RFA Tide-class fast fleet tanker

[Triton]

Model of Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Tide-class fast fleet tanker on display at Euronaval 2012. Previously known as the Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability (MARS) tankers designed by BMT Defense Services and built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME).

Source:
http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/home/naval-exhibitions-pictures/euronaval-2012.html?AG_MK=0&AG_form_paginInitPages_653=1&AG_form_albumInitFolders_653=west_europe/france/exhibition/euronaval_2012/pictures/Scale%20models&AG_form_scrollTop=966&AG_form_scrollLeft=0&AG_MK=0

 

[Triton]

The four ships of the Tide-class will be named RFA Tidespring, RFA Tiderace, RFA Tidesurge, and RFA Tideforce.

Source:
http://stardefense.blogspot.com/2012/11/new-fleet-of-rfa-tankers-named.html

 

[cluttonfred]

It's odd that this design seems to have Phalanx-type CIWS fore and aft but what looks like 25mm or 30mm remote turrets aft of the superstructure. That appears to leave the entire forward quadrant without defense against small boats, unless the thought is that the CIWS could be used to engage them.

 

[cluttonfred]

Fair enough, but then why have not one but two remote weapons stations aft of the superstructure?