of this name in the United States Navy. The first ship to bear the name was a New Orleans Class Cruiser in service 1934-1946.
USS Tippecanoe
Steam Gunboat
Three masts, fore mast is square rigged, the aft masts are schooner rigged.
400hp Auxiliary Steam Engine driving a single screw.
Speed: 11knots (Steam)
Length: 185ft (56.4m)
Beam: 25ft (7.62m)
Draft: 10ft (3.05m)
Armament: 1 x 3.7inch rifled cannon 1 x 11inch smooth bore cannon, 2 x 24pdr Howitzers.
Crew: 85 (Officers & men)
Note: At the Battle of Mobile Bay, this ship takes the place of USS Metacomet, which historically took part in the battle lashed to the side of USS Hartford.
Confederate States of America
All ships mentioned in the novel are real.
Plot summary: The broad sweep of the American Civil War as it affects the McGann family.
Note: This is the third book in the McGann family saga. A series that covers events between the American Revolution and World War II.
United Kingdom
HMS Splendid
Steam Sloop (Sidewheel)
Length: 80ft (24.4m)
Armament: 4x 12pdr guns (2 x fwd, 2x aft)
Hull: Wooden
Note: At the time this part of the story is set (1858), there was no ship of this name in the Royal Navy, the previous holder was launched in 1597, the next, an S Class Destroyer (WWI) was launched in 1918.
United States
USS Montgomery
Schooner (Sail)
Draft: 16ft (4.9m)
No other details provided
Note: At the time this part of the story is set (1858), there was no ship of this name in the United States Navy, the last holder was a schooner in service on Lake Champlain between 1813-1815. The next ship to hold the name was a steam powered sloop in service 1861-1865.
USS Tuscaloosa
Steam Frigate
No other details provided
Note: At the time this part of the story is set (1862/63), there was no ship of this name in the United States Navy. The first ship to bear the name was a New Orleans Class Cruiser in service 1934-1946.
USS Tippecanoe
Steam Gunboat
Three masts, fore mast is square rigged, the aft masts are schooner rigged.
400hp Auxiliary Steam Engine driving a single screw.
Speed: 11knots (Steam)
Length: 185ft (56.4m)
Beam: 25ft (7.62m)
Draft: 10ft (3.05m)
Armament: 1 x 3.7inch rifled cannon 1 x 11inch smooth bore cannon, 2 x 24pdr Howitzers.
Crew: 85 (Officers & men)
Note: At the Battle of Mobile Bay, this ship takes the place of USS Metacomet, which historically took part in the battle lashed to the side of USS Hartford.
Confederate States of America
All ships mentioned in the novel are real.
Plot summary: The broad sweep of the American Civil War as it affects the McGann family.
Note: This is the third book in the McGann family saga. A series that covers events between the American Revolution and World War II.
Dilandu
I'm dissatisfied, which means, I exist.
She looks like kinda... small for 1850s steam sloop. Even the third-rate paddle sloops were usually almost twice longer (Merlin-class was 50 meters long). I daresay, even for gunboat 24.4 meters is too small.
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Agreed, but those are the dimensions the author gave her. Here is the relevant piece of description from when it was first published.
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An unexpected find...
Liz Johnson, SEAL under Siege, 2013
United States
USS Nelson Rockefeller
Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier?
Details as per the real ships.
Note: Named after Gerald R. Ford's Vice President. Class identification based on the fact that the first member of Gerald R. Ford Class was not scheduled to be completed until 2017. This makes this ship a fictional 11th member of the Nimitz Class commissioning some four years after the USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77).
Plot summary: A former hostage finds herself under threat from 'Generic Islamic Terrorists' when they suspect she inadvertantly overheard them plotting.
Note: This is one of many 'romantic suspense' novels churned out by 'Mills & Swoon' featuring Navy SEALs...
Liz Johnson, SEAL under Siege, 2013
United States
USS Nelson Rockefeller
Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier?
Details as per the real ships.
Note: Named after Gerald R. Ford's Vice President. Class identification based on the fact that the first member of Gerald R. Ford Class was not scheduled to be completed until 2017. This makes this ship a fictional 11th member of the Nimitz Class commissioning some four years after the USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77).
