tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-866906379579683682024-03-12T19:09:28.042-04:00Interested AmateurB.Smittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12650152449414871058noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86690637957968368.post-69507408767526713322021-02-25T16:11:00.006-05:002021-02-25T17:47:02.403-05:00IAFM - Ship Types - SSK<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2496">Soryu-class SSK</a></td></tr>
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In the June 2010 Proceedings article, "<a href="https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2010-06/right-submarine-lurking-littorals">The Right Submarine for Lurking in the Littorals</a>", Milan Vego, of the Naval War College, lays out a case for a US Navy SSK. Advantages include,<br />
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<ul>
<li>Better suited for operations in shallow, confined waters.</li>
<li>Sufficient sensors and weapons for operating in these regions.</li>
<li>SSNs are three to five times more expensive than SSKs.</li>
<li>Less problematic to home-port SSKs abroad.</li>
<li>Sufficient range and speed for operational deployments, if home-ported near their operating areas.</li>
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Another Naval War College professor, James Holmes, laid out similar arguments at the National Interest, "<a href="https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/diesel-submarines-game-changer-us-navy-needs-31827">Diesel Submarines: The Game Changer the U.S. Navy Needs</a>" and "<a href="https://nationalinterest.org/feature/us-submarines-run-silent-run-deepon-diesel-engines-11306?page=2">U.S. Submarines: Run Silent, Run Deep...On Diesel Engines?</a>" He adds,</div>
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<ul>
<li>Procuring and operating a common SSK with allies would show the US has "skin in the game" and demonstrate US resilience and resolve. However even if not common, home-porting SSKs with allies still demonstrates "skin in the game".</li>
<li>Defending choke points and a static island doesn't require high SSN speed or range.</li>
<li>Numbers matter when you have to keep up a constant rotation of picket stations.</li>
<li>Replenishing wartime losses is far easier and faster with cheaper SSKs</li>
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I'll throw out a couple more reasons,</div>
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<ul>
<li>A large SSK buy would let us stand up aggressor boats on the east and west coast, that could routinely train task forces working up for deployments. SSNs are far too few in number to devote to this. These training opportunities could be more advanced and against seasoned aggressor sub crews. </li>
<li>With large-diameter tubes on some modern SSK designs (A26), they could be used for covert MIW.</li>
</ul>
<div>The IAFM includes a fleet of 50 SSKs. A notional home-porting breakdown could look like this,</div>
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<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" dir="ltr" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; table-layout: fixed; width: 0px;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><colgroup><col width="132"></col><col width="150"></col><col width="169"></col></colgroup><tbody>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Home-ported SSKs"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Home-ported SSKs</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"50% FDNF Availability"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">50% FDNF Availability</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"USSOUTHCOM"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">US-based</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":4}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">4</td><td data-sheets-formula="=R[0]C[-1]/2" data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":2}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">2</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"USEUCOM"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">USEUCOM</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":4}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">4</td><td data-sheets-formula="=R[0]C[-1]/2" data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":2}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">2</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"USCENTCOM"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">USCENTCOM</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":2}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">2</td><td data-sheets-formula="=R[0]C[-1]/2" data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":1}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">1</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"USPACOM"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">USPACOM</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":40}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">40</td><td data-sheets-formula="=R[0]C[-1]/2" data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":20}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">20</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Total"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Total</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":50}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">50</td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td></tr>
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With forty SSKs home-ported in the Pacific, twenty could be deployed and on station at any moment. These could form a <a href="https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2014/april/defend-first-island-chain">barrier around the first island chain</a>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-zFaw8AENn0UHQVh0mdFDIOMC0AwBxETXL4LejuaZGVyVtkssGJIm0wKA8RPpYmIxLKUXnadRqB0vYlBCCTUdx1fxTruoubM0JI7-egyzx8fWw4fK4XmTGY8-t8ik-zWitkwsUmE8zwm/s1600/PACCOM+Notional+SSK+Patrol+areas.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="866" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-zFaw8AENn0UHQVh0mdFDIOMC0AwBxETXL4LejuaZGVyVtkssGJIm0wKA8RPpYmIxLKUXnadRqB0vYlBCCTUdx1fxTruoubM0JI7-egyzx8fWw4fK4XmTGY8-t8ik-zWitkwsUmE8zwm/s640/PACCOM+Notional+SSK+Patrol+areas.jpg" width="548" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notional SSK Patrol Areas</td></tr>
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Design</h3>
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The Japanese Soryu-class is a useful starting point for a Navy SSK design. The <a href="http://gentleseas.blogspot.com/2018/10/japan-has-launched-worlds-first-large.html">latest Soryus</a> dispense with the Sterling AIP system used in earlier boats, for a larger battery stack based on Lithium-Ion Batteries. This multiplies their battery capacity, and offsets the loss of AIP. </div>
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For the IAFM SSK, I'd follow suit. I'd focus on range a bit more than the Soryu's, perhaps closer to the Australian <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attack-class_submarine">Attack-class</a> submarines.</div>
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I'd borrow systems from the Virginia-class SSN, where possible, cutting down size and capability to fit in an SSK, when necessary.</div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soryu-class_submarine">Soryu Specs</a> (AIP variant),</div>
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<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="vertical-align: top;"><font face="inherit">Displacement:</font></td><td style="vertical-align: top;"><ul style="list-style: none none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; padding-left: 0.4em; text-indent: -0.4em;"><font face="inherit">Surfaced: 2,900 tonnes (2,854 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_ton" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Long ton">long tons</a>)</font></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; padding-left: 0.4em; text-indent: -0.4em;"><font face="inherit">Submerged: 4,200 t (4,134 long tons)</font></li>
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<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="vertical-align: top;"><font face="inherit">Length:</font></td><td style="vertical-align: top;"><font face="inherit">84.0 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metre" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Metre">m</a> (275 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_(unit)" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Foot (unit)">ft</a> 7 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inch" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Inch">in</a>)</font></td></tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="vertical-align: top;"><font face="inherit">Beam:</font></td><td style="vertical-align: top;"><font face="inherit">9.1 m (29 ft 10 in)</font></td></tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="vertical-align: top;"><font face="inherit">Draught:</font></td><td style="vertical-align: top;"><font face="inherit">8.5 m (27 ft 11 in)</font></td></tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="vertical-align: top;"><font face="inherit">Depth:</font></td><td style="vertical-align: top;"><font face="inherit">900 m (3,000 ft)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-2" style="font-size: 9.856px; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C5%8Dry%C5%AB-class_submarine#cite_note-2" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;">[2]</a></sup></font></td></tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="vertical-align: top;"><font face="inherit">Propulsion:</font></td><td style="vertical-align: top;"><ul style="list-style: none none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; padding-left: 0.4em; text-indent: -0.4em;"><font face="inherit">1-shaft 2× Kawasaki 12V 25/25 SB-type diesel engines <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel-electric" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Diesel-electric">diesel-electric</a></font></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; padding-left: 0.4em; text-indent: -0.4em;"><font face="inherit">4× Kawasaki Kockums V4-275R <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stirling_engine" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Stirling engine">Stirling engines</a></font></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; padding-left: 0.4em; text-indent: -0.4em;"><font face="inherit">3,900 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horsepower" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Horsepower">hp</a> (2,900 kW) surfaced</font></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; padding-left: 0.4em; text-indent: -0.4em;"><font face="inherit">8,000 hp (6,000 kW) submerged</font></li>
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<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="vertical-align: top;"><font face="inherit">Speed:</font></td><td style="vertical-align: top;"><ul style="list-style: none none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; padding-left: 0.4em; text-indent: -0.4em;"><font face="inherit">Surfaced: 13 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knot_(unit)" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Knot (unit)">kn</a> (24 km/h; 15 mph)</font></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; padding-left: 0.4em; text-indent: -0.4em;"><font face="inherit">Submerged: 20 kn (37 km/h; 23 mph)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-globalsecurity.org_3-0" style="font-size: 9.856px; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C5%8Dry%C5%AB-class_submarine#cite_note-globalsecurity.org-3" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;">[3]</a></sup></font></li>
</ul>
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<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="vertical-align: top;"><font face="inherit">Range:</font></td><td style="vertical-align: top;"><font face="inherit">AIP endurance (est.): 6100 nautical miles (11297.2 km; 7060.75 miles) at 6.5 knots (12 km/h; 7.48 mp/h)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-globalsecurity.org_3-1" style="font-size: 9.856px; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C5%8Dry%C5%AB-class_submarine#cite_note-globalsecurity.org-3" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;">[3]</a></sup></font></td></tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="vertical-align: top;"><font face="inherit">Complement:</font></td><td style="vertical-align: top;"><font face="inherit">65 (9 officers, 56 enlisted)</font></td></tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="vertical-align: top;"><font face="inherit">Sensors and<br />
processing systems:</font></td><td style="vertical-align: top;"><ul style="list-style: none none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; padding-left: 0.4em; text-indent: -0.4em;"><font face="inherit">ZPS-6F surface/low-level air search <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radar" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Radar">radar</a></font></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; padding-left: 0.4em; text-indent: -0.4em;"><font face="inherit">Hughes/Oki ZQQ-7 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonar" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Sonar">Sonar</a> suite: 1× bow-array, 4× LF flank arrays and 1× <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Towed_array_sonar" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Towed array sonar">Towed array sonar</a></font></li>
</ul>
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<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="vertical-align: top;"><font face="inherit">Electronic warfare<br />
& decoys:</font></td><td style="vertical-align: top;"><ul style="list-style: none none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; padding-left: 0.4em; text-indent: -0.4em;"><font face="inherit">ZLR-3-6 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_warfare_support_measures" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Electronic warfare support measures">ESM</a> equipment</font></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; padding-left: 0.4em; text-indent: -0.4em;"><font face="inherit">2× 3-inch underwater countermeasure launcher tubes for launching of <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_countermeasures#Infrared_and_Sound_Analogies" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Electronic countermeasures">Acoustic Device Countermeasures (ADCs)</a></font></li>
</ul>
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<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="vertical-align: top;"><font face="inherit">Armament:</font></td><td style="vertical-align: top;"><ul style="list-style: none none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; padding-left: 0.4em; text-indent: -0.4em;"><font face="inherit">6 × HU-606 21 in (533 mm) torpedo tubes with 30 reloads<sup class="noprint Inline-Template Template-Fact" style="font-size: 9.856px; line-height: 1; white-space: nowrap;">[<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Wikipedia:Citation needed"><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources. (September 2015)">citation needed</span></a></i>]</sup> for:</font></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; padding-left: 0.4em; text-indent: -0.4em;"><font face="inherit">1.) <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_89_torpedo" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Type 89 torpedo">Type 89 torpedo</a></font></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; padding-left: 0.4em; text-indent: -0.4em;"><font face="inherit">2.) <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harpoon_(missile)" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Harpoon (missile)">Harpoon (missile)</a></font></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; padding-left: 0.4em; text-indent: -0.4em;"><font face="inherit">Mines</font></li>
</ul>
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<p style="text-align: left;">A US Navy SSK would carry a mixture of large, Mk48 heavyweight torpedoes and cruise missiles and smaller diameter weapons like the <a href="https://interestedamateur.blogspot.com/2021/02/the-case-for-quad-packed-cruise-missile.html">Quad Pack Cruise Missile (QPCM)</a> and Mk54 lightweight torpedo. These smaller munitions would allow it to carry more munitions. I would look seriously at incorporating a surface-to-air missile like the German IDAS, or the <a href="https://www.defensedaily.com/raytheon-demonstrates-ability-to-launch-an-aim-9x-from-submarine/navy-usmc/">Raytheon AIM-9X</a>. This would allow it to chase away or destroy those pesky ASW helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft while it snorkels. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Conclusion</h2><div>Noteworthy navalists and naval studies have shown the value of adding a conventional submarine (SSK) to the Navy's fleet architecture. If multiple SSKs can be bought and operated for the cost of one nuclear-powered SSN, we can increase forward presence, especially in shallow, confined waters where SSNs are ill-suited. Forward-deployed on deterrence patrols, they don't need the SSN's high sustained speed. They can also allow for regular training opportunities for the rest of the fleet in how to deal with these quiet, deadly boats. </div><div><br /></div>
