Interesting story

[Cdnwolf]

http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2014/03/21/why-is-iran-building-giant-mock-up-of-u-s-aircraft-carrier/

[stormlion1]

Its a Propaganda tool. They will sail it out and then fire guns at it until it sinks. It would be hilarious though if the barge sank in the drydock and they couldn't get it out.

[Cdnwolf]

Training tool to how to either sink one or how to take one over.

[Schone23666]

Training tool to how to either sink one or how to take one over.

Training tool? Maybe. Just a couple issues the Iranians may want to keep in mind...

To sink it? A rusting barge made up to vaguely look like a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier is IMO analogous to using those paper silhouettes you see at the target ranges. Good for practicing basic gunnery skills, maybe, but the targets don't typically move or shoot back. IN this case, said target won't have it's typical CAP out and about, frigate screens, anti-missile/anti-aircraft systems, submarine and destroyer escorts, short-range gun batteries, etc...

To take one over? See above, plus whatever security detail that's aboard the ship.

Should be amusing to see what comes out of this.

[Schone23666]

Its a Propaganda tool. They will sail it out and then fire guns at it until it sinks. It would be hilarious though if the barge sank in the drydock and they couldn't get it out.

I think it'd be even more hilarious if they just happened to tow this target barge right past a few of their docked missile boats and it chose that very moment to sink, blocking them in.

"Oh sh*t, uh, we were going to use this for target practice? Guess we don't have a choice now, huh?"

Maybe the SEALS could arrange it? :D

[.45cultist]

Iran used to have a sub until they played zig zag with a U.S. carrier. There was a loud thump and the sonar blip was gone.....

[stormlion1]

I have a buddy of mine who swears there building it for a Bollywood movie firm attempting a Blockbuster international film. Now that's worth a laugh!

[Schone23666]

I have a buddy of mine who swears there building it for a Bollywood movie firm attempting a Blockbuster international film. Now that's worth a laugh!

The sheer irony of that alone (assuming it's true) is freaking hilarious.

[mikeo80]

IMHO, the Iranians are setting up an attack with 50-100 cigarette boats.

1) Mock up can show them where and how Phalanx can target.
2) Mock up can show how best to attack US Nimitz class CVN's
3) Mock up can get pilots of boats used to SIZE of Nimitz class CVN's
4) Mock up can show just how much explosive is needed to make an impression on Nimitz class CVN's

Now, would an attack work? Maybe. If you catch CVN in relative small water area, it can not maneuver. IE Gulf of Hormuz or north end of Arabian sea. Especially if Iran closes Gulf of Hormuz.

Also reaction time is less. That means the strike group on board can not react properly. Also means support group can not react properly.

Now if CVN is further out to sea, cigarette boats go BOOM. I STILL think we should have the USS Wisconsin or Missouri available. Try taking on one of THOSE monsters......

My $0.02

Mike

[stormlion1]

I don't think Iran even has something that scratch the armor on the USS Wisconsin or Missouri. And I doubt a Cigarette Boat could scratch the armor on a CVN no matter how much explosives they stick on one. Main thing is that the Carriers would be escorted anyway so getting close to a CVN would be the biggest issue unless they let them get close.

[.45cultist]

Don't forget the Pasdaran special forces, two men on a wet bike and either an RPG or a SAW/GPMG! I'd use my escort vessels to run them down, watch them dodge. If the battleships are active, watch the muzzle blast pulp 'em!

[StainlessSteelCynic]

Apparently it has been made at the request of an Iranian movie director, there's interesting pictures of it during construction to be found here: -
http://www.military-quotes.com/forum/irans-aircraft-carrier-t108284.html

That page has a link to an Iranian news media page (that Google badly translates from Persian) that supports this: -
http://www.mashreghnews.ir/fa/news/295806/%D9%88%D9%82%D8%AA%DB%8C-%DA%A9%D8%A7%D8%B1%DA%AF%D8%B1%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C-%D9%85%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%86%DB%8C%D8%AA%DB%8C-%D8%A2%D9%85%D8%B1%DB%8C%DA%A9%D8%A7-%D8%B1%D8%A7-%D9%81%DB%8C%D9%84%D9%85-%D9%85%DB%8C-%DA%A9%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%B9%DA%A9%D8%B3

All in all, quite a let down... if that explanation is actually true... although I'm sure it will undoubtedly be some sort of pro-Iranian propaganda movie that will be hilarious to watch due to a compete lack of reality with regards to facing a US CVN battle group, but you know, there'll be plenty of scenes of noble, brave Persian warriors nobly and bravely sacrificing their lives to prevent the evil running-dog, heathen, capitalist-imperialist, facist and did we mention evil, Yankees from forcing their evil etc. etc. etc. ways onto the noble and brave but peace & harmony & freedom loving Iranian peoples who just want to be left to live their lives in peace & harmony & freedom...

It'll be more laughs than stand-up comedy night!

[Schone23666]

All in all, quite a let down... if that explanation is actually true... although I'm sure it will undoubtedly be some sort of pro-Iranian propaganda movie that will be hilarious to watch due to a compete lack of reality with regards to facing a US CVN battle group, but you know, there'll be plenty of scenes of noble, brave Persian warriors nobly and bravely sacrificing their lives to prevent the evil running-dog, heathen, capitalist-imperialist, facist and did we mention evil, Yankees from forcing their evil etc. etc. etc. ways onto the noble and brave but peace & harmony & freedom loving Iranian peoples who just want to be left to live their lives in peace & harmony & freedom...

It'll be more laughs than stand-up comedy night!

Y'know, I almost miss some of the "glorious socialism" propaganda they used to spew during the Cold War for it's comedic value, if nothing else. Though you can still read similar stuff over at the KCNA (Korean Central News Agency) website for North Korea. Good for a laugh or two...

Then again, anyone ever watch Russia Today? It's basically the days of TASS (nowadays it's ITAR-TASS) during the Soviet Union all over again, only more bizarre with less emphasis on World Socialism and more emphasis on touting pro-Pooty rhetoric, stories about the corrupt Western (i.e. American) Imperialists, newsbabes (guess they learned something from Fox News) and spinning conspiracy theories....er, news stories. The reason they stated for Russia's annexation of the Crimea besides "protecting Russian citizens"? It was partly in response to the overthrow of the "peaceful" pro-Russian Ukranian government by a conspiracy involving the Americans and Nazis.

And no, I'm NOT making that up.