Plot summary: A former hostage finds herself under threat from 'Generic Islamic Terrorists' when they suspect she inadvertantly overheard them plotting.
Note: This is one of many 'romantic suspense' novels churned out by 'Mills & Swoon' featuring Navy SEALs...
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Jack Terral, SEALS: Battlecraft, 2006
United States
ACV 'Battlecraft'
Air Cushioned Vehicle
Length: 40ft (12.2)
Width: 20ft (6.1m)
Engine: 1000hp Gas Turbine (Made in Argentina) driving 2 x 8ft 6-bladed variable-pitch propellors for thrust and 1 x 10ft 12-bladed fan for lift. Steering is provided by air vanes and rudders.
Speed: (As built): 90mph (144.84kph, 78.21 knots) (As modified): 97mph (156.11kph, 84.3 knots)
Crew: 4 (1 x Navy SEAL 'Commander', 3 x Navy 'Weapons Officer' 'Helmsman' & 'Engineer') Can also carry up to 22 personel in addition to the crew in cramped accomodation.
Armament: 1 x 30mm chain gun (Most likely the Bushmaster II), 2 x AGM-119 'Penguin', 2 x AIM-9L, 2 x M158 missile pods (Hydra 70 unguided missiles). Also fitted with Chaff and flare launchers.
Electronics: Radar and guidance systems for the weapons carried. No autopilot is fitted initially but one is added later in the story.
Description of fittings (As built): "The cabin offers excellent all-around vision and has such amenities as a head, a triple-tiered bunk, and a small but functional galley that contains a microwave oven and small refrigerator. The engine room is located in the aft portion of the cabin. Two semi-rigid dinghies are mounted on the sides of the hull..."
(As modified):An additional bunk is added to the cabin. The dinghies are replaced by two FC470 'Zodiac' Combat Rubber Raiding Craft.
Not specified if armour has been added to the vehicle.
Note: Constructed as an air cushioned barge pusher (Able to push 40tons at 45mph) named 'Waterflyer' by two 'good ole'boys' named John & Harry DuBose, the vehicle has been loaned to the US Navy for evaluation as the basis for a possible ACV combat vehicle.
USS Dan Daly (LHX-1)
Amphibious Assault Ship, class not specified
Length: 390ft (118.9m)
Beam: 55ft (16.8m)
Displacement: 20,000tons
Speed: 30knots
Crew: 455 (5 Officers, 450 Enlisted)
Can carry a "...full battalion of Marines..." though the ship would be rather crowded if that were the case.
Has a floodable dock capable of handling one of the two LCM-6s the ship carries at a time.
Has internal space for 80 'vehicles' (Defined as "...track and wheeled vehicles')
Has deck space for 12 CH-46 Sea Knight Helicopters, not equipped for fixed wing operations. (In the novel 'SEALS: Rolling Thunder' (2007) it's mentioned she's carrying three CV-22 'Osprey' Tilt Wings, but what else is being carried is not specified.)
Armament: 2 x "eight tube Sea Sparrow launchers" 2 x 5inch Mk. 45 guns, 2 x Phalanx CIWS.
Fitted with "...a dispensery of hundred and fifty beds for the treatment of casualties. Medical personnel beyond those normally allotted to a small crew were only available when the ship carried troops."
No other specific details are provided in regards, armament/sensors.
Note: Described as being "...designed and built in a concept so new and untried, the Navy couldn't decide whether to put an 'A' for general purpose or a 'D' for multipurpose on her designation."
Oman
Harbi-min-Islam (eng. 'Spear of Islam' (Authors translation).)
Province (Dhofar) Class FAC
Details as per the real ships.
Note: Historically the Omani's purchased four of these ships from the UK in the 1980s. This fictional unit is the fifth. Pennants ran B10-14, therefore this unit would be B-15 although this is not stated in the novel. The unit is renamed Shams-min-Oman (eng. 'Sun of Oman' (Authors translation)) at the end of the novel, presumably it was named something else prior to the commanders defection to al-Mujahideen Katal.