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B.Smittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12650152449414871058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86690637957968368.post-30892134697756032392021-02-25T15:11:00.009-05:002021-03-03T11:26:48.419-05:00IAFM - Ship Types - Frigate Platform Dock (FPD-150)<h2 style="text-align: left;">Introduction</h2><p>The Frigate Platform Dock (FPD-150) is the most flexible ship in the IAFM. It came about when I was mulling over how to provide enough escorts for SAGCOMs and CVCOMs, while still supporting forward deployed Marine forces. The existing US Navy force model splits amphibious vessels (LPD, LSD, LHD/A) and escorts into distinct pools. However you still have to provide escorts for ESGs as well as CVBGs. But if you look at a modern amphibious ship, like the LPD-17, the systems aboard aren't that far off from those on a frigate. It has an air defense radar, short-range SAM systems and C4ISR. </p><p>So my thought was, why not smash together the capabilities of a guided-missile frigate and a modest-sized LPD and make a self-escorting "Frigate Platform Dock"? This way, every ESG is always self-escorting. Also, an ability to perform strike with VLS-based munitions, and Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) with Multiple Launched Rocket System (MLRS) and the gun mount. </p><p>There is also discussion about using amphibious ships in non-traditional roles that cater to their size and flexible spaces. In fact, a ship with LPD characteristics could be the ultimate modular vessel. The Littoral Combat Ship modularity ultimately failed because the LCS's couldn't carry the weight and crew desired for different modules. The FPD, on the other hand, excels at carrying weight and crew. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Design</h2><div>The FPD-150 is a variant of the SC-150 family of vessels. It shares common components such as propulsion, hull sections, electronics, and sensors with other variants. It has a unique stern section housing the well deck. All variants have unique internal arrangements and unique topsides, but share subcomponents whenever feasible. The SC-150 family borrows sensors and combat systems heavily from the <i>Constellation</i> class FFG(X). The FPD-150 is no different. COMBATSS-21, EASR, SQQ-89, and so on, all are lifted directly from the FFG(X). For its LPD nature, I used the Navantia <i>Galicia </i>class LPD as a size and capacity reference. <i>Galicia </i>is considerably smaller than the LPD-17 class, but the IAFM makes up for size with numbers (48 FPDs vs ~20 LPD/LSDs in the current force). So in essence,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXh3UrrMgIJzSISxHmHfjikrDuY18vhLmW200ekSN4MD3_UA0N6-NJYFOF37IELHAVlhsO-UfDx0OYn0-R4RZvWSCfFzvM1vyS5kiulAfRJBhpCE13g6as7FxHHfYOzZtM49Zms8Zyw8f/s1400/Galicia%252BFFG-equals-LPD.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1374" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXh3UrrMgIJzSISxHmHfjikrDuY18vhLmW200ekSN4MD3_UA0N6-NJYFOF37IELHAVlhsO-UfDx0OYn0-R4RZvWSCfFzvM1vyS5kiulAfRJBhpCE13g6as7FxHHfYOzZtM49Zms8Zyw8f/w628-h640/Galicia%252BFFG-equals-LPD.png" width="628" /></a></div><br /><div>The FPD-150 is significantly longer (184m vs 160m LOA) and larger (>15,000t vs 13,000t) than the <i>Galicia</i>, with similar beam and draft. This allows for more space for the combat systems, as well as a finer hull to reach task force speeds. </div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Primary Sensors</h3><div>The FPD reuses the FFG's primary air defense radar, SPY-6(V)3. It is composed of three, fixed face, S-band, AESA radars. Each face is composed of nine Radar Module Assemblies (RMAs). According to reports, this relatively small radar has the equivalent sensitivity (thus range) to the DDG-51's SPY-1D(V) radar. </div><div><br /></div><div>I included a hull sonar on the FPD-150, where the FFG(X) does not have one. Even though the VDS/towed array are significantly more capable, there are times where these sonars are not operational, especially on the FPD-150, where the Tactical ASW module isn't carried all the time. The hull sonar provides an always available back stop, persistent torpedo detection, and allows for multi-static operations with the VDS. I don't see the need for a massive SQS-53B, but a smaller, presumably cheaper, sonar like the <a href="https://www.thalesgroup.com/sites/default/files/database/document/2020-10/UWS_BL_Datasheet_BlueMaster_2020.pdf">Thales BlueMaster</a> sonar would work. This sonar is integrated on some FREMM variants.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63bTXDHczxVJkx5YPOD6HS3oOruUVC1fykRrj9u90SbcGIGpkUt7HuMzSqi_78jF6oAslkIcI3HiNU8lMVkA5MDMAQC8oifhqekaWsK1AmGJ3_aiwAnlrZmIZZZL3uc55uL3WIloSwst7/s1200/SQS-53_Sonar_DDG-53_John_Paul_Jones_2010-09-07.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63bTXDHczxVJkx5YPOD6HS3oOruUVC1fykRrj9u90SbcGIGpkUt7HuMzSqi_78jF6oAslkIcI3HiNU8lMVkA5MDMAQC8oifhqekaWsK1AmGJ3_aiwAnlrZmIZZZL3uc55uL3WIloSwst7/w640-h480/SQS-53_Sonar_DDG-53_John_Paul_Jones_2010-09-07.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SQS-53 <br />(U.S. Navy photo by Electronics Technician 2nd Class William Weinrich, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzw7jln4XfyX6_DNUETu1x9aTJCVFyk4S-EzdB0iX1YLjWXcJwiKMwvmjkgBRcvMLzUH2DCM5PiOHGREBXV3Tqrw2x1lWg7EMnsCFisQkNcXEujTdczzSfm4fDDHRpKsYvuKYjX2gm0is/s860/Bluemaster.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="611" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzw7jln4XfyX6_DNUETu1x9aTJCVFyk4S-EzdB0iX1YLjWXcJwiKMwvmjkgBRcvMLzUH2DCM5PiOHGREBXV3Tqrw2x1lWg7EMnsCFisQkNcXEujTdczzSfm4fDDHRpKsYvuKYjX2gm0is/w454-h640/Bluemaster.jpg" width="454" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Internal Capacities</h3><div>The FPD internal capacity is based off of the <i>Galicia </i>class. From <a href="https://www.infodefensa.com/wp-content/uploads/JCI_en_v2.pdf">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQewqrg9qY7kVkvEv8fga8rHqsNLS0e5GQobVnve_8Egut3qpravYfEdLO9tdlD48E8RL38XLjvzqWsCzAJO5eEs3Br4_yh57GofH1xlNI30kMLvcHVNu_3GzyRAcwe7OeSaZ-x4vcmCv/s651/galicia+capacity+1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="651" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQewqrg9qY7kVkvEv8fga8rHqsNLS0e5GQobVnve_8Egut3qpravYfEdLO9tdlD48E8RL38XLjvzqWsCzAJO5eEs3Br4_yh57GofH1xlNI30kMLvcHVNu_3GzyRAcwe7OeSaZ-x4vcmCv/w640-h450/galicia+capacity+1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5jthc_NI_ug1bxIUSY5c8IYeFFGA5zuGG1B6kzH4t4KMJg7WbZUOcBHrq0Z3NUVkCxPh8SiyGisHRksFDkvUnrF8_ouzQa15BWjmxQ3ODem1qtlnBkk0ey_5oK4wNpKAWhHyFDFXTmNe/s669/galicia+capacity+2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="669" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5jthc_NI_ug1bxIUSY5c8IYeFFGA5zuGG1B6kzH4t4KMJg7WbZUOcBHrq0Z3NUVkCxPh8SiyGisHRksFDkvUnrF8_ouzQa15BWjmxQ3ODem1qtlnBkk0ey_5oK4wNpKAWhHyFDFXTmNe/w640-h490/galicia+capacity+2.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFp3lE4e8ZkDgstTI2fDEJSN_OTGu7xyEqVJEYpY0JIIe0OrRGS0ExxtfAEtvOboPuTBEiHAXeqpiswXhrdtiKzM7huY9jh3lhVV0H1OMcSgk0UnHLG07bmCLEf17o5C4-X2UqsBSJVKn/s649/galicia+capacity+3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="649" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFp3lE4e8ZkDgstTI2fDEJSN_OTGu7xyEqVJEYpY0JIIe0OrRGS0ExxtfAEtvOboPuTBEiHAXeqpiswXhrdtiKzM7huY9jh3lhVV0H1OMcSgk0UnHLG07bmCLEf17o5C4-X2UqsBSJVKn/w640-h282/galicia+capacity+3.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Using a foreign design for sizing obviously doesn't consider US requirements. US Marine ground force structures will have to adapt to fit. Given the drive towards smaller Marine units for EABO and distributed operations, this may not be a large constraint. The IAFM includes far more FPDs than the current US fleet architecture includes LPD/LSDs (48 vs ~20), so there's still plenty of room for Marines in the IAFM.</div><p style="text-align: left;">The flight deck and hangar are similar in size to <i>Galicia</i>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1wpi24EvM1DiOmSkSu1_UR9CwIbfDocWKsoPhZP6LuEylhHeEMoXKdpEkCIuV8Vu0GTjMlCtiuuGUVuJG6woBq0qB84MpzDY34EmEueYDD6S1OlEWL1n7CeD0PBQj6b41ewceRkCNxub/s651/galicia+flight+deck+and+hangar.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="651" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1wpi24EvM1DiOmSkSu1_UR9CwIbfDocWKsoPhZP6LuEylhHeEMoXKdpEkCIuV8Vu0GTjMlCtiuuGUVuJG6woBq0qB84MpzDY34EmEueYDD6S1OlEWL1n7CeD0PBQj6b41ewceRkCNxub/w640-h630/galicia+flight+deck+and+hangar.png" width="640" /></a></div>It has hangar space for six MH-60s, four larger helicopters like the EH-101 (perhaps used for MCM), or two very large helicopters such as the V-22 or CH-53K. <br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Armament</h2><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>64 x strike-length Mk 41 VLS cells in the bow</li><li>2 x Mk49 RAM launchers</li><li>1 x Mk45 Mod 4 5" gun (or new 155mm "No Rocket Science" mount)</li><li>2 x Mk41 Mod 1 30mm cannons</li><li>4 x Naval MLRS (NMLRS) launchers</li><li>8 x Naval Strike Missile launchers (optional)</li></ul><div>The FPD carries a respectable VLS cell battery of 64 strike-length Mk41 cells. It doesn't use the larger Mk57 cells to conserve space and weight, so it won't be able to fire <a href="https://interestedamateur.blogspot.com/2020/08/iafm-next-generation-cruise-missile-ngcm.html">NGCM</a>. It will have to make due with Tomahawk, <a href="https://interestedamateur.blogspot.com/2021/02/the-case-for-quad-packed-cruise-missile.html">QPCM</a>, and the Standard missile family (SM-2/3/6), ESSM, and VL-ASROC.</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Naval Multiple Launch Rocket System (NMLRS)</h4><div>The most controversial armament is the Naval Multiple Launch Rocket System (NMLRS), derived from the land based M270 MLRS. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2ei_zyNQKoY" width="320" youtube-src-id="2ei_zyNQKoY"></iframe></div><br /><div>The video above shows the M270 launch system and pod reloading. </div><div><br /></div><div>A long history of Marine calls for improved naval fire support led to the aborted development of the DDG-1000 Zumwalt class. The DDG-1000 designers unfortunately chose the most complicated way to meet the range requirements: a gun-launched missile (LRLAP). In contrast, FPD adapts for use an in-service system and munitions under active development. </div><div><br /></div><div>For NMLRS, only the trainable launcher is retained. The vehicle portions are not necessary. The FPD-150 incorporates four of these launchers on the roof of the deckhouse, amidships. The reloading sequence can take up to 5 minutes. This low rate of reloading is made up for by the ability to fire off all twelve rockets per launcher in under a minute. The launchers themselves should be pretty simple to develop, have low weight, no deck penetrations, and modest cost. They're basically a box with a train and elevation system. The naval variant will have to cope with vessel movements, but this should be a minor enhancement. Rocket exhaust may need to be vented upwards, but this too isn't a major technical challenge. Some fragmentation armor may be desirable to prevent sympathetic detonation of rocket pods in case of battle damage. </div><div><br /></div><div>Navalizing MLRS was considered in the past. I haven't found definitive reasons why it hasn't been adopted, but rumors include difficulty of stowing and managing the large pods in confined warships, potential damage from caustic exhaust gasses, and HERO/IM compliance. For the FPD, managing and stowing pods is not a major issue, given its size and magazine spaces. It is not a cramped traditional warship. It has a lot of open space by design. It will use shared magazine spaces with Marine munitions. When operating as a primary NSFS ship, vehicle decks can be used to stow additional pods. Exhaust gasses and residue are managed with a washdown capability and perhaps fans to evacuate exhausts between firing. </div><div><br /></div><div>There may be a need to certify MLRS ordinance for HERO/IM compliance to fire from ships, but they are already carried aboard amphibious ships, and HIMARS has been <a href="https://news.usni.org/2017/10/24/marines-fire-himars-ship-sea-control-experiment-navy">test fired</a> from the flight deck of an amphibious ship. I haven't read of any show stoppers.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZP8mGZ3-uV-tOpT8JzGuvLcbQFEefKa3n3v5QFDIvjfHdqG0noTvTd7yXhwPTwMMPNfe4G7-L5LIfL7zOswCslwrjlco-vtHnldc0LOr6ur_-fWLphQKcD0sLNbfkrx_1F25_f96_No0/s1104/HIMARS+launch.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="1104" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZP8mGZ3-uV-tOpT8JzGuvLcbQFEefKa3n3v5QFDIvjfHdqG0noTvTd7yXhwPTwMMPNfe4G7-L5LIfL7zOswCslwrjlco-vtHnldc0LOr6ur_-fWLphQKcD0sLNbfkrx_1F25_f96_No0/w640-h346/HIMARS+launch.gif" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="https://news.usni.org/2017/10/24/marines-fire-himars-ship-sea-control-experiment-navy">USNI News</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Pods are brought up from the magazine via elevators to the rooftop launchers, where a crane moves them into place for the launchers. Spent pods are moved back down in a reverse of the process (perhaps being thrown overboard in wartime). This may not be as fancy or fast as some might want, but 8 pods in 4 launchers permits up to 48 shots before reloading.</div><div><br /></div><div>Extended range GMLRS munitions will reach 150+km, with a 190lb warhead, or over 500km with the long range Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). This allows the FPD to stand off at safe distances while still providing precision, volume fires ashore. The Army and Marines are also considering adding an <a href="https://breakingdefense.com/2017/11/marines-seek-anti-ship-himars-high-cost-hard-mission/">anti-ship weapon to MLRS</a>. Possibilities include the Naval Strike Missile or a variant of PrSM with terminal guidance.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>A new, loitering munition should be added, like the now defunct MBDA Fire Shadow.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1aSoP_pSHQbVGlLPlwALNEaPm3CDqCcDiroFcAL1ytVSaJV8o5C-9Py2aZPTXqMUEgngFTNWFoSsUgOkOZJzqNb5cSqq2pc6VvmME3Tc8ILThkdh72X_Yp_RND_fQ2ufAguljAwx36LJ/s2362/Fire-Shadow-Loitering-Munition3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1181" data-original-width="2362" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1aSoP_pSHQbVGlLPlwALNEaPm3CDqCcDiroFcAL1ytVSaJV8o5C-9Py2aZPTXqMUEgngFTNWFoSsUgOkOZJzqNb5cSqq2pc6VvmME3Tc8ILThkdh72X_Yp_RND_fQ2ufAguljAwx36LJ/w640-h320/Fire-Shadow-Loitering-Munition3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire Shadow (<a href="https://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/uk-complex-weapons/fire-shadow-loitering-munition/">ThinkDefence</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>This type of hybrid UAV/weapon gained prominence in the recent Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Azerbaijani Harop loitering munitions were used to take out all manner of battlefield targets. Loitering weapons have the ability to stay on station for a period of time, searching for targets, before kamikaze striking them. Fire Shadow could remain aloft for up to 6 hours.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gplX3YFog_k" width="320" youtube-src-id="gplX3YFog_k"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>An ASW rocket-powered depth bomb is another option. The CSBA suggested something like this in their paper, "<a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.hudson.org/Clark%20Cropsey%20Walton_Sustaining%20the%20Undersea%20Advantage.pdf#page=8">Sustaining the Undersea Advantage: Disrupting Anti-Submarine Warfare Using Autonomous Systems</a>". The Russian RPK-8 system is a useful example. It is as a short-ranged system in the mold of the old Squid and Hedgehog launchers of WWII fame, but has a guided munition (90R1) that searches in a cone under itself as it sinks, and can deflect to engage targets it finds. From <a href="https://sputniknews.com/military/201707011055146811-90R1-anti-sub-projectile/">here</a>,</div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Tuchkov explains: "The rocket is aimed at its target (vessel or torpedo) using information about its location received from the ship's sonar station. After splashdown, the gravitational projectile separates and, with the aid of an acoustic homing head, finds its target and directs itself toward it. The 90R has a contact fuse." The 90R1, meanwhile, features an inductive noncontact fuse what goes off when the projectile reaches a certain predetermined distance from its target, thus further improving its efficiency.</i></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>The RPK-8 system is short ranged, only 4.3km. An MLRS-based system could have much greater range and accuracy, possibly using the existing GMLRS rocket as the starting point, or the <a href="https://www.saab.com/products/ground-launched-small-diameter-bomb-glsdb">Boeing/Saab GLSDB</a> rocket, which carries a winged SDB bomb. Just replace the bomb with the guided gravitational projectile. This leverages the 360-degree engagement capability afforded by the wings. