My understanding of the Collins class submarines was that:
Planning for a new class to replace the RAN's Oberon-class submarines began in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Proposals were received from seven companies; two were selected for a funded study to determine the winning design, which was announced in mid-1987. The submarines, enlarged versions of Swedish shipbuilder Kockums' Västergötland class and originally referred to as the Type 471, were constructed between 1990 and 2003 in South Australia by the Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC).
The submarines have been the subject of incidents, union bastardry and technical problems since the design phase, including accusations of union foul play and bias during the design selection, improper handling of design changes during construction, major capability deficiencies in the first submarines, and ongoing technical problems throughout the early life of the class. These problems have been compounded by the inability of the RAN to retain sufficient personnel to operate the submarines—by 2008, only three could be manned, and between 2009 and 2012, on average two or fewer were fully operational. The resulting negative press has led to a poor public perception of the Collins class.
The Collins class is expected to remain in service until the 2020s. Planning for a replacement class of up to 12 vessels commenced in 2007. The new boats are predicted to enter service from 2025, and be active until the 2070s.
they went way over budget, were never fully operational, and thre Navy cannot get manning to go in them.
Is this what you want, for our new Subs? jobs for the boys?
OR SUBS THAT WILL BE DELIVERED ON TIME, ON BUDGET, AND WORK WELL.