Unnamed
6 x 'Spica Class MTBs'
Details as per the real ships
Note: The Swedish Spica Class were in service 1966-1989 and were all either decomissioned or scrapped. In this 'Universe' the ships were sold to Oman after their Swedish service where their Omani crews were suborned by al-Mujahideen Katal.
(Note: All of these ships above form the Zauba Fast Attack Squadron, a renegade Omani unit in the service of the al-Mujahideen Katal (aka 'Warriors of Fury', e.g. Generic Saudi-Backed Islamic Terrorists.))
Republic of the Phillipines
'Patrol Boat 22'
Ex-British River Class? Minesweeper
Details as per the real ships, not specified if armament has been altered.
Note: Speculated class assignment is based on the history the author gives which mentions that it had only spent 10 years in RN service which better fits the River Class of Minsweepers rather than the Ton Class. However none of the class members were transferred to the Phillipines.
Plot summary: A team of Navy SEALS is assigned to assist in trials of a ACV being evaluated for US Service.
Note: This book is the third of a series of at least six 'gung-ho' action novels built around the US Navy SEALS. The author while writing a reasonably good story makes a several 'interesting' mistakes, as Charles Ryan did in 'The Capricorn Quadrant' (1990) they seem to think that MM-40 'Exocet' missiles are AAW capable, to which is added a statement that Gibraltar is part of Spain... It's also clear that whatever source they were using for the Royal Omani Navy was not a copy of 'Janes' as they demonstrated little real knowledge of just what the Royal Omani Navy is equipped with.
United States
ACV 'Battlecraft'
Air Cushioned Vehicle
Length: 40ft (12.2)
Width: 20ft (6.1m)
Engine: 1000hp Gas Turbine (Made in Argentina) driving 2 x 8ft 6-bladed variable-pitch propellors for thrust and 1 x 10ft 12-bladed fan for lift. Steering is provided by air vanes and rudders.
Speed: (As built): 90mph (144.84kph, 78.21 knots) (As modified): 97mph (156.11kph, 84.3 knots)
Crew: 4 (1 x Navy SEAL 'Commander', 3 x Navy 'Weapons Officer' 'Helmsman' & 'Engineer') Can also carry up to 22 personel in addition to the crew in cramped accomodation.
Armament: 1 x 30mm chain gun (Most likely the Bushmaster II), 2 x AGM-119 'Penguin', 2 x AIM-9L, 2 x M158 missile pods (Hydra 70 unguided missiles). Also fitted with Chaff and flare launchers.
Electronics: Radar and guidance systems for the weapons carried. No autopilot is fitted initially but one is added later in the story.
Description of fittings (As built): "The cabin offers excellent all-around vision and has such amenities as a head, a triple-tiered bunk, and a small but functional galley that contains a microwave oven and small refrigerator. The engine room is located in the aft portion of the cabin. Two semi-rigid dinghies are mounted on the sides of the hull..."
(As modified):An additional bunk is added to the cabin. The dinghies are replaced by two FC470 'Zodiac' Combat Rubber Raiding Craft.
Not specified if armour has been added to the vehicle.
Note: Constructed as an air cushioned barge pusher (Able to push 40tons at 45mph) named 'Waterflyer' by two 'good ole'boys' named John & Harry DuBose, the vehicle has been loaned to the US Navy for evaluation as the basis for a possible ACV combat vehicle.
USS Dan Daly (LHX-1)
Amphibious Assault Ship, class not specified
Length: 390ft (118.9m)
Beam: 55ft (16.8m)
Displacement: 20,000tons
Speed: 30knots
Crew: 455 (5 Officers, 450 Enlisted)
Can carry a "...full battalion of Marines..." though the ship would be rather crowded if that were the case.
Has a floodable dock capable of handling one of the two LCM-6s the ship carries at a time.
Has internal space for 80 'vehicles' (Defined as "...track and wheeled vehicles')
Has deck space for 12 CH-46 Sea Knight Helicopters, not equipped for fixed wing operations. (In the novel 'SEALS: Rolling Thunder' (2007) it's mentioned she's carrying three CV-22 'Osprey' Tilt Wings, but what else is being carried is not specified.)