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SmUU1SUDeAo" width="320" youtube-src-id="SmUU1SUDeAo"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Mission Modules</h2><div><h3>Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) - Tactical</h3><h3><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">The FPD has a built-in hull sonar, and can house and operate towed sonars in the well deck. It isn't limited to LCS-sized or destroyer-sized towed sonars, it has the capacity to carry multiple towed arrays, VDSs, and/or larger arrays. It can carry six MH-60Rs, which contributes significantly to the voracious appetite for task forces ASW sorties. Its internal spaces allows carriage of large quantities of sonobuoys and ASW munitions. Future semi-disposable sensors, such as the Boeing SHARC Wave Glider, could be carried, deployed and recovered.</div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7uZJ9wSx6Z0" width="320" youtube-src-id="7uZJ9wSx6Z0"></iframe></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div></h3><h3>Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) - Theater</h3><h3><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">Given their large payload capacity, FPDs could carry a modular variant of the Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System (SURTASS). The Vertical Line Array portion may not be straight forward to adapt for well deck deployment, but the multiple towed arrays could be. </div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYb9JoVt0KIGAfCvFGonvfKQueR6-vmyl8SG718hMl-A4D8P1smhvEp3MgQyPTGPX3g37UMG_veIv6Dlhd659l7-2Guk8vlNWYdTUoeB01u0_QyGG7du0u7aXHJTnFsdCaaaAWhju28kF/s739/surtass.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="739" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYb9JoVt0KIGAfCvFGonvfKQueR6-vmyl8SG718hMl-A4D8P1smhvEp3MgQyPTGPX3g37UMG_veIv6Dlhd659l7-2Guk8vlNWYdTUoeB01u0_QyGG7du0u7aXHJTnFsdCaaaAWhju28kF/w640-h346/surtass.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SURTASS-LFA (USN)</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;" /><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">Additionally, the FPD could carry and deploy future semi-fixed sensor arrays like the buoy-based <a href="https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/32319/the-navy-wants-a-containerized-sub-tracking-sonar-that-can-be-left-at-sea-for-long-periods">Affordable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare Surveillance System (AMASS)</a>.</div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">FPDs with these module components wouldn't operate directly with task forces, but would provide self-escorting, long-range cueing and surveillance. This would supplement existing unarmed SURTASS ships, rather than replacing them. There's still a place for a purpose-built, unarmed vessel here. It is less provocative, and the SWATH hull of the USNS <i>Impeccable </i>class has superior acoustics to a blocky monohull like the FPD. However, if our T-AGOS ships are harassed, as the Chinese have done <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USNS_Impeccable_(T-AGOS-23)#South_China_Sea_incidents">in the past</a>, we could chose to send an FPD instead, with its greater size and warship demeanor. </div></h3><h3>Marine Air Ground Task Force </h3></div><div>Obviously a main role for the FPD is to replace dedicated amphibious ships like the LPD-17 San Antonio class. The FPD is certainly smaller, and can't carry as much as the LPD-17, but it does still have significant capabilities to carry Marines and their gear. The IAFM includes over twice as many FPDs as the current Navy includes LPD/LSDs, so many of the issues of capacity can be resolved by aggregating multiple FPDs. If we choose to keep the current MEU-sized Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF), a full squadron of four FPDs with a supporting CVCOM (CV55 and CG-150), is certainly large enough to carry it, and more. However, I would look to coming up with smaller, more numerous MAGTFs. </div><div><br /></div><div>I would move away from relying on the huge and expensive MV-22 as the primary rotary lifter for Marines. Consolidate existing MV-22s into specialized squadrons that can deploy on CV55s or on land for situations that demand their high speed and long range. MV-22s could also deploy, in more limited numbers on FPDs and CVLs. Instead, Marine MAGTFs would use the MH-60S and CH-53K as their primary lifters. The MH-60S is much smaller and a quarter of the price of an MV-22, but can still carry a full Marine squad. It doesn't suffer from the same degree of brown out or brush fire-starting issues, and can land or fast rope Marines into tighter locations. The Marines can take advantage of improvements to the entire H-60 family, used by all services, including more powerful, fuel efficient engines. </div><div><br /></div><div>This doesn't necessarily mean Ship To Objective Maneuver (STOM) is dead, but it is relegated to situations where we want to send a MAGTF-configured CV55. </div><div><br /></div><div>A single FPD could carry a reinforced company or two, or up to a battalion (minus). Six MH-60S helicopters are enough to lift a platoon at a time, with a couple helicopters in reserve or used as armed escorts. Its well deck could carry two LCACs or SSCs, up to four LCM-sized landing craft, or enough ACV/AAVs to land a company (~14-20). </div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Mine Countermeasures (MCM) </h3><p>In the '60s, the Navy experimented with two Mine Countermeasures (MCM) support ships, USS Catskill (MCS-1) and the USS Ozark (MCS-2), each carrying 20 small, minesweeper launches (MSLs). These MSLs were too small and lacked seaworthiness to be a viable system, but the concept of a mothership deploying a group of smaller boats (or USVs) to perform MCM is sound. MCM is inherently parallelizable. The more platforms hunting or sweeping, the faster it will go. </p><p>The National Research Council released a study entitled, "<a href="https://www.nap.edu/read/10176/chapter/7#115">Naval Mine Warfare - Operational and Technical Challenges for Naval Forces</a>". In it, they recommend an MCS-like vessel with the following characteristics,</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><i>The ideal support ship should have a flight deck and a well deck and be able to transport, at fleet speeds, the number of the small SWATH MCM platforms tailored to clearing the necessary number of lanes in a specified time (perhaps up to 10, if space is available in the well deck), and a similar number of MH-60S (or more capable follow-on) airborne MCM helicopters. Additionally, serious consideration should be given to providing space to carry the VSW detachment and mammal systems, along with UUVs when they become available.</i></p></blockquote><p>The small SWATH platform they envisioned was the MHS-1.</p><div class="floattitle" style="background-color: #faf8f6; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lora, Cambria, Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.3714px;"><p class="ahead" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 19.1086px; font-weight: bold; hyphens: auto; line-height: 1.5; margin: 2em 26.8438px 1em 21.4688px;"><i><strong style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;">Box 5.1</strong> <strong style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;">MHS-1 Characteristi</strong>cs</i></p></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="b" style="background-color: #faf8f6; border-collapse: collapse; border: none; color: black; font-family: Lora, Cambria, Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.3714px; width: 100%px;"><tbody style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="left" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;" valign="top"><p class="tabletext" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; hyphens: auto; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0em 3px 0em 2px; text-indent: 0em;"><i>• Length</i></p></td><td align="left" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;" valign="top"><p class="tabletext" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; hyphens: auto; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0em 3px 0em 2px; text-indent: 0em;"><i>44 ft</i></p></td></tr><tr style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="left" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;" valign="top"><p class="tabletext" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; hyphens: auto; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0em 3px 0em 2px; text-indent: 0em;"><i>• Beam</i></p></td><td align="left" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;" valign="top"><p class="tabletext" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; hyphens: auto; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0em 3px 0em 2px; text-indent: 0em;"><i>18ft</i></p></td></tr><tr style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="left" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;" valign="top"><p class="tabletext" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; hyphens: auto; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0em 3px 0em 2px; text-indent: 0em;"><i>• Draft</i></p></td><td align="left" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;" valign="top"><p class="tabletext" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; hyphens: auto; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0em 3px 0em 2px; text-indent: 0em;"><i>4.5 ft</i></p></td></tr><tr style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="left" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;" valign="top"><p class="tabletext" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; hyphens: auto; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0em 3px 0em 2px; text-indent: 0em;"><i>• Weight</i></p></td><td align="left" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;" valign="top"><p class="tabletext" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; hyphens: auto; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0em 3px 0em 2px; text-indent: 0em;"><i>24.0 long tons full, 21.4 long tons light</i></p></td></tr><tr style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="left" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;" valign="top"><p class="tabletext" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; hyphens: auto; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0em 3px 0em 2px; text-indent: 0em;"><i>• Speed</i></p></td><td align="left" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;" valign="top"><p class="tabletext" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; hyphens: auto; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0em 3px 0em 2px; text-indent: 0em;"><i>18 knots</i></p></td></tr><tr style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="left" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;" valign="top"><p class="tabletext" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; hyphens: auto; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0em 3px 0em 2px; text-indent: 0em;"><i>• Range</i></p></td><td align="left" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;" valign="top"><p class="tabletext" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; hyphens: auto; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0em 3px 0em 2px; text-indent: 0em;"><i>750 nautical miles at cruise (7 knots)</i></p></td></tr><tr style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="left" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;" valign="top"><p class="tabletext" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; hyphens: auto; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0em 3px 0em 2px; text-indent: 0em;"><i>• Endurance</i></p></td><td align="left" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;" valign="top"><p class="tabletext" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; hyphens: auto; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0em 3px 0em 2px; text-indent: 0em;"><i>107 hours</i></p></td></tr><tr style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="left" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;" valign="top"><p class="tabletext" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; hyphens: auto; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0em 3px 0em 2px; text-indent: 0em;"><i>• Propulsion</i></p></td><td align="left" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box;" valign="top"><p class="tabletext" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; hyphens: auto; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0em 3px 0em 2px; text-indent: 0em;"><i>Two Caterpillar marine diesels (Mod. 3116 DITA 255 hp)</i></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYffmO4RKsqJ3pQHhIGIEjX9UJ4mgX2pz416VZQCrH1mlYFLV_H3cY7DKjazVLkuSefK-hyGLH67tDOkDtuVyS8tZ4zmrmLWmsUraJBuokIGT7tFYJ1cn-mHi0DDgjcVT8tzgAllYGIe2/s1024/MHS-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYffmO4RKsqJ3pQHhIGIEjX9UJ4mgX2pz416VZQCrH1mlYFLV_H3cY7DKjazVLkuSefK-hyGLH67tDOkDtuVyS8tZ4zmrmLWmsUraJBuokIGT7tFYJ1cn-mHi0DDgjcVT8tzgAllYGIe2/w400-h266/MHS-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MHS-1</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>However, there are a variety of Unmanned Surface Vessels such that could be used instead of, or in addition to, an MHS-1-like vessel.</p><p>The FPD's well deck is large enough to carry eight MHS-1s. It's hangar is large enough for six MH-60 helicopters or four <a href="https://www.helis.com/database/news/eh101mine/">EH-101 MCM </a>helicopters. This fits well within the NRC concept for an MCS. FPDs with the MCS module augment the dedicated MCMV class in the IAFM, when there's a need for greater clearance rates close to shore.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Mine Warfare</h3><div>With large interior spaces, payload capacity, and well deck, the FPD can be used to seed minefields with bottom or moored mines. The US Navy doesn't currently maintain stocks of surface vessel-laid mines, but a significant stock of modern mines could be kept at modest cost. Possible uses include rapidly reinforcing defense of Marine EABO bases, assisting Taiwanese defenses in a run up to conflict with China, or cutting off choke points with ASW and ASuW minefields are possible uses. Self-burying mines like the <a href="https://aiad.it/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/RWMITALIA_MN103_Manta.pdf">Manta</a> below caused significant damage to the USS Princeton in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7jqWMLaOJdkuPpPKejQ_mPoWTUq3yGSKSsE9g8GQ8h47mOEwwKVEEM62vyKrjOS29fGJfnwlum1QyK8XQLHNkqdXHL5AYL3KAUvxYIoBSg6K0WnP6pk2E-78mUvJbXH03kCAJFV84otY/s390/Popular-mines-a-Rockan-and-b-Manta.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="158" data-original-width="390" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7jqWMLaOJdkuPpPKejQ_mPoWTUq3yGSKSsE9g8GQ8h47mOEwwKVEEM62vyKrjOS29fGJfnwlum1QyK8XQLHNkqdXHL5AYL3KAUvxYIoBSg6K0WnP6pk2E-78mUvJbXH03kCAJFV84otY/w400-h163/Popular-mines-a-Rockan-and-b-Manta.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AIAA Manta and Swedish Rockan bottom influence mines</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>It could even carry stocks of my speculative Unmanned Mine Delivery Vessel (UMDV), a low profile unmanned boat carrying up to 2,000lbs of mines out to a range of up to 700nmi. </div><div><br /></div><div>MH-60S's on the FPDs could carry the M139 Volcano mine dispenser system to rapidly set beach or inland minefields.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5b4NG1pJw2p5rXcVy1hTSa3RlJAM_hABDaxjmYKxsB1COqmu9cD5NVSkYE0nAsJJXVwMlRTl1xeRBRxfYckdy5SvryKMp3Q9IlFn29vYcyI8nL15JobWNqTiP0IohjHt_lVjdDpPzSZk-/s1280/M-139-Air-Volcano.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5b4NG1pJw2p5rXcVy1hTSa3RlJAM_hABDaxjmYKxsB1COqmu9cD5NVSkYE0nAsJJXVwMlRTl1xeRBRxfYckdy5SvryKMp3Q9IlFn29vYcyI8nL15JobWNqTiP0IohjHt_lVjdDpPzSZk-/w640-h358/M-139-Air-Volcano.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M139 Volcano System (US Army)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><a href="https://theaviationist.com/2020/12/28/the-u-s-army-is-qualifying-new-units-to-fly-the-uh-60-with-the-controversial-m-139-volcano-mine-delivery-system/">The U.S. Army Is Qualifying New Units To Fly The UH-60 With The Controversial M-139 Volcano Mine Delivery System</a></div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i>The Volcano uses modified Gator mines, the same that were developed to be dropped by aircraft inside the CBU-78/B (Navy) and CBU-89/B (Air Force). The entire system is made of four main components, which are the mine canister, the dispenser, the dispenser control unit (DCU) and the mounting hardware. The latter includes a jettison subassembly to be fitted to the Black Hawk to detach and propel the racks and canisters away from the aircraft in the event of an emergency.</i></div></blockquote><p> </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><i>The M-139 uses M87 and M87A1 mine canisters which contain five Anti-Tank (AT) mines and one Anti-Personnel (AP) mine or six AT mines, respectively, plus a propulsion device to scatter them 35 to 70 meters away from the helicopter. The mine canisters are capable of dispensing mines with 4-hour, 48-hour, and 15-day self-destruct timers.