Naval weaponry

[hptmurphy]

Maybe after it is actually operational anywhere

Maybe when they sell it on in 30 years time we can pick it up!

[ancientmariner]

Where do the empty shells go...couldn't see any being ejected?

Most naval weapon ( gun ) systems are designed to have shell case recovery systems, especially those 12.7mm and above. The weapon arrangements aboard our vessels is well documented and listed. They range from 7.62mm LMG, 12.7mm HMG, 20mm CRAA aboard all ships, and 57mm (1 ship) 76mm (7 ships) . The 20mm is not as popular with navies now other than in CIWS systems, mid range out to 4km is suited to weapons such as 27mm and 30mm using RWS mounts. The 12.7mm can backup the latter especially in twin mounts to increase stopping power. Decent gun systems need a DARDO configuration with guided ammunition or else provide a missile system.

[ancientmariner]

Most naval weapon ( gun ) systems are designed to have shell case recovery systems, especially those 12.7mm and above. The weapon arrangements aboard our vessels is well documented and listed. They range from 7.62mm LMG, 12.7mm HMG, 20mm CRAA aboard all ships, and 57mm (1 ship) 76mm (7 ships) . The 20mm is not as popular with navies now other than in CIWS systems, mid range out to 4km is suited to weapons such as 27mm and 30mm using RWS mounts. The 12.7mm can backup the latter especially in twin mounts to increase stopping power. Decent gun systems need a DARDO configuration with guided ammunition or else provide a missile system.

Ships in hot or challenged areas need to defend themselves by adequate response within inner ranges from 5km inwards. The principle threats are from air coupled with missile launches and attacks by fast surface craft. Ships so threatened need either a suitable range of anti multi threat missiles or a smart gunnery system which can cover all three functions and additionally allow for shore bombardment with extended range munitions. The popular 76mm system currently in use has features which cover all these aspects at costs around 2m USD per ship with additional costs for ammo and outer area detection radar for first contact. The gun has an integrated beam riding radar to deal with missile and aircraft. The ship would also have a decoy system as a first response. The pundits say that the Decoy system coupled with the smart gunnery system and ammunition is a cheaper option than missile systems.

[EUFighter]

Ships in hot or challenged areas need to defend themselves by adequate response within inner ranges from 5km inwards. The principle threats are from air coupled with missile launches and attacks by fast surface craft. Ships so threatened need either a suitable range of anti multi threat missiles or a smart gunnery system which can cover all three functions and additionally allow for shore bombardment with extended range munitions. The popular 76mm system currently in use has features which cover all these aspects at costs around 2m USD per ship with additional costs for ammo and outer area detection radar for first contact. The gun has an integrated beam riding radar to deal with missile and aircraft. The ship would also have a decoy system as a first response. The pundits say that the Decoy system coupled with the smart gunnery system and ammunition is a cheaper option than missile systems.

Although I agree with many of the above points the first thing that needs to be fitted is a decent sensor suite and Combat Management System, There needs to be an active sensor such as a modern AESA radar which is coupled with an EO sensors and some ESM. Time is essential, a typical ASM like a Harpoon or Exocet will travel at around 240m/s, this gives around 60 seconds before the ship would be hit. In this 60 seconds, the threat has to be detected, interrogated, identified, classified and then engaged. That more time you can win the better as the best weapon system is useless unless it has time to be used. Remember any incoming ASM must be destroyed at least 500m from the vessel to have a good chance of avoiding debris causing damage which can be worse than if the missile had hit.

[ancientmariner]

Although I agree with many of the above points the first thing that needs to be fitted is a decent sensor suite and Combat Management System, There needs to be an active sensor such as a modern AESA radar which is coupled with an EO sensors and some ESM. Time is essential, a typical ASM like a Harpoon or Exocet will travel at around 240m/s, this gives around 60 seconds before the ship would be hit. In this 60 seconds, the threat has to be detected, interrogated, identified, classified and then engaged. That more time you can win the better as the best weapon system is useless unless it has time to be used. Remember any incoming ASM must be destroyed at least 500m from the vessel to have a good chance of avoiding debris causing damage which can be worse than if the missile had hit.

Absolutely sensors are critical. A missile launched at 240m/s with 60 secs flight time will have been fired 14.4km away, hopefully the A/C would have been tracked and even engaged by time of launch. In gunnery terms 60 secs is a LOT of ammunition.

[EUFighter]

Absolutely sensors are critical. A missile launched at 240m/s with 60 secs flight time will have been fired 14.4km away, hopefully the A/C would have been tracked and even engaged by time of launch. In gunnery terms 60 secs is a LOT of ammunition.

I would be more worried about a land launched weapon, or one launched from a vessel close inshore. Given the radar clutter of the land background these are difficult to detect and that will only happen if the ship is already at action stations. Remember not all modern ASM need a target lock before launch, they only need an approximate direction and distance, so can be fired OTH.

A Phalanx has a effective range between 500m and 3500m, so about 12 seconds to fire, a 35mm Millennium gun pushes this out to 5000m and 19 seconds.

[ancientmariner]

I would be more worried about a land launched weapon, or one launched from a vessel close inshore. Given the radar clutter of the land background these are difficult to detect and that will only happen if the ship is already at action stations. Remember not all modern ASM need a target lock before launch, they only need an approximate direction and distance, so can be fired OTH.

A Phalanx has a effective range between 500m and 3500m, so about 12 seconds to fire, a 35mm Millennium gun pushes this out to 5000m and 19 seconds.

Ships on patrol always have their relevant sensors closed up and searching, mostly passively. It's a zero sums game, if you haven't the outfit you shouldn't be there. Be ready and expect to be challenged. First response before maneuver is to launch a salvo of decoys and then follow with a response to incoming.