Armament: 2 x "eight tube Sea Sparrow launchers" 2 x 5inch Mk. 45 guns, 2 x Phalanx CIWS.
Fitted with "...a dispensery of hundred and fifty beds for the treatment of casualties. Medical personnel beyond those normally allotted to a small crew were only available when the ship carried troops."
No other specific details are provided in regards, armament/sensors.
Note: Described as being "...designed and built in a concept so new and untried, the Navy couldn't decide whether to put an 'A' for general purpose or a 'D' for multipurpose on her designation."
Oman
Harbi-min-Islam (eng. 'Spear of Islam' (Authors translation).)
Province (Dhofar) Class FAC
Details as per the real ships.
Note: Historically the Omani's purchased four of these ships from the UK in the 1980s. This fictional unit is the fifth. Pennants ran B10-14, therefore this unit would be B-15 although this is not stated in the novel. The unit is renamed Shams-min-Oman (eng. 'Sun of Oman' (Authors translation)) at the end of the novel, presumably it was named something else prior to the commanders defection to al-Mujahideen Katal.
Unnamed
6 x 'Spica Class MTBs'
Details as per the real ships
Note: The Swedish Spica Class were in service 1966-1989 and were all either decomissioned or scrapped. In this 'Universe' the ships were sold to Oman after their Swedish service where their Omani crews were suborned by al-Mujahideen Katal.
(Note: All of these ships above form the Zauba Fast Attack Squadron, a renegade Omani unit in the service of the al-Mujahideen Katal (aka 'Warriors of Fury', e.g. Generic Saudi-Backed Islamic Terrorists.))
Republic of the Phillipines
'Patrol Boat 22'
Ex-British River Class? Minesweeper
Details as per the real ships, not specified if armament has been altered.
Note: Speculated class assignment is based on the history the author gives which mentions that it had only spent 10 years in RN service which better fits the River Class of Minsweepers rather than the Ton Class. However none of the class members were transferred to the Phillipines.
Plot summary: A team of Navy SEALS is assigned to assist in trials of a ACV being evaluated for US Service.
Note: This book is the third of a series of at least six 'gung-ho' action novels built around the US Navy SEALS. The author while writing a reasonably good story makes a several 'interesting' mistakes, as Charles Ryan did in 'The Capricorn Quadrant' (1990) they seem to think that MM-40 'Exocet' missiles are AAW capable, to which is added a statement that Gibraltar is part of Spain... It's also clear that whatever source they were using for the Royal Omani Navy was not a copy of 'Janes' as they demonstrated little real knowledge of just what the Royal Omani Navy is equipped with.
Dilandu
I'm dissatisfied, which means, I exist.
Translation: "WHYYYYYYYY AMERICA DID NOT HAVE ITS OWN COOL BORA-CLASS?!!!" (sorry, couldn't resist a joke)
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Martin Dibner, The Trouble With Heroes, 1971
United States
USS Chesapeake (CGN-10)
'Cruiser' (CGN), class not specified
Displacement: 15000 tons
Crew: 1000
Engines: Nuclear, two reactors driving a single shaft.
Speed: 45knots (Highest Speed mentioned in novel, dialog at that point implies the ship can go faster.)
Comissioned: Shortly before 1968, the ship is described as "...the Navy's newest nuclear-powered cruiser." At the start of the story.
Armament: Only armament specifically mentioned is 2 x 5inch guns (Amidships), this suggests an armament fit out is similar or identical to that of USS Long Beach (CGN-9) which the author repeatedly references in the text. If this is indeed the case then the bombardment mentioned in the novel is carried out by using RIM-8 Talos Missiles fitted with conventional warheads in surface-to-surface mode .
Helipad aft.
Description: "...a vast improvement over her predecessor, the prototype cruiser Long Beach in which he had served a tour of duty as executive officer before taking command of Chesapeake. Advanced reactor design gave her a much greater cruising range without refuelling. A redesigned hull did away with the fantail rumble. Her superstructure had been streamlined to modify the top-heavy bulkiness that typified the Long Beach silhouette."