</i></blockquote><h3 style="text-align: left;">Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) / Marine Riverine Support</h3><div>During the Vietnam War, the Navy and Coast Guard conducted <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Market_Time">Operation Market Time</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Game_Warden">Operation Game Warden</a>, two coastal and riverine efforts to stem the flow of troops, materials and supplies from North Vietnam into South Vietnam. They used a wide variety of small boats, cutters, converted landing craft, and other vessels to provide coverage. They used amphibious ships as mobile logistics hubs for these small vessels. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNrEZQBGaNhe5d1qwOkmEN9RWzRJ4YW7mZD1KJdeVkK4OTfFfRN4dx5D4ijMlkxyRsn9RicRDEqX7KfSVsqtnMZskr0iLIUoU9rUgp_0kHanV59lrTJh7dkX41kEOKAoK7hHjTXms7GeZ/s700/Harnett_County_AGP-821.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="700" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNrEZQBGaNhe5d1qwOkmEN9RWzRJ4YW7mZD1KJdeVkK4OTfFfRN4dx5D4ijMlkxyRsn9RicRDEqX7KfSVsqtnMZskr0iLIUoU9rUgp_0kHanV59lrTJh7dkX41kEOKAoK7hHjTXms7GeZ/w640-h424/Harnett_County_AGP-821.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />USS Harnett County (LST-821)</td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/16/160821.htm, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11437959</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The FPD is capable of carrying and supporting similar riverine elements. Its well deck is large enough to carry up to sixteen Small Unit Riverine Craft (SURC), or similar craft. The vehicle spaces can carry additional boats or boat maintenance and logistics. Multiple FPDs could carry and support the equivalent of a <a href="https://www.cna.org/cna_files/pdf/D0013241.A5.pdf#page=136">Marine Small Craft Company (SSCo)</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxn00ugVzTgCKVFAY1k68tuNMaLY2YsRGQOjWo5V6jMpWStbzCYeRLgujnOuPAqLtWoyQ7nsTIPJPFvVXpu_Ryzy4mgobQezAQTD7aUP0XS-tg0YfIM_wXSGgfLG13EMt5jt5Hy3sutsB/s492/SCCo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="492" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxn00ugVzTgCKVFAY1k68tuNMaLY2YsRGQOjWo5V6jMpWStbzCYeRLgujnOuPAqLtWoyQ7nsTIPJPFvVXpu_Ryzy4mgobQezAQTD7aUP0XS-tg0YfIM_wXSGgfLG13EMt5jt5Hy3sutsB/w640-h536/SCCo.png" width="640" /></a></div>Additionally, the FPD can carry helicopters and UAVs to provide wide area surveillance and rapid movement of troops and material, as well as striking naval and surface targets. <h3 style="text-align: left;">Humanitarian Relief / Disaster Response (HA/DR)</h3><div>This is less of a module than just a feature of a ship with large, open spaces; significant payload; aviation and surface connector support; capable C4ISR; small hospital; ability to produce fresh water; and other core capabilities of an amphibious ship. The FPD could carry small watercraft and divers needed to survey damaged ports, UAVs for imaging disaster areas, helicopters for distributing relief supplies and carrying personnel, modular hospitals that can be offloaded, as well as relief supplies. Large disasters require huge movements of resources into the area. The FPD won't excel at that. But it can be a capable first responder. </div><div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Conclusion</h2><div>The FPD-150 has the capacity and flexibility of a medium-sized amphibious ship with the combat systems of a guided missile frigate. It can self-escort, when needed, act as an escort in a larger task force, or form the core of a small task force itself. It has the combat systems needed to defend itself from air and sea attack, and contributes greatly to Naval Surface Fire Support with its NMLRS system. With modules it can contribute to ASW, Mine Warfare, Marine forward presence, and HA/DR missions. </div><div><br /></div><div>To steal the analogy, the FPD-150 is a Ford F350 to LCS's (or FFG's) Ferrari. It's big, boxy, roomy, and can carry a load. It's adaptable to many missions beyond its original specification, just like a pickup truck.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>B.Smittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12650152449414871058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86690637957968368.post-52132485888272280702021-02-23T13:11:00.011-05:002021-03-03T09:07:53.433-05:00The Case for a Quad-Packed Cruise Missile (QPCM)<p>Previously, I proposed a <a href="https://interestedamateur.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-case-for-medium-weight-anti-ship.html">Medium-Weight Cruise Missile</a> designed for use against smaller surface combatants, based on the ADM-160B - Miniature Air-Launched Decoy (MALD). This could be carried by helicopters and fighters in greater numbers to deal with numerous Chinese small combatants.</p><p>Here, I propose a somewhat larger missile, the Quad-Packed Cruise Missile (QPCM), with a focus on land attack. Obviously, from the name, it is still intended to fit quad-packed in an Mk41 or Mk57 VLS cell, but growing beyond the MALD airframe allows us to develop a larger, more capable munition. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Target Set</h2><p>Target set for this munition is the same as SDB I (and eventually SDB II):</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BCDLrJZQogwUH6wRL3frdFwWFC96m2QPLgTDuxkPriuWgJD9D2wHeKMnzrNNeQ5ALjr4gGOAH4X3z3NXTdDEBfwf8b2zH1DOwz3juD4m2i1LlXu3Xd0xPuCXwmA_S-DwmRHa9IofeD_D/s1207/GBU-39_impact.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1207" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BCDLrJZQogwUH6wRL3frdFwWFC96m2QPLgTDuxkPriuWgJD9D2wHeKMnzrNNeQ5ALjr4gGOAH4X3z3NXTdDEBfwf8b2zH1DOwz3juD4m2i1LlXu3Xd0xPuCXwmA_S-DwmRHa9IofeD_D/w424-h640/GBU-39_impact.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6IcCNbe8HIR-Fr6M1c4l-91YLoTtszdnfnHWwzJL7IZvK8uJ_V7C3mXrO_z0tw_Fz_jKI2gPoMYqjnI9LG0mEXfQXrOd-Pzp0RfISLAikcMteIG8LA7WjWaeafjQDYpHVEDeiOFaGMNA/s1920/sdb+target+set.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1920" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6IcCNbe8HIR-Fr6M1c4l-91YLoTtszdnfnHWwzJL7IZvK8uJ_V7C3mXrO_z0tw_Fz_jKI2gPoMYqjnI9LG0mEXfQXrOd-Pzp0RfISLAikcMteIG8LA7WjWaeafjQDYpHVEDeiOFaGMNA/w640-h240/sdb+target+set.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p>Additionally, the warhead should be capable vs ships, though its small size means it would require multiple hits to disable or sink a large warship. Even so, an SDB-sized warhead is around the same size and weight as an 8" armored piercing projectile but with ten times the bursting charge (8" Mark 19 AP projectile HE weight - 3.64lbs. SDB HE weight - 36lbs).</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Requirements</h2><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Subsonic.</li><li>Quad-packed in a Mk41/57 VLS cell</li><li>250lb, SDB-class, penetrating warhead. Alternate payloads could include jammers or decoys.</li><li>Threshold: 7-900nmi range. Objective: 1,200+ nmi range. Equivalent to the <a href="https://interestedamateur.blogspot.com/2020/08/iafm-next-generation-cruise-missile-ngcm.html">Next Generation Cruise Missile</a> (NGCM), so they can be fired at the same targets from the same launch point.</li><li>LO/VLO design</li><li>Terminal guidance options (perhaps based on the SDB II tri-mode seeker) allowing it to attack moving targets such as ships and vehicles, or specific aimpoints. Alternate guidance could include an anti-radiation seeker, derived from AARGM, for use as a loitering ARM, or a gimbaled EO/IR seeker, for use as a loitering munition. Perhaps include a basic GPS/INS guidance as a low-cost option</li><li>Mid-flight communications using the same TLAM/NGCM datalinks. </li></ul><div>This weapon would allow warships to quadruple their stowed shots per VLS cell. An air dropped variant could be built later.</div><div><br /></div><div>The IAFM Frigate Arsenal Ship (FMG), with 384 VLS cells devoting 320 to strike weapons could split these evenly between full-sized NGCMs and QPCMs. This would increase the total number of strike weapons to 800 (160+4*160). A full squadron of four FMGs could have as many as 3,200 strike weapons, or nearly 2,000 more than a squadron carrying NGCMs alone.</div><div><br /></div><div>As the SDB has shown, many land-based targets can be service more efficiently with more numerous, accurate hits, rather than fewer, larger hits. An airfield, for example might require as many as 50 or more aimpoints struck, however destroying the aircraft in a hardened shelter doesn't require a 1,000-2,000lb warhead. The 250lb SDB warhead is sufficient. It does require significant concrete penetration.</div><div><br /></div><div>For example, a common, hardened airfield might require as many as 51 SDB-sized hits to disable.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bQAP4nxVwvxeft_eJ7lK0A5QQdCi4AexsMk3eVbgUO3hhv_QVGUojB0f_QHCHh1pusSgyzP1dJQiB2HB7hCAXKDgkpQ9Oj-0EFp7fV5w3s02CYnFLv_M3uavfZrggbh1oFaQz5Qom7p_/s764/Kopp-airfield+strike.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="764" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bQAP4nxVwvxeft_eJ7lK0A5QQdCi4AexsMk3eVbgUO3hhv_QVGUojB0f_QHCHh1pusSgyzP1dJQiB2HB7hCAXKDgkpQ9Oj-0EFp7fV5w3s02CYnFLv_M3uavfZrggbh1oFaQz5Qom7p_/w640-h422/Kopp-airfield+strike.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PLA Hardened Airbase (<a href="http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-2011-01.html">Kopp</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><blockquote></blockquote></div><blockquote><div><blockquote>How much effort is required to disable a typical PLA airbase equipped with an underground hangar? This chart presents a hypothetical targeting model for such a base, assuming the use of the GBU-39/B SDB and GBU-57A/B MOP. No less than 51 SDBs are required cover key airbase facilities, and two MOPs to defeat the underground hangar system. While the MOP requires the use of the B-2A, the SDB could be delivered by both the B-2A and the F-22A. No less than seven F-22A sorties would be required to deliver the required number of SDBs. Forty such bases would require forty-fold the number of weapons delivered (S. O'Connor).</blockquote></div></blockquote><p>Obviously neither the QPCM nor the NGCM have MOP level penetration or destructive power. These could be augmented with carrier-launched <a href="https://interestedamateur.blogspot.com/2019/07/mocm-massive-ordinance-cruise-missile.html">MOCMs </a>for super-hardened targets.</p><p>Airfields would need to be re-struck every couple days, or even multiple times per day, to keep them out of action, with at least <a href="https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RR300/RR392/RAND_RR392.pdf#page=183">11-16 munitions</a> needed to cut the runways.</p><p>Given that there are 40 odd Chinese airfields within range of Taiwan, many of which are hardened to various degrees, the ability to strike numerous airfields from FMGs within hours or days of the start of a conflict could significantly blunt Chinese offensive operations. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZERjbImJhoP42MtkJpWZkp1zniibrt6q4dAgn4RD9pyNZxuxmYJOx1p5d-2q4_krLL-ZfRLCcOhMJqJ_Sap0m34VVML2uje5a_nffole4MCcy44KAsBW4RGOLv_GWiLDEKB_cBDLco3s/s1098/QPCM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1098" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZERjbImJhoP42MtkJpWZkp1zniibrt6q4dAgn4RD9pyNZxuxmYJOx1p5d-2q4_krLL-ZfRLCcOhMJqJ_Sap0m34VVML2uje5a_nffole4MCcy44KAsBW4RGOLv_GWiLDEKB_cBDLco3s/w640-h466/QPCM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">QPCMs Launched Outside the First Island Chain</td></tr></tbody></table><h2 style="text-align: left;">Conclusion</h2><p>The FMG squadron of four ships mentioned above could hit the 40 airfields with 50 munitions each (combination of NGCMs and QPCMs) and still have 1,200 munitions left. That's enough to hit each airfield's runways twice more.</p><p>The QPCM trades target effects against large infrastructure targets and warships for x4 as many missiles per VLS cell. A combination of QPCMs and NGCMs greatly increase the number of stowed shots per ship, while still providing for some NGCMs to hit targets that require their large warhead.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />B.Smittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12650152449414871058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86690637957968368.post-29192489062814224532021-02-13T12:38:00.002-05:002021-02-23T14:39:38.706-05:00The Case for an E-37 AEW<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUff4krkt08VSrzXRc-UhKfVIIuebz9095y6NgNx4tGYKjKYXAdvRw7ZRFTITAfCf_SS2b4arJV5Ezn9tiHCwjimZJta6lykBeKrVRsrGOQPaXE9tw2yf4TNpaLtYCDSKO8xRR2YYASXup/s624/italy-iai-g550-caew.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="624" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUff4krkt08VSrzXRc-UhKfVIIuebz9095y6NgNx4tGYKjKYXAdvRw7ZRFTITAfCf_SS2b4arJV5Ezn9tiHCwjimZJta6lykBeKrVRsrGOQPaXE9tw2yf4TNpaLtYCDSKO8xRR2YYASXup/w640-h384/italy-iai-g550-caew.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gulfstream G550 Conformal Airborne Early Warning (CAEW) aircraft</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Much has been written on the Chinese A2/AD bubble. It's clear from the literature that operating outside the first island chain is not as safe as it used to be. There are a multitude of air, sea, subsurface and ballistic missile threats. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDM_2WT-y2r3jB4j2KyFAAQ2kHN5FYq3V5FwqKIEn_bIt27dxmjCpXCavIace3LTuJ9PTLmaV_HtCOBpJXhr65b_bLlHZDdJqZHNhW8Tuqq-Ej2EkNhAZUMrESrE-_1U0FdPo5SB8Dcwm2/s720/Chinese-Anti-Access-Area-Denial-CSBA-Clark-Slide05.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDM_2WT-y2r3jB4j2KyFAAQ2kHN5FYq3V5FwqKIEn_bIt27dxmjCpXCavIace3LTuJ9PTLmaV_HtCOBpJXhr65b_bLlHZDdJqZHNhW8Tuqq-Ej2EkNhAZUMrESrE-_1U0FdPo5SB8Dcwm2/w640-h480/Chinese-Anti-Access-Area-Denial-CSBA-Clark-Slide05.webp" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The threats grow in number and variety the closer you get to the Chinese coast. ASBMs, surface-delivered AShMs, submarines, and air-delivered AShMs from long range bombers and fighters like the Su-30MKK all contribute to this dilemma. </p><p>In addition, gaining and maintaining air superiority over Taiwan and other areas inside the first island chain will be increasingly difficult. US and allied air forces in the region will likely be outnumbered at the beginning of a conflict, so maximizing effectiveness of every aircraft and every sortie will be paramount. One key force multiplier in any air war is advance Airborne Early Warning (AEW). The earlier you can detect enemy aircraft and missiles, the better your chance of defeating them. </p><p>Currently, the US has two AEW aircraft in service, the USAF E-3C Sentry and the Navy E-2C/D Hawkeye. Both are based on dated aircraft designs, with limited range and service ceilings. Given that our close in bases along the first island chain (e.g. Kadena, Okinawa) will likely be subject to significant air and ballistic missile attacks, we will need to rely on carrier based AEW and aircraft flying from bases further out. This will place more significant demands on our aerial refueling fleet.</p><p>What's needed is a land-based AEW aircraft with greater range, service ceiling, and speed to get from far away bases to their operating area faster. </p><p>Recently both the USAF and US Navy bought variants of the Gulfstream G550 Conformal Airborne Early Warning (CAEW) aircraft to serve two different missions. The USAF is using the G550 for its next generation Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft (EC-37B). The Navy is using the G550 for its range monitoring aircraft (NC-37B).</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-r0TTDN1maR-8Eaawk0herYiGMCO1eU5L15ACHhyphenhyphen2-NHEvngf137fLZ6yBjZaGy9E2JDsVxPcJLDQY8FFlmx5FiTFIwVI_rnbzTshyphenhyphenyzdxjpUQqsgB16pCxI33-J_HDQc_HBokw6Rr9g4/s1000/G550+CAEW.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="1000" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-r0TTDN1maR-8Eaawk0herYiGMCO1eU5L15ACHhyphenhyphen2-NHEvngf137fLZ6yBjZaGy9E2JDsVxPcJLDQY8FFlmx5FiTFIwVI_rnbzTshyphenhyphenyzdxjpUQqsgB16pCxI33-J_HDQc_HBokw6Rr9g4/w640-h380/G550+CAEW.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gulfstream G550 CAEW</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The G550 CAEW was originally built for the Israelis to house their Phalcon L/S-band AEW radar system. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgnTvdzA0zSMgzF6zE9f9Z7D9LI3p031tajQiSXT6b-TdE0aJxvEI-MGQ3ZsM_a8yx39F9tD81ptJowz6l_wWCBiAdAtfnNvqwH0LIe4ao_luE0ckpEHPAe7iFeP1y4oBs-t_2sj-Tnip/s445/G550+specs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="445" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgnTvdzA0zSMgzF6zE9f9Z7D9LI3p031tajQiSXT6b-TdE0aJxvEI-MGQ3ZsM_a8yx39F9tD81ptJowz6l_wWCBiAdAtfnNvqwH0LIe4ao_luE0ckpEHPAe7iFeP1y4oBs-t_2sj-Tnip/w640-h592/G550+specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://thaimilitaryandasianregion.wordpress.com/2016/03/21/navy-to-get-one-gulfstream-g-550-aircraft-aew/">Thai Military and Asian Region Blog</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p>With 2,700 nmi more range than an E-3 Sentry, and much more economical airframe and engines, an E-37 AEW would place a far lower burden on the air refueling fleet. An E-37 AEW could stay on station for 6 hours at 1,000nmi or 4 hours at 1,500 nmi without any air refueling. While an E-3 Sentry carries 142,000lbs of fuel, an E-37 only requires 41,000lbs, or less than a third. </p><p>The 707/320-based E-3 also requires longer and stronger 3,000m runways. The E-37 only needs 1,800m to take off and 800m to land. </p><p>If we established bases on the <a href="http://www.ausairpower.net/PDF-A/DT-Cocos-Christmas-Mar-2012.pdf">Australian Christmas Island</a> and Palau, along with Guam, E-37 AEWs could cover most of the South China sea and Taiwan region with modest air refueling support to extend their mission endurance. Exploiting Christmas Island also enables AEW and maritime surveillance over the Strait of Malacca and alternate shipping lanes in that region. In the event of a conflict with China, cutting off these shipping routes to China may be critical.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggeolHuzbLl5mDcpD7MdXKKX1QgStg6tbm0pyY7IMCnOWwOxwGW8of_3NWuHJfmKYV4Kam8ZnBZ8uUyP3zpIdWOjLavwdo_Fo-7RvKJwlxFJwGiCFlgF2gxvSw6munpMtw45EAfxT1v_9f/s1292/EC-37+AEW+Map.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1292" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggeolHuzbLl5mDcpD7MdXKKX1QgStg6tbm0pyY7IMCnOWwOxwGW8of_3NWuHJfmKYV4Kam8ZnBZ8uUyP3zpIdWOjLavwdo_Fo-7RvKJwlxFJwGiCFlgF2gxvSw6munpMtw45EAfxT1v_9f/w640-h428/EC-37+AEW+Map.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Obviously using bases closer in would allow for greater endurance and even less air refueling, but these three islands are on the outskirts of the Chinese A2/AD zone, affording them some protection from attack. Base hardening and air defenses are still prudent measures.</p><p>Land-based, Airborne Early Warning, without over-straining our tanker fleet, enables smaller surface task forces, such as CVL-based task forces in the IAFM, to operate independently without having to develop clunky and limited VTOL AEW aircraft.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Radar</h2><div>The radar is the heart of any AEW aircraft. Options include license building the already-integrated Israeli IAI EL/W-2085 Phalcon radar. However, it probably makes more strategic sense for us to develop our own system. Adapting the Northrop Grumman L-band MESA radar from the Australian Wedgetail program may make the most sense, as it's in service already. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, another option would be to develop a fully AESA variant of the E-2D's APY-9 UHF-band radar. The current APY-9 is a hybrid mechanically- and electronically-scanned array. The primary benefit of this option is the APY-9's stealth detecting properties. UHF-band is difficult for fighter-sized stealth aircraft, such as the Chinese J-20 and J-31, to optimize against. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6T5aF308vmd0IK3KDUFUMHmbwPLRjAoXHMTU8R9dNaESP2BTFB8wv7BkhFNOoUlfcJt9wVBtp4Xhtf_pk3Vp1dX8B7UcVUzXPhYNfKgpkF62DVHqhN3LqzM8VveS7SqFQs0nEbNSNwr1i/s1200/Shenyang_J-31_%2528F60%2529_at_the_2014_Zhuhai_Air_Show.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6T5aF308vmd0IK3KDUFUMHmbwPLRjAoXHMTU8R9dNaESP2BTFB8wv7BkhFNOoUlfcJt9wVBtp4Xhtf_pk3Vp1dX8B7UcVUzXPhYNfKgpkF62DVHqhN3LqzM8VveS7SqFQs0nEbNSNwr1i/w640-h426/Shenyang_J-31_%2528F60%2529_at_the_2014_Zhuhai_Air_Show.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese J-31 Stealth Fighter<br />By wc - http://www.airliners.net/photo/Untitled-(AVIC)/Shenyang-J-31-(F60)/2542713/L/, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36929304</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Using the E-2D's combat systems brings along Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) via the E-2D's NIFC-CA data link system. This allows surface combatants to use E-37 AEW's targeting data to fire long ranged surface to air missiles like the SM-6 from over-the-horizon. </div><div><br /></div><div>Developing an S-band AESA radar for the nose and tail cones of the CAEW rounds out 360 degree detection, and potentially allows handoff of UHF band detections to S-band higher-resolution tracks. </div><div><br /></div><div>Both radars can also detect and track surface ships and sea skimming missiles.</div><div><br /></div><div>Flying at a normal operating altitude of 41,000 ft, the E-37 AEW's radar horizon is 50-60 nmi further than an E-2D flying at 25,000 ft.</div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Conclusion</h2><div>Robust Airborne Early Warning is vital to the prosecution of any conflict. Small, Distributed Lethality task forces lack organic AEW. This is also an often-leveled critique of light STOVL carriers. A long-range, land-based AEW aircraft operating from regional bases can offset this limitation, reducing the impact on our always-strained air refueling fleet and enable Distributed Lethality task forces. The Gulfstream G550 has already been adapted for use as an AEW and electronic warfare aircraft and variants are in use by the US military. Either the Navy or USAF could develop an AEW variant, and fly them from bases at the fringe of the Chinese A2/AD zone. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p>B.Smittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12650152449414871058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86690637957968368.post-472020281429564572021-02-06T14:21:00.017-05:002021-02-23T16:16:51.230-05:00STOBAR MALE UAV<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrpOE1PuLZUU8VNujykO_z1LCaHOyoqJYzxfaCZGJ1hfQxHD_UzWEE9QnH4_WxnOt3_zjJN_t4GL8P5s3EmA7LHR_LLnjV7yTXuUlH5SBiewqHccSJ4sVV3h-bQNJEHcMvaCoXm9RH_KH/s1024/GA-ASI-MQ-9-ASW-Pod-1080x600-1-1024x569.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="1024" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrpOE1PuLZUU8VNujykO_z1LCaHOyoqJYzxfaCZGJ1hfQxHD_UzWEE9QnH4_WxnOt3_zjJN_t4GL8P5s3EmA7LHR_LLnjV7yTXuUlH5SBiewqHccSJ4sVV3h-bQNJEHcMvaCoXm9RH_KH/w640-h356/GA-ASI-MQ-9-ASW-Pod-1080x600-1-1024x569.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GA MQ-9B SeaGuardian Carrying ASW Pod<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>While considering the role and missions for the IAFM light carrier (CVL-150), incorporating UAVs into the air wing appeared to offer a lot of opportunity. UAVs can hit combinations of size, signature, endurance, and price that are hard to match with manned aircraft. And, obviously, if they're shot down, you don't lose a pilot.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Missions</h2><p>The primary "economy of force" missions for the CVL are,</p><ul><li>Anti-Submarine Warfare </li><li>Sea Control </li><li>Distributed Lethality Scouting</li><li>CAS/COIN/ISR</li><li>Marine Aviation Support (LPH)</li><li>Mine Countermeasures</li><li>Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. (HA/DR)</li></ul><div>Many of these missions are slow and time consuming and would be greatly enhanced with a long-endurance aircraft. Recently General Atomics <a href="https://seapowermagazine.org/ga-asi-completes-uav-asw-demonstration-of-sonobuoy-dispensing-and-remote-processing/">demonstrated </a>their MQ-9B SeaGuardian dropping sonobouys and processing results. The Hudson Institute developed an ASW concept of operations for MALE UAVs in their work entitled "<a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.hudson.org/Clark%20Cropsey%20Walton_Sustaining%20the%20Undersea%20Advantage.pdf">Sustaining the Undersea Advantage: Disrupting Anti-Submarine Warfare Using Autonomous Systems</a>". They envisioned land-based UAVs backing other fixed and unmanned sensors to cover chokepoints. In the IAFM, CVL groups would augment these land-based assets with naval variants of these MALE UAVs. The CVL is large enough to carry a substantial stock of sonobouys</div><div><br /></div><div>For Sea Control and Distributed Lethality Scouting, a MALE UAV would be the primary wide area search asset for the CVL group to detect and identify maritime traffic and potentially hostile surface vessels. This is commonly performed by land-based MPAs and Triton UAVs, which are few and whose bases may be attacked early in a conflict. For independent task forces this is also performed by surface combatant helicopters and UAVs like Fire Scout, however these have limited range, endurance and speed. This restricts the area around the task force they can search. Also surface combatants only carry a handful of aircraft (1-3), and gaining and maintaining a surface picture will compete with other tasks like ASW.</div><div><br /></div><div>For overland CAS/COIN/ISR and Marine Aviation Support, the advantages of MALE UAVs have been proven many times over with Air Force Predator and Reaper aircraft.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mine countermeasures is not an obvious mission for a MALE USV, but keeping tabs on enemy movement of mines, as well as observing minelaying ships, are two obvious uses. The AN/DVS-1 Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis (COBRA) shallow water minehunting payload could be adapted for use on this UAV. </div><div><br /></div><div>HA/DR support is another obvious mission for MALE UAVs. Often the first task in a DR mission is to assess the situation, and for this, airborne reconnaissance imagery is invaluable.</div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Design </h2><div>Back in the day, the short takeoff OV-10 Bronco used to take off from LHAs, and obviously propeller aircraft used to fly all the time from tiny CVEs. So why not make a STOL UAV that can use a relatively light weight arrestor wire on landing? STOBAR - Short Takeoff, But Arrested Recovery. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="372" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0QQuyql36aY" width="448" youtube-src-id="0QQuyql36aY"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The OV-10 didn't have an arrestor hook, so landing on a carrier or amphibious ship was a risky proposition. However a STOL aircraft certainly could include an arrestor hook. Assuming the UAVs were relatively light weight, with a low landing speed, the CVL arrestor system wouldn't have to be all that robust. The OV-10 had a landing speed of only around 60kts and a max weight of around 14,000lbs. </div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't see a lot of STOL UAVs out there on the market. Most are either normal CTOL aircraft or use a custom launch and/or recovery system. The Elbit Hermes 450 (Thales Watchkeeper) is a pusher prop MALE UAV that incorporates an arrestor hook for short field recovery. This aircraft is a bit too small and light for the range of missions I envision, but it's on the right track.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDcsiljLw4wyNpgkCffoeU511wnZrrdUborpRgb7ESAHh-sPhE9lFSukS2CWw9Gwdu-VDDtlOMDmzJeEdi0tck5Na2sTLUsY5p4dzRZlDynsiEOJSHOBBKDPCuCCIvD11NK-oDXucbLBw/s1120/Hermes-450A-and-B-e1450901305884.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="1120" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDcsiljLw4wyNpgkCffoeU511wnZrrdUborpRgb7ESAHh-sPhE9lFSukS2CWw9Gwdu-VDDtlOMDmzJeEdi0tck5Na2sTLUsY5p4dzRZlDynsiEOJSHOBBKDPCuCCIvD11NK-oDXucbLBw/w640-h194/Hermes-450A-and-B-e1450901305884.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hermes 450 Catching Arrestor Wire. Watchkeeper with Hook Down (<a href="https://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/watchkeeper-tactical-unmanned-aerial-system-tuas/description/">ThinkDefence</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>The obvious option is to let General Atomics design a clean sheet, STOBAR UAV, using components from Predator, Gray Eagle, and/or Reaper UAVs. Perhaps a more robust Reaper fuselage, with lower aspect ratio, shorter, folding wings, and stronger landing gear. This would trade away loitering endurance for ship compatibility. A more powerful engine may be required to support ski-jump STOL takeoffs. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRqTfOA7MlvoJkHJDnUtayIGhsW7Zzl8kNioq5_gk7D-u1nhilK6HsvloOLsJrjUvjIuK-mMCclmAqf_psQr_389PKScZwSG85LuP_FPiaHZ1MalSB7Ep5yijQ5HidM_Lup2TFQOHwwPl/s1024/Predator+variants.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="1024" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRqTfOA7MlvoJkHJDnUtayIGhsW7Zzl8kNioq5_gk7D-u1nhilK6HsvloOLsJrjUvjIuK-mMCclmAqf_psQr_389PKScZwSG85LuP_FPiaHZ1MalSB7Ep5yijQ5HidM_Lup2TFQOHwwPl/w640-h290/Predator+variants.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><p style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0.5em 0px;"><span style="font-size: 16.8px;"><b>General characteristics (MQ-9A Reaper - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Atomics_MQ-9_Reaper">Wikipedia</a>)</b></span></p><ul style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; list-style-image: url("/w/skins/Vector/resources/skins.vector.styles/images/bullet-icon.svg?d4515"); margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Crew:</b> 0 onboard, 2 in ground station</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Length:</b> 36 ft 1 in (11 m)</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Wingspan:</b> 65 ft 7 in (20 m)</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Height:</b> 12 ft 6 in (3.81 m)</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Empty weight:</b> 4,901 lb (2,223 kg)</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Max takeoff weight:</b> 10,494 lb (4,760 kg)</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Fuel capacity:</b> 4,000 lb (1,800 kg)</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Payload:</b> 3,800 lb (1,700 kg)<ul style="list-style-image: url("/w/skins/Vector/resources/skins.vector.styles/images/bullet-icon.svg?d4515"); margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><i>Internal:</i> 800 lb (360 kg)</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><i>External:</i> 3,000 lb (1,400 kg)</li></ul></li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Powerplant:</b> 1 × <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honeywell_TPE331-10" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Honeywell TPE331-10">Honeywell TPE331-10</a> turboprop, 900 hp (671 kW) with Digital Electronic Engine Control (DEEC)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-197" style="font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Atomics_MQ-9_Reaper#cite_note-197" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;">[197]</a></sup></li></ul><p style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0.5em 0px;"><span style="font-size: 16.8px;"><b>Performance</b></span></p><ul style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; list-style-image: url("/w/skins/Vector/resources/skins.vector.styles/images/bullet-icon.svg?d4515"); margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Maximum speed:</b> 300 mph (482 km/h, 260 kn)</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Cruise speed:</b> 194 mph (313 km/h, 169 kn) <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-198" style="font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Atomics_MQ-9_Reaper#cite_note-198" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;">[198]</a></sup></li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Range:</b> 1,200 mi (1,900 km, 1,000 nmi)</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Endurance:</b> 14 hours fully loaded<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-199" style="font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Atomics_MQ-9_Reaper#cite_note-199" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;">[199]</a></sup></li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Service ceiling:</b> 50,000 ft (15,420 m)</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b>Operational altitude:</b> 25,000 ft (7.5 km)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-autogenerated3_200-0" style="font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Atomics_MQ-9_Reaper#cite_note-autogenerated3-200" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;">[200]</a></sup></li></ul><p style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0.5em 0px;"><span style="font-size: 16.8px;"><b>Armament</b></span><br /></p><ul style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; list-style-image: url("/w/skins/Vector/resources/skins.vector.styles/images/bullet-icon.svg?d4515"); margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">7 hardpoints<ul style="list-style-image: url("/w/skins/Vector/resources/skins.vector.styles/images/bullet-icon.svg?d4515"); margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Up to 1,500 lb (680 kg) on the two inboard weapons stations<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-A.F_T.O._1Q9MA-1_201-0" style="font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Atomics_MQ-9_Reaper#cite_note-A.F_T.O._1Q9MA-1-201" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;">[201]</a></sup></li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Up to 750 lb (340 kg) on the two middle stations<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-A.F_T.O._1Q9MA-1_201-1" style="font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Atomics_MQ-9_Reaper#cite_note-A.F_T.O._1Q9MA-1-201" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;">[201]</a></sup></li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Up to 150 lb (68 kg) on the outboard stations<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-A.F_T.O._1Q9MA-1_201-2" style="font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Atomics_MQ-9_Reaper#cite_note-A.F_T.O._1Q9MA-1-201" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;">[201]</a></sup></li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Center station not used</li></ul></li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Up to 4 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AGM-114_Hellfire" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="AGM-114 Hellfire">AGM-114 Hellfire</a> air to ground missiles can be carried or four Hellfire missiles and two 500 lb (230 kg) <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GBU-12_Paveway_II" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="GBU-12 Paveway II">GBU-12 Paveway II</a> laser-guided bombs. The 500 lb (230 kg) GBU-38 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Direct_Attack_Munition" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Joint Direct Attack Munition">Joint Direct Attack Munition</a> (JDAM) can also be carried. Testing is underway<sup class="noprint Inline-Template" style="font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; white-space: nowrap;">[<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Dates_and_numbers#Chronological_items" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers"><span title="The date of the event predicted near this tag has passed. (October 2016)">needs update</span></a></i>]</sup> to support the operation of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIM-92_Stinger" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="AIM-92 Stinger">AIM-92 Stinger</a> air-to-air missile. In March 2014, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MBDA" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="MBDA">MBDA</a> successfully test fired a dual mode <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brimstone_missile" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Brimstone missile">Brimstone missile</a> from a Reaper aircraft on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence and Royal Air Force.