Plot summary: The year is 1968, the commander of one of the United States newest warships balks when ordered to open fire on a Vietnamese village believed to be the site of a Viet-Cong artillery battery.
Note The attached cover art comes from the 1980 reprinting by Pinacle Books, a low end publisher. The cover artist Ed Valigursky depicts the USS Chesapeake as being identical to the Long Beach while the authors description implies otherwise. Indeed that description suggests an appearance similar but not identical to the 1956 version of USS Long Beach.
United States
USS Chesapeake (CGN-10)
'Cruiser' (CGN), class not specified
Displacement: 15000 tons
Crew: 1000
Engines: Nuclear, two reactors driving a single shaft.
Speed: 45knots (Highest Speed mentioned in novel, dialog at that point implies the ship can go faster.)
Comissioned: Shortly before 1968, the ship is described as "...the Navy's newest nuclear-powered cruiser." At the start of the story.
Armament: Only armament specifically mentioned is 2 x 5inch guns (Amidships), this suggests an armament fit out is similar or identical to that of USS Long Beach (CGN-9) which the author repeatedly references in the text. If this is indeed the case then the bombardment mentioned in the novel is carried out by using RIM-8 Talos Missiles fitted with conventional warheads in surface-to-surface mode .
Helipad aft.
Description: "...a vast improvement over her predecessor, the prototype cruiser Long Beach in which he had served a tour of duty as executive officer before taking command of Chesapeake. Advanced reactor design gave her a much greater cruising range without refuelling. A redesigned hull did away with the fantail rumble. Her superstructure had been streamlined to modify the top-heavy bulkiness that typified the Long Beach silhouette."
Plot summary: The year is 1968, the commander of one of the United States newest warships balks when ordered to open fire on a Vietnamese village believed to be the site of a Viet-Cong artillery battery.
Note The attached cover art comes from the 1980 reprinting by Pinacle Books, a low end publisher. The cover artist Ed Valigursky depicts the USS Chesapeake as being identical to the Long Beach while the authors description implies otherwise. Indeed that description suggests an appearance similar but not identical to the 1956 version of USS Long Beach.
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Dilandu
I'm dissatisfied, which means, I exist.
Hm, wouldn't RMG-59 Taurus (fired from bow Terrier launchers) be a more probable candidate?
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Thanks for the suggestion, I'd never heard of the abandoned RGM-59 Taurus project.
The author does not specifiy what missiles are used. Simply that it's a rocket bombardment. Given the strong evidence that the Chesapeake is simply an 'Improved Long Beach' with a similar weapons fit out, using Talos missiles made perfect sense. The cover illustration on the Pinnacle edition is clearly innacurate in regards the appearance of the ship.
A quick search of Google revealed that the two hardback covers (Doubleday (1971) & Robert Hale (1973)) didn't feature the ship on the cover, the two Pinnacle paperback editions (1976 & 1980) both featured covers by Ed Valigursky depicting the Cheseapeake as a repeat Long Beach. Those additional covers are linked below.
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Dilandu
I'm dissatisfied, which means, I exist.
Hm... then maybe she was equipped with bombardment rockets? Mk-105 launchers, like on IFS-1 Carronade?
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Also an interesting suggestion. But again, what few clues the author provides suggests an armament fit out fairly close to the original USS Long Beach (CGN-9). Nor is there any suggestion that anything extra has been fitted for this mission. I'm applying a fairly conservative rule for the extrapolated armament in this case.
Dilandu
I'm dissatisfied, which means, I exist.
Well, then Taurus are the most likely solution. As far as I know, conventional (not anti-radiation) Talos missiles actually did not have land-attack capability; onboard ballistic computer could work only with nuclear-tipped ones for such purpose. Of course, it was theoretically possible to hit any target that reflected beams of fire control radar, but if I recall correctly, in anti-surface mode the fuze was not active (because it would react on the ground below), so... Not practical.
Deck space for 12 Sea Knights on a 360ft hull...presumably not doing much other than sitting.
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