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-202" style="font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Atomics_MQ-9_Reaper#cite_note-202" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;">[202]</a></sup></li></ul><p style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0.5em 0px;"><span style="font-size: 16.8px;"><b>Avionics</b></span><br /></p><ul style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; list-style-image: url("/w/skins/Vector/resources/skins.vector.styles/images/bullet-icon.svg?d4515"); margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">AN/DAS-1 MTS-B Multi-Spectral Targeting System<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-203" style="font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Atomics_MQ-9_Reaper#cite_note-203" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;">[203]</a></sup></li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">AN/APY-8 Lynx II radar<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-204" style="font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Atomics_MQ-9_Reaper#cite_note-204" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;">[204]</a></sup></li><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Raytheon SeaVue Marine Search Radar (Guardian variants)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Guardian_B_86-3" style="font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Atomics_MQ-9_Reaper#cite_note-Guardian_B-86" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;">[86]</a></sup></li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>An arrestor hook may be a tricky proposition with the pusher prop. The design would have to ensure the cable and hook couldn't bounce up and foul the prop. However, as shown above with the Hermes 450/Watchkeeper, it is clearly doable.</div><div><br /></div><div>With the Reaper communications architecture, the CVL could either host Ground Control Stations itself, or pass them off to CONUS-based GCSs using remote-split operations.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_H3EDH9PWpSvrwIbVJHORDNZQtp1xrt40Y9IfiMH1GcmuJsBM7mR4AWrFD-6C6F4s1L_ry2h0rac-KhdUb7sIJePTVtC0bbrBXFg3xivZ686SsFkUsIy5DkuJL3sxk5FGN78gm2W25JH/s1280/Reaper+Block_50_GCS_1280x.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_H3EDH9PWpSvrwIbVJHORDNZQtp1xrt40Y9IfiMH1GcmuJsBM7mR4AWrFD-6C6F4s1L_ry2h0rac-KhdUb7sIJePTVtC0bbrBXFg3xivZ686SsFkUsIy5DkuJL3sxk5FGN78gm2W25JH/w640-h360/Reaper+Block_50_GCS_1280x.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reaper Block 50 GCS (General Atomics)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Ideally these "Naval" Control Station (NCS) would also be used by STOCAVs flying from the CVL.</div><div><br /></div><div>Common Reaper armament includes JDAMs, Laser Guided Bombs and Hellfires. The STOBAR UAV adds Light Weight Torpedoes (LWTs), mines, and small anti-ship missiles.</div><div><br /></div>Multiple podded payloads are under consideration or in active development for the Reaper. Variants could be adapted for the STOBAR UAV.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8E5HN0YV83MEIMVFChyyXwZJVkfWY1fi0QAo66LZ57fhOlN4oFUOEPdBguLWbXpPNz3gCJrKgjWDfUk7m705kejrSexy1z6yDQE9t8m1-C3BblEKY4ckFKhQ1T0EYAv2f1H-mBt7fLc19/s1216/mq-9-reaper-uav-drone-payload.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1216" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8E5HN0YV83MEIMVFChyyXwZJVkfWY1fi0QAo66LZ57fhOlN4oFUOEPdBguLWbXpPNz3gCJrKgjWDfUk7m705kejrSexy1z6yDQE9t8m1-C3BblEKY4ckFKhQ1T0EYAv2f1H-mBt7fLc19/w640-h418/mq-9-reaper-uav-drone-payload.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><div><br /></div><div><div>Core sensors include a maritime radar like the Leonardo Seaspray AESA radar, as well as the EO/IR/Laser sensor ball like MTS-B from Reaper in the nose. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5o7YP0KTtJk4q2s6IL6woeTnhdOB0cn2zrlRrKLlFOFFpsJX9pKuSiz_dNlqjZeJv4DJAy_kWQsAct8I6myEbKA5l7TZYkZ9W8pfTUZN6jie7y_QnHp0vNAp7uq7Tber8pzL9DLNofb1Z/s929/Seaspray+7500.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="790" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5o7YP0KTtJk4q2s6IL6woeTnhdOB0cn2zrlRrKLlFOFFpsJX9pKuSiz_dNlqjZeJv4DJAy_kWQsAct8I6myEbKA5l7TZYkZ9W8pfTUZN6jie7y_QnHp0vNAp7uq7Tber8pzL9DLNofb1Z/w544-h640/Seaspray+7500.jpg" width="544" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.leonardocompany.com/documents/20142/3149777/Seaspray+7500E+V2+mm09072.pdf?t=1603120577156">Leonardo Seaspray 7500</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Either a podded or integrated Magnetic Anomaly Detection sensor could be included, to aid in submarine localization.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unlike the Reaper, which typically operates above 15,000 ft altitude, the STOBAR UAV needs to be agile and flexible enough to fly lower to drop sonobuoys and torpedoes. <br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">STOBAR UAV on the CVL</h2><div>Assuming folded dimensions of around 11m long and 5m wide, the STOBAR UAV has a spot factor of around 0.88 (where 1.0 is a Marine CH-46). Assuming CVL-150's maximum number of spots is around 40, an ASW/CAS/COIN/ISR-configured CVL-150 could carry the following,</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>16 x STOBAR UAVs</li><li>8 x MH-60Rs</li><li>8 x F-35Bs</li></ul><div>If we stick with the Air Force definition that a persistent "orbit" requires four Reapers, the CVL-150 could provide four persistent orbits, or fewer orbits and more reactive sorties, or more frequent aircraft changes to replenish sonobouy dispensers.</div></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Conclusion</h2><div>A modestly-priced, STOBAR MALE UAV with reconfigurable mission bay and hardpoints complements the stealthy STOCAV, and rounds out the CVL-150's air wing with a persistent airborne sensor and weapon platform. In day-to-day use, the STOBAR UAV will be the most used aircraft in the CVL's air wing, especially in peacetime.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>B.Smittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12650152449414871058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86690637957968368.post-5842836698412747712021-01-30T11:58:00.003-05:002021-02-23T14:39:59.135-05:00Pimp my BCT - The Budget HAPC Transport Battalion<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Uqluz-rTf0o5TQhPetqZRrru3rICgi7nu22cS5gYtsOiZdu5mbpeEksCUa3WIAn6W7bFAUFUAnxdcvPzYtd_vs8jZfYx1ABo-P1XtKb8_OHlTEHFS4Rc4ZLUuHZpZvsrd8WtJde-2tC6/s644/M1+HAPC.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="234" data-original-width="644" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Uqluz-rTf0o5TQhPetqZRrru3rICgi7nu22cS5gYtsOiZdu5mbpeEksCUa3WIAn6W7bFAUFUAnxdcvPzYtd_vs8jZfYx1ABo-P1XtKb8_OHlTEHFS4Rc4ZLUuHZpZvsrd8WtJde-2tC6/w640-h232/M1+HAPC.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M1-based HAPC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The existing Army Brigade Combat Team organizations contain a variety of infantry carriers, from un-armored trucks to Strykers and Bradley Fighting Vehicles. However, none of them match the protection of an MBT. Aggressive use of these vehicles in high-intensity/high-threat situations, such as urban combat against well equipped enemies, could lead to catastrophic losses. Assaulting a prepared enemy position, where the enemy has a large number of anti-armor munitions is a very dangerous proposition in a Bradley or Stryker. Both will require their infantry to dismount well before the objective and approach on foot, negating the closing speed afforded by vehicles. </p><p>The Army attempted to remedy this with the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) program. This program envisioned an MBT-sized vehicle carrying a full squad, with high levels of all around protection. However, it was canceled due to the forecast high cost.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVg84omHr5crz6xnlw8Le0zAWdF9T5qXN3Lwhty1FFacJbgRJgB3_4qCFZgXmqry8pM-sABaMIDG1QFXiEOE90rzNmttMvFB66MY0LCg4m_QY1dKolTGi4zwVXozTDkuvBNPqJhnp9KHd/s255/GCV.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="255" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVg84omHr5crz6xnlw8Le0zAWdF9T5qXN3Lwhty1FFacJbgRJgB3_4qCFZgXmqry8pM-sABaMIDG1QFXiEOE90rzNmttMvFB66MY0LCg4m_QY1dKolTGi4zwVXozTDkuvBNPqJhnp9KHd/w400-h309/GCV.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GCV (Notional - BAE)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Solution</h2><p>I propose we dust off some of the thousands of older M1 Abrams MBTs we have in storage and convert them into Heavy APCs. Other countries have done this with their old tank stocks. Israel is perhaps the most famous, with their T-55-based Achzarits and Centurion-based Nagmachons.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIHz_dGBdFlQoGmwqpj6wmPL-PCCiNEN2mCsBK_iFiQ5AUMu9Lam5i9nvInLXE2ksBq2IUlBeqIn4Dkw1dUv6xUYJKxuTFy5Lnpf5PGbLioNEufARX33UBfRAo1JTBh9kImJtvjcl03QX/s600/M1s+in+storage.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIHz_dGBdFlQoGmwqpj6wmPL-PCCiNEN2mCsBK_iFiQ5AUMu9Lam5i9nvInLXE2ksBq2IUlBeqIn4Dkw1dUv6xUYJKxuTFy5Lnpf5PGbLioNEufARX33UBfRAo1JTBh9kImJtvjcl03QX/w400-h300/M1s+in+storage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M1 Abrams in storage<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f5/Achzarit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="800" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f5/Achzarit.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Israeli Achzarit HAPC (based on the T-54/55)<br />gkirok, CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>To construct the Achzarit, the Israeli's removed the turret, rebuilt the superstructure, and changed the engine configuration to make room for a personnel compartment and clamshell exit ramp in the rear. They installed additional armor to improve all around protection. </p><p>For the M1 HAPC conversion, to make space for a similar configuration of rear clamshell and infantry seats, I propose removing the M1's ATG1500 gas turbine engine and existing transmission, and replacing it with an MTU 890-based diesel engine and transmission. The MTU 890 is the latest in a series of compact diesel engines made for heavy vehicles. This same engine was proposed along with a hybrid transmission for the GCV project. This same configuration could be used, or a more traditional transmission could be used in initial versions to save costs and reduce risk. The MTU 890 is significantly smaller than the ATG1500 turbine and its intake/exhausts, and is much more fuel efficient, especially at idle speeds. This could allow for smaller fuel tanks as well. The goal of the conversion is to create enough space to carry a full infantry squad of 9, plus a crew of 2. </p><p>Removing the M1's turret saves 20-25t worth of weight. Some of this savings would go towards the heavily armored superstructure and additional applique armor. An Active Protection System could be added as well, or retrofitted later.</p><p>HAPC armament takes the form of one or more remote weapon systems, either the CROWS station used on Strykers or the larger, 30mm turret used on the Stryker Dragoon. To keep the conversion price modest, I'd start with just two CROWS stations, once controlled by the commander and another controlled by the dismount section in back. Optionally, the driver could be given a set of duplicate controls, allowing them to operate the RWS when not driving the vehicle.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Organization</h2><p>Since maximum armor isn't always necessary, the M1 HAPCs will be consolidated into separate transport battalions, with three companies of HAPCs each. Each company should have enough HAPCs to transport the infantry companies of an infantry battalion, or around 60 HAPCs. Each HAPC battalion also has a support company with tanker trucks and M88 recovery vehicles. </p><p>Attaching an HAPC battalion to an IBCT mechanizes all of the brigade's infantry battalions. Additionally, attaching a separate tank battalion transforms the lightly equipped, largely leg mobile IBCT into a maximally armored brigade with significant firepower. Breaking up the HAPC battalion into company-sized augments permits up-armoring individual battalions of several IBCTs. </p><p>Since HAPCs aren't native to the IBCT, soldiers will need regular training opportunities with them. Experimentation can determine the optimal frequency and training syllabus. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Conclusion</h2><div>Developing a HAPC transport battalion using existing M1 tanks we have in storage is a low cost option to augmenting existing forces when maximum protection is required. Fielding two HAPC transport battalions requires conversion of around 360 or so M1s in storage. It's unclear how much such a conversion program would cost. However, since the aim is not to produce a next generation, general purpose fighting vehicle, but rather a low-cost, maximally armored vehicle to be used situationally, it may not require the extensive electronics and power generation which helped doom the GCV program. </div><div><br /></div><div>The CBO did an analysis of alternatives for the GCV program. They included an option to purchase the Israeli Namer HAPC (a Merkava MBT derivative), which has similar protection levels to the M1 HAPC. They estimated it would cost around $19.5 billion (FY13) to develop and purchase 1,749 Namers, or around $11.2 million each. For the M1 HAPC concept to work, it would have to be significantly less expensive than this, otherwise you might as well just buy Namers. Starting with an existing hull and running gear should the price significantly. Hopefully conversion costs could be kept below $3-4 million each. At this price, the total program would run around $1.1-1.4 billion, or less than a tenth of the Namer HAPC option, admittedly for far fewer vehicles.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>B.Smittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12650152449414871058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86690637957968368.post-71314665079773935702021-01-16T11:27:00.017-05:002021-03-15T08:55:19.601-04:00IAFM - Ship Types - CVL-150<p></p><blockquote>“Economy of Force: Allocate minimum essential combat power to secondary efforts.” </blockquote><blockquote>-US Army Field Manuel 3-0, Operations, 2001</blockquote><p> </p><p></p><p>The IAFM includes two aviation ships: the large, 70-80,000 ton conventional carrier (CV55) and the smaller, SC-150-based CVL-150. In the Battle Force 2045 version of the IAFM, I include sixteen CVL-150s and sixteen CV55s. </p><p>Small carriers have a long history in the USN, but fell out of favor after the retirement of the WWII-era CVE and CVL classes, and the LPH amphibious assault ships. There were various attempts to resurrect the small carrier throughout the years. Perhaps most notably was the Admiral Zumwalt-era Sea Control Ship in the 1970s.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9b/Sea_Control_Ship_1972.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="800" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9b/Sea_Control_Ship_1972.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By U.S. Navy - Original: Naval Aviation News, March 1972, p. 42 and Additional: GlobalSecurity.org, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8094777</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This design was never built for the US Navy, but it was sold to Spain and Thailand, who built the <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_aircraft_carrier_Pr%C3%ADncipe_de_Asturias">Príncipe de Asturias</a></i> and <span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTMS_Chakri_Naruebet">HTMS Chakri Naruebet</a>.</i></span></span></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/SNS_Principe_de_Asturias_(R11)_during_Dragon_Hammer_92.jpg/1280px-SNS_Principe_de_Asturias_(R11)_during_Dragon_Hammer_92.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/SNS_Principe_de_Asturias_(R11)_during_Dragon_Hammer_92.jpg/1280px-SNS_Principe_de_Asturias_(R11)_during_Dragon_Hammer_92.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Príncipe de Asturias <br />By PHC JACK C. BAHM - DoD Media photo page Photo description page: Defense Visual Information Center Photo ID DN-ST-92-08604, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2544231</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Roles</h2><p>Doctrinally, carriers <a href="https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a619261.pdf">serve the following roles</a>,</p><p></p><ul><li>Eyes of the Fleet</li><li>Cavalry </li><li>Capital Ship</li><li>Nuclear-Strike Platform</li><li>Airfield at Sea</li><li>Geopolitical Chess Piece</li></ul><div>Nowadays, the Nuclear-Strike Platform role has gone away. Clearly the CVL can execute the Eyes of the Fleet role, for distributed task forces. A task force consisting of multiple frigate arsenal ships (FMGs) and a CVL could be considered a "Capital Task Force", given the massive volume of offensive fires it can generate with scouting from the CVL. Such a task force could also perform the hit-and-run Cavalry role and Airfield at Sea, albeit contributing fewer sorties. However small CVEs made significant contributions as Airfields at Sea during the Pacific campaign in WWII. As a Geopolitical Chess Piece, the CVL may not be the queen, but a task force incorporating a CVL could be an effective bishop, knight or rook. </div><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Missions</h2><div>In the IAFM, the light STOVL carrier serves the following, primary, "Economy of Force" missions:<div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Anti-Submarine Warfare </li><li>Sea Control </li><li>Distributed Lethality Scouting</li><li>CAS/COIN</li><li>Small Marine Unit aviation support (LPH)</li><li>Mine Countermeasures</li><li>Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.</li></ul><div><br /></div><p></p><p><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"></span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Design</h2><div>The CVL-150 makes use of the common SC-150 architecture, so hull components, propulsion, electronics, sensors and combat systems are shared. All SC-150 ships have some unique hull sections, and designs, but commonality and modularity should drive down construction hours required, and thus costs. This comes at the price of perhaps not producing the "optimal" design for any specific variant, but rather "good enough" designs that are more producible and require less up front design for each variant. The CVL-150 is a bit longer than the rest of the SC-150s, with a hull plug, allowing for a longer flight deck.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RAXKkxgF-qto2Ja1KtKLl1ihoJZDYKK9V0sA0nVrPWqjgH-3RztLIUGtUrowhMwNaxhF7ZlNLkN3qyZvXGClsixoCqA43hvYBovwW-FW7_ggAjvSts-bIfp2bdkpe-Bf6YwuagOxxBoh/s1399/CVL-PrincipeDeAusturias.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1399" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RAXKkxgF-qto2Ja1KtKLl1ihoJZDYKK9V0sA0nVrPWqjgH-3RztLIUGtUrowhMwNaxhF7ZlNLkN3qyZvXGClsixoCqA43hvYBovwW-FW7_ggAjvSts-bIfp2bdkpe-Bf6YwuagOxxBoh/w640-h446/CVL-PrincipeDeAusturias.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CVL-150 and <i style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Príncipe de Asturias<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Armament & Sensors</span></span></h3><p><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The CVL-150 has a small VLS of 16 Mk41 cells, carrying ESSM and VL-ASROC. Since it will operate with a cruiser as part of a task force, this level of self-defense armament is sufficient. It also has a Phalanx or SeaRAM launcher on the stern.</span></span></p><p>For sensors, CVL-150 uses the fixed-panel EASR radar like other members of the SC-150 family. It retains the bow sonar as well, for self defense and torpedo detection.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Air Wing</span></span></h3><p><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Given the size similarities, I used <i>Príncipe de Asturias's </i>air wing as a surrogate for sizing CVL-150's air wing. According to Wikipedia, </span></span><i style="color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Príncipe de Asturias's </i><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">air wing notionally consists of the following,</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">12 x AV-8B Harrier IIs (SF: 2.06)</span></span></li><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">6 x Sikorsky Sea King SH-3H (SF: 1.41)</span></span></li><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">4 x Agusta-Bell AB-212 (SF: 0.65)</span></span></li><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">2 x Sikorsky SH-3 AEW (SF: 1.41)</span></span></li></ul><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">With the spot factors (SF) above, I used ~40 "spots" (one spot = folded CH-46) for the CVL-150's air wing. (Note, these estimates are very rough, but should be close enough to get an idea of the numbers of aircraft the CVL-150 could carry.)</span></span></div><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The primary aircraft carried by the CVL-150 would include the F-35B, the MH-60S/R, and Marine aviation.</span></span></div><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><h3 style="color: black;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Future Aircraft</span></span></h3><h3 style="color: black;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Two new aircraft considered for the CVL-150 are the stealthy <a href="https://interestedamateur.blogspot.com/2020/01/tri-service-stovl-ucav.html">STOCAV</a> and long-endurance <a href="https://interestedamateur.blogspot.com/2021/02/stobar-male-uav.html">STOBAR UAV</a>. These aircraft can fill out the air wing with greater numbers of aircraft, as well as provide a long endurance ASW and ISR platform. The STOBAR UAV might necessitate adding arrestor wires to aid in landing. However since it is a light aircraft, these don't need to be as robust as on a large carrier. </span></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Another possibility is to include one or two light catapults, to facilitate launching smaller UAVs, loitering munitions like IAI Harpy, or even horizontally-launched cruise missiles. Perhaps a sled-mounted LRASM or JASSM. This obviously wouldn't allow for a high rate of fire, but missiles stored in the magazine could be reloaded at sea via UNREP, something a VLS-based system can't do right now.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The British Converteam </span></span><span style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">15m long </span><a href="https://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2014/05/whatever-happened-emcat/" style="font-size: 14px;">EMKIT design</a><span style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> comes to mind. It could accelerate a 524kg mass to 51m/s in 15m. A somewhat longer or higher voltage variant might be needed to launch cruise missiles, but the 15m version could handle the rest.</span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: #202122;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZM3UEita8gtQ6Tt4H0YqQF7GScM0K6I55S9jNWHESxvOrMvMTcKMlGgQ0FXNoakx42tyFHOCXkchBxM-dhvsi-VvfifLaxvshmIwGFHpdZ-0_b4FKoFMaT-_LNH1h-HL0rqd0vkh5kIl/s640/EMKIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZM3UEita8gtQ6Tt4H0YqQF7GScM0K6I55S9jNWHESxvOrMvMTcKMlGgQ0FXNoakx42tyFHOCXkchBxM-dhvsi-VvfifLaxvshmIwGFHpdZ-0_b4FKoFMaT-_LNH1h-HL0rqd0vkh5kIl/w640-h480/EMKIT.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EMKIT</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Converteam documentation indicates the EMKIT Low Voltage version can launch up to a Predator A sized UAV (1,000kg).</span></div></h3></span></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Sea Control Mission</span></span></h3><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">For general purpose, sea control (including ASW and ASuW) CVL-150 might carry the following,</span></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">12 x F-35B (SF: 2.69)</span></span></li><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">8 x MH-60R (SF: 0.65)</span></span></li></ul><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Along with a CG-150, this forms the center of a Hybrid Surface Action Group - Command Element(SAGCOM),</span></span></div></div><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGbz3i6hWX8s4OZy8JJFmDQEgH2l0lNH3MU45M7WT1wyt8eIn8p5L2fJ_kFOwe60npbw1gngTnqcSkXfSC4VLLzmb3ivXakA_ap7Gi4Ah9bLyNnRlIUfGiGRV1R0EZC_Xjn0kd7ozOb6W/s1500/SAGCOM%252BHybrid.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1500" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGbz3i6hWX8s4OZy8JJFmDQEgH2l0lNH3MU45M7WT1wyt8eIn8p5L2fJ_kFOwe60npbw1gngTnqcSkXfSC4VLLzmb3ivXakA_ap7Gi4Ah9bLyNnRlIUfGiGRV1R0EZC_Xjn0kd7ozOb6W/w640-h256/SAGCOM%252BHybrid.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SAGTF with 1 CVL-150, 1 CG-150, 1 FPD-150, 1 FMG 150 and 2 FFGs</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This task force could carry as many as 20 MH-60Rs for ASW and ASuW, in addition to the 12 F-35Bs.<br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Surrogate LPH Mission</span></span></h3></div><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Additionally, the CVL-150 can be used as an LPH carrying a modified Marine air wing. It is obviously too small to carry the current, full MEU ACE, but a future smaller, redesigned MEU ACE could be embarked.</span></span></div><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The CVL-150s contribution to the modified ACE (notionally) is as follows,</span></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">5 x MH-60S (SF: 0.65)</span></span></li><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">4 x F-35B (SF: 2.69)</span></span></li><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">7 x CH-53K (SF: 2.41)</span></span></li><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">12 x <a href="https://interestedamateur.blogspot.com/2020/01/tri-service-stovl-ucav.html">STOCAV</a> (SF: 0.65)</span></span></li></ul></div><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Yes, there are no V-22s in this ACE. The MH-60S takes its place as the primary hauler of Marines. This obviously reduces the range and speed with which the ACE can operate. However it can carry a full Marine squad of 13, costs only about a quarter as much as a V-22 ($25M APUC vs $97M APUC), and can fit in a much smaller deck spot.</span></span></div><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">I envision buying a further upgraded MH-60S using the new <a href="https://www.geaviation.com/military/engines/t901-turboshaft-engine">GE T901</a> engines, which provide 50% more power and 25% better fuel efficiency.</span></span></div><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykziaMuauP8FOFvkOGLl2uapF4CxMuYuJ8ncT5s9qgPbvy-t-7Ky7vRJe7iklMKVGGCH7-fXfSuchIzddyJoGuG1i0iBY8zJAC8qhH6CZVmYh9SCiS4PcUPF97FiJxYRYSkRjfHID73yF/s625/T901.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykziaMuauP8FOFvkOGLl2uapF4CxMuYuJ8ncT5s9qgPbvy-t-7Ky7vRJe7iklMKVGGCH7-fXfSuchIzddyJoGuG1i0iBY8zJAC8qhH6CZVmYh9SCiS4PcUPF97FiJxYRYSkRjfHID73yF/s320/T901.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">I'd also outfit each with with an evolved Block 3 Armed Helicopter Weapon System,</span></span></div><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><p></p><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"></span></span></div><blockquote><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The MH-60S Multi-Mission Combat Support Helicopter is a ship-based, medium lift, general-purpose helicopter. Designed </span></span><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">for all weather, day/night operations, the aircraft is the Navy’s primary helicopter for airborne logistics and, with appropriate </span><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">upgrades, CSAR, CVPG/SAR, SWS, SUW, and Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) operations. It also provides </span><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">increased MIO combat capability in the AHWS configuration.</span></div><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><div>The Navy adopted an evolutionary block development and acquisition strategy to field the aircraft enabling a time-phased fleet introduction of platform capabilities. Blocks 3A and 3B provide Armed Helicopter capability; the difference between Block 3A and Block 3B configurations is the added Link 16 (data link) capability of the latter. Two discrete kits make up the AHWS, known as the “A Kit” and the “B Kit.” The A Kit represents permanent modifications to the airframe and the B Kit consists of removable mission equipment and weapons systems.</div><div><br /></div><div>In order to expedite development and minimize integration costs, the AHWS integrates previously fielded and proven weapons and sensors that, for the most part, can be installed to meet the demands of a specific mission or tactical scenario. Major components of the AHWS include the AGM-114 Hellfire Missile System, the AN/AAS-44C Multi-Spectral Targeting System, and the crew-served weapons consisting of the GAU-21 .50 caliber Machine Gun and the M-240D 7.62 mm Machine Gun System.</div><div><br /></div><div>The MH-60S AHWS also includes an integrated self-defense countermeasures suite. The suite includes the APR-39A(V)2 Radar Warning Receiver, the AAR-47A(V)2 Missile and Laser Warning System, the ALQ-47 Countermeasure Dispensing System, and the ALQ-144A(V)6 Infrared Countermeasures System.</div></span></span></div></blockquote><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><div></div></span></span></div><p></p><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWz3t_JYKGwwnLJx6Y0G93QTluIfTmUTEn0s1zqGS2IzxgW8sMV9HIPCe6seVorURj375bL04HvW7Opl1X7I81Ojqz4fIY2PQW2YhnC0nJSms6Y1HQN2IUhOxJr9YORfDj2y6yoa_Fv6a/s1400/MH-60+AHWS.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="1400" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWz3t_JYKGwwnLJx6Y0G93QTluIfTmUTEn0s1zqGS2IzxgW8sMV9HIPCe6seVorURj375bL04HvW7Opl1X7I81Ojqz4fIY2PQW2YhnC0nJSms6Y1HQN2IUhOxJr9YORfDj2y6yoa_Fv6a/w640-h432/MH-60+AHWS.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since all of the MH-60s are capable of carrying armament, the AH-1 can be retired. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Additional close air support and ISR would come from the twelve VLO STOVL UCAVs (<a href="https://interestedamateur.blogspot.com/2020/01/tri-service-stovl-ucav.html">STOCAV</a>).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtB3-w6gR8-Dc55YVjK_sjeOYOQlZdHgLj7QiI__M4P3RIslyaEZLVHfKJHip6BfFJ26Wp7NoLseRIU7i4cvGtLqUTXs6kbkp-a-R58_-nTooXQOSVD_4clUrdnPWcXZR_ronAAlKdLn0/s640/VARIOUS.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="640" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtB3-w6gR8-Dc55YVjK_sjeOYOQlZdHgLj7QiI__M4P3RIslyaEZLVHfKJHip6BfFJ26Wp7NoLseRIU7i4cvGtLqUTXs6kbkp-a-R58_-nTooXQOSVD_4clUrdnPWcXZR_ronAAlKdLn0/w400-h301/VARIOUS.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STOCAV</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The interior spaces of the CVL-150 would only be able to accommodate limited numbers of Marines and their gear and supplies, so a CVL-150 operating as an LPH would normally sail with one or more FPD-150s. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Fk2n8qRiPsaFrGYXhQHssZd6m7sq8SeXzxye4tPwCl1LT311L_xvM9I_5pF3L3iPN_xMpTzl9knKg7OpOtAmNrMSSU4mFo0LCp75DTNW1yVjGi9lhEZWntrKsBB91l3S8sbIhA_iy__k/s1500/SAGCOM%252Bmini-MAGTF.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1500" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Fk2n8qRiPsaFrGYXhQHssZd6m7sq8SeXzxye4tPwCl1LT311L_xvM9I_5pF3L3iPN_xMpTzl9knKg7OpOtAmNrMSSU4mFo0LCp75DTNW1yVjGi9lhEZWntrKsBB91l3S8sbIhA_iy__k/w640-h256/SAGCOM%252Bmini-MAGTF.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini-ESG with 1 CVL, 1 CG, 1 FMG and 3 FPDs</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></div><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;">The mini-ESG shown above could have the following systems spread across all ships,</span></div><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;">ACE</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;">4 x F-35B</span></li><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;">12 x STOCAV</span></li><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;">12 x MH-60R</span></li><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;">15 x MH-60S</span></li><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;">7 x CH-53K</span></li></ul><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;">Sensors</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;">1 x IAMD/BMD radar (CG-150)</span></li><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;">5 x EASR radars</span></li><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;">6 x hull sonars</span></li><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;">2-3 x VDS/Towed arrays</span></li></ul></div><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;">Fires</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;">700 x VLS cells</span></li><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;">25 x IRBMs</span></li><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;">12 x N-MLRS</span></li><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;">5 x gun mounts</span></li></ul></div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">GCE </span></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">1500-1800 Marines</span></span></li><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">6 x LCAC spots</span></span></li><li><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Up to 5,700 lane meters of vehicle space </span></span></li></ul><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Not too shabby for a "small" MAGTF. Its organic fires far out-strip the existing MEU/ESG. </span></span></div></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Conclusion</h3><div>A "sea control" carrier may not be able to carry the same size or breadth of air wing as a super carrier. I don't even include an AEW aircraft in the mix above. It also can't produce anywhere close to the number of sorties as a super carrier, or carry as much ordinance or fuel. But the key is, it doesn't have to. That's not its mission. The CVL-150's job in the IAFM is to provide an "Economy of Force" option that's more capable than just a traditional surface combatant SAG. A task force centered around a CVL-150 can effectively execute "secondary" missions, such as sea control, presence, convoy escort, Marine/MAGTF aviation support, ASW task force support, and so on. This frees the large carrier task forces to focus on their primary warfighting missions.</div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><i style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></i></span><p></p></div></div>B.Smittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12650152449414871058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86690637957968368.post-78384855539960039192020-12-31T17:53:00.009-05:002023-01-14T10:47:12.069-05:00STOVL UCAV (STOCAV)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtB3-w6gR8-Dc55YVjK_sjeOYOQlZdHgLj7QiI__M4P3RIslyaEZLVHfKJHip6BfFJ26Wp7NoLseRIU7i4cvGtLqUTXs6kbkp-a-R58_-nTooXQOSVD_4clUrdnPWcXZR_ronAAlKdLn0/s1260/VARIOUS.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="1260" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtB3-w6gR8-Dc55YVjK_sjeOYOQlZdHgLj7QiI__M4P3RIslyaEZLVHfKJHip6BfFJ26Wp7NoLseRIU7i4cvGtLqUTXs6kbkp-a-R58_-nTooXQOSVD_4clUrdnPWcXZR_ronAAlKdLn0/w640-h482/VARIOUS.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;">Lockheed Martin VARIOUS</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><h1 style="text-align: left;">Introduction</h1><div>Armed UAVs and loitering munitions play an increasing role in warfare. UAVs are typically classified into five Groups, by size range.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYUALVDv6kAW1nOVWsz6jrQvDuc2MnUTLPnrC5PSbCIqB5jA8NSnHdizfAV8yxjdTDFp1YA-3-qzImMeAsPK8NqbwHpH2cTr2F_nNIvtZbj0sm5ukJ1HNBWRRogJi7aGPdINWxKtzUgDw/s1358/UAV-groups.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1358" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYUALVDv6kAW1nOVWsz6jrQvDuc2MnUTLPnrC5PSbCIqB5jA8NSnHdizfAV8yxjdTDFp1YA-3-qzImMeAsPK8NqbwHpH2cTr2F_nNIvtZbj0sm5ukJ1HNBWRRogJi7aGPdINWxKtzUgDw/w640-h472/UAV-groups.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Fixed-wing UAVs above Group 3 usually require a runway. This limits their ability to generate sorties when their operating area is not in close proximity to the airfield. Transit to and from the airfield is a significant factor in the overall sortie time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rotary-wing aircraft like the MQ-8C Fire Scout or smaller UAVs like STUAS can sortie from areas closer to their operating area and return to Forward Arming and Refueling Points (FARPs), to shorten their turn around times between sorties. However, they are vulnerable to all manner of air defenses and don't carry very much.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotTgPh1xfqUOf3hOMt2zaLvI6lw4CgOK0ECf8y3B-g1E9VWNWVAu5gd547JK8v87TjkUBdNHMpcUEudhWpjxdCaWx8kKRKWTz6Ga85j3esPOE9QZKwZiRELLvn_pTlIlpiDSami5REY79/s1260/MQ-8C.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="1260" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotTgPh1xfqUOf3hOMt2zaLvI6lw4CgOK0ECf8y3B-g1E9VWNWVAu5gd547JK8v87TjkUBdNHMpcUEudhWpjxdCaWx8kKRKWTz6Ga85j3esPOE9QZKwZiRELLvn_pTlIlpiDSami5REY79/w640-h426/MQ-8C.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MQ-8C Fire Scout</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNFDKzMu0cCQSCuWa2Ea5PL7NmjdRhEK-rS5Q9eudrmYduIFBSS6heh4wjRXhvM3r_QdN2sz-B9HmwdiprA15sRISC8CeaOYpRutEp8axwXgYhk2ae_8VN9QVoDpX07tQvSjhFBcbmqQJ/s961/Insitu_RQ-21_Blackjack_%2528cropped%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="961" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNFDKzMu0cCQSCuWa2Ea5PL7NmjdRhEK-rS5Q9eudrmYduIFBSS6heh4wjRXhvM3r_QdN2sz-B9HmwdiprA15sRISC8CeaOYpRutEp8axwXgYhk2ae_8VN9QVoDpX07tQvSjhFBcbmqQJ/w640-h516/Insitu_RQ-21_Blackjack_%2528cropped%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STUAS</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>UAV-based Armed ISR and Close Air Support requires larger, fixed-wing UAVs like the Army's MQ-1C Grey Eagle and USAF's MQ-9 Reaper, but they need a long runway.</div><div><br /></div><div>What's needed is a Group 4, armed UAV that can operate from unprepared areas and FARPs, and move with ground forces. </div><div><br /></div><div>Potential missions could include,</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>ISR/Maritime ISR</li><li>CAS/Interdiction</li><li>SEAD/DEAD</li><li>ASuW</li><li>ASW Support</li><li>Counter-UAV</li></ul><div>While not a true long-endurance UAV, the STOCAV can operate forward, closer to the action. This reduces transit times to and from its base, allowing it to spend more time on station.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/usmc/mcwp/3-21-1/ch7.pdf">MCWP 3-21.1</a></div><blockquote>Ideally, the FARP will be located approximately 17 to 25 kilometers from the FEBA or FLOT. This positioning ensures it is far enough to the rear to prevent enemy artillery preparatory fires from targeting the FARP, yet allows the quick turnaround of aircraft and logistical transportation supporting the operation.</blockquote><div></div><div>Assuming the FARP is 25km back, and the STOCAVs operates 25km ahead of FEBA/FLOT, they have a round trip of 50km. A STOCAV flying at 550 km/h (~300kts) can cover the distance back to the FARP in under 10 minutes. Assuming it has two hours on station per sortie at this distance, 20 minutes for travel to and from, and another 20 minutes to refuel and rearm at the FARP, it could be on station 2/3rds of the time. So while it may not have the endurance of a MALE UAV like Grey Eagle, it can approximate it with repeated sorties to and from a FARP.</div><div><br /></div><div>Given the relatively small size and weight of STOCAV, FARP refueling seems far more feasible than with a 50,00lb F-35B and its voracious F135 engine. A 500 gallon collapsible fuel drum might refill one or two STOCAVs. On the other hand, FOUR 500 gallon drums are needed to refill a single F-35B. </div></div><h1 style="text-align: left;">Design</h1></div><div>Of the many Group 4 armed UAV concepts, Lockheed Martin VARIOUS is the closest to the STOCAV concept.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOWn-xb5zAWP1v_phYmYiMlAypyhaceGAnJjABANGhqwxENzxfm2dUpdK55d7tqfTDOItHFJaDKSwKNe7PiqzTv0dQNse9QdEZb3-GmYaeHeXT40qBkHzFo9jN_JFOwAT2qhiWWInNzu7/s700/various_2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="700" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOWn-xb5zAWP1v_phYmYiMlAypyhaceGAnJjABANGhqwxENzxfm2dUpdK55d7tqfTDOItHFJaDKSwKNe7PiqzTv0dQNse9QdEZb3-GmYaeHeXT40qBkHzFo9jN_JFOwAT2qhiWWInNzu7/w640-h160/various_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lockheed Martin VARIOUS</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>It is jet-powered and uses a twin lift-fan arrangement for STOL/STOVL. </div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Lockheed Martin VARIOUS General Characteristics:</h4><div>Gross Vehicle Weight: 6,000-8,000lb</div><div>Wingspan: 28.5 ft</div><div>Length: 22 ft</div><div>Max Speed: 360kts</div><div>Payload: ~450lbs internally, up to 1,900lbs total</div><div>Sensors: EO/IR/Laser, perhaps a small radar with CUAV air-to-air engagement modes</div><div><br /></div><div>This puts it between the size of the MQ-1C Grey Eagle and the MQ-9 Reaper. It wouldn't have anywhere close to their endurance, but as shown above, it would make up for it by being able to quickly cycle back to FARPs.</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Armament</h4><div>The VARIOUS literature shows it carrying a pair of Hellfires internally, but this seems very limiting. I think stretching the bomb bay to carry a single GBU-54, 500lb Laser JDAM opens up a lot of possibilities.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlBnPBcv6uvQRUhyphenhyphen2TYCED8x689v5P338i0XTW9iNXEb81Wu5PjuPGi7zDAmqBaVjnH1VHkBUTSQm1pdSiEi61XVRPXE6LaqVo4Sq78Wu9jA0GWflK2hOEIrGjXr0Z9yJZ7a5rKqCDG2T/s800/GBU-54-Laser-JDAM.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="800" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlBnPBcv6uvQRUhyphenhyphen2TYCED8x689v5P338i0XTW9iNXEb81Wu5PjuPGi7zDAmqBaVjnH1VHkBUTSQm1pdSiEi61XVRPXE6LaqVo4Sq78Wu9jA0GWflK2hOEIrGjXr0Z9yJZ7a5rKqCDG2T/w640-h356/GBU-54-Laser-JDAM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GBU-54</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>First, this size weapon is not typically available to ground forces without calling in fixed-wing airpower or ATACMS unitary. Second, the 500lb class Mk82 warhead is a useful size to knocking out buildings and other field fortifications that are too large or too strong for traditional artillery. </div><div><br /></div><div>Third, a bomb bay that can accommodate a ~2.3m long weapon opens the possibility of carrying the 500lb CBU-78 ICM/GATOR mine dispenser, or multiple smaller weapons. </div><div><br /></div><div>Some likely smaller weapons include a pair of SDB/SDB IIs, or up to six or more, sixty pound, <a href="https://www.dynetics.com/_files/strike-systems/Dynetics%20SGM.pdf">GBU-69/B Small Glide Munitions</a>.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-98154Ox3LxeVBxTtCzJbaYLr5JsACwFUjZlGf5RwmTGWIIGsheC0oYIYIoVcdmGrohGtMLJPKpVP-teDQbpPVCWM3Ot196ZdzfAnZTi09y9PYgKXsQC57e5O9pZaH-3g8Jw8qLDB5dc/s1280/GBU-69B-Small-Glide-Munition-SGM.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-98154Ox3LxeVBxTtCzJbaYLr5JsACwFUjZlGf5RwmTGWIIGsheC0oYIYIoVcdmGrohGtMLJPKpVP-teDQbpPVCWM3Ot196ZdzfAnZTi09y9PYgKXsQC57e5O9pZaH-3g8Jw8qLDB5dc/w640-h360/GBU-69B-Small-Glide-Munition-SGM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GBU-69/B Small Glide Munition</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>An anti-armor variant could be developed with a tandem HEAT warhead. </div><div><br /></div><div>Even further down the line, smaller glide bombs carried in larger numbers, such as the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyros_(bomb)">Raytheon Pyros</a> or Lockheed Martin Hatchet make a lot of sense. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibl0lVp0epeXji3EOsYW5PDZCSYZfBtFF6YIFktC6V3eiuAMHpI3xTEqEL6Yy7ysOJPEWIckbR3jnx4iQlj1d-fPxpSkg-NMKfROxoobo1jy_AMgNWBE7OuEQoeyUmh2cCzfXUtVW_tecI/s1280/1280px-Raytheon_Pyros_mockup_at_IDEX_2017.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibl0lVp0epeXji3EOsYW5PDZCSYZfBtFF6YIFktC6V3eiuAMHpI3xTEqEL6Yy7ysOJPEWIckbR3jnx4iQlj1d-fPxpSkg-NMKfROxoobo1jy_AMgNWBE7OuEQoeyUmh2cCzfXUtVW_tecI/w640-h480/1280px-Raytheon_Pyros_mockup_at_IDEX_2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By Mztourist - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=56735933</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Pyros is a 90mm diameter, 55cm long, 13lb bomb, with a 5lb warhead and SALH/GPS/INS guidance. Up to sixteen of these could be carried STOCAVs main bay, assuming single stacking. If a bomb rack could be built that could stack them, up to 64 could be carried, though that would be rather heavy for STOCAV. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YkP00Cs5C6o" width="320" youtube-src-id="YkP00Cs5C6o"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Some may discount the value of such small weapons, but the Azerbaijani's made good use of a similar munition (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MAM_(Smart_Micro_Munition)">MAM</a>) on their Turkish TB2 UAVs, striking individual Armenian fighting positions in the recent conflict.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xme_NTpVauU" width="320" youtube-src-id="Xme_NTpVauU"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The STOCAV could also add a small pylon on each bay door to carry a light-weight A2A weapon. Possibilities include A2A Stinger, or mini-AAMs like the 6-foot long, 150lb, Raytheon Peregrine, or Miniature Hit To Kill (MHTK) missile, or the <a href="https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/35038/tiny-missile-interceptor-to-defend-aircraft-against-enemy-missile-attacks-moves-forward">Air Force Research Lab's Miniature Self-Defense Munition (MSDM)</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>STOCAV isn't meant to go up against manned fighters, but the future battlefield will be swarming with UAVs of all sizes and Counter-UAV is one of STOCAVs missions.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHr6ojry-R-l-NTGhH5mFXajp2lOZqoURmUV-A5U1X3SEFbg2uoOnMb0mjOmDMzSr9qvKOevnrre2YIoGYxJYT3ZDZDxC5alqm0KoimtFW3sVzffwn-7X0WgaEb22WttAic4dSe1wQZg0/s640/Raytheon_to_provide_India_with_AIM_92_Stinger_air_to_air_missiles_640_001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="640" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHr6ojry-R-l-NTGhH5mFXajp2lOZqoURmUV-A5U1X3SEFbg2uoOnMb0mjOmDMzSr9qvKOevnrre2YIoGYxJYT3ZDZDxC5alqm0KoimtFW3sVzffwn-7X0WgaEb22WttAic4dSe1wQZg0/w640-h468/Raytheon_to_provide_India_with_AIM_92_Stinger_air_to_air_missiles_640_001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Air to Air Stinger Twin Mount</td></tr></tbody></table><h2 style="text-align: left;">Survivability</h2><div>STOCAV would be designed with stealth in mind. It doesn't have to be high-end, broadband stealth, but should geared towards the bands and radars commonly found in SHORADS/VSHORADS operating with forward forces. A prime example is the Russian Panstir S1 system. An RCS equivalent to 0.01m2 (-20 dBsm) over most aspects would allow STOCAV to approach within around 10km before being detected.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXPoPJWZOo6SVbZp5fpVzpHukbWDTJIi5gocZuyBXrFuIZLF2q13zALk2RAcsJSNQj9KkXX0aWIEnzRLIOxnCy62agir1Cxxu6I2Su4IGeJFX1Ej3KYgrjxKQxENDMWcaW4DB1vZZ9TZp/s750/Pantsir-S1-Radars.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="750" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXPoPJWZOo6SVbZp5fpVzpHukbWDTJIi5gocZuyBXrFuIZLF2q13zALk2RAcsJSNQj9KkXX0aWIEnzRLIOxnCy62agir1Cxxu6I2Su4IGeJFX1Ej3KYgrjxKQxENDMWcaW4DB1vZZ9TZp/w640-h448/Pantsir-S1-Radars.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Engagement-Fire-Control.html#mozTocId853844</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>This is well within SGM or SDB range. </div><h1 style="text-align: left;">Conclusion</h1><div>STOCAV could take the load off of airfield-based, fixed-wing airpower, both manned and unmanned, and provide more force resilience through distributed operations and base mobility. The advent of inexpensive, small guided munitions, carried in large numbers, allows STOCAV to prosecute numerous targets per sortie. It's speed and STOVL capability allows STOCAV to generate numerous sorties per day, during high intensity operations, offsetting its modest payload and endurance. STOCAVs speed also permits overmatch against traditional UAVs in worldwide service, allowing it to attack them with air-to-air missiles before they threaten friendly forces.</div><br />B.Smittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12650152449414871058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86690637957968368.post-55873228673625002882020-10-29T15:06:00.000-04:002021-01-16T11:28:05.888-05:00IAFM - Key Concepts - New Task Force Types<p> </p><div><div style="text-align: left;">The core of each IAFM task force revolves around a two-ship element consisting of an aviation ship (CV55 in the CVCOM, CVL-150 in the SAGCOM) and an SC-150 cruiser. Most navy missions benefit greatly from having an aviation ship at their core, even a limited one like the 15-20,000t CVL-150, and everyone benefits from a high-end IAMD missile cruiser.</div><div><br /></div><div>Consider the number of helicopter sorties per day required just for ASW. From the CNA's report entitled "<a href="https://www.cna.org/CNA_files/PDF/D0000234.A1.pdf">Future Helicopter Force Requirements Analysis</a>".</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZwkG0bX6c6Ep0vVPEFMz2hUvk80-K8f_rQBFMNilrCSmLwq-HUDK82PWzW7cWhLGYOkULYjMnX6fOcjnrID4Q-TT4izdG4Owwl6DNmAadZIb2XTTLDov1sdIJaTerU3-U1DA9ofbT5jP/s626/CNA+Helicopter+Sample+Requirements.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZwkG0bX6c6Ep0vVPEFMz2hUvk80-K8f_rQBFMNilrCSmLwq-HUDK82PWzW7cWhLGYOkULYjMnX6fOcjnrID4Q-TT4izdG4Owwl6DNmAadZIb2XTTLDov1sdIJaTerU3-U1DA9ofbT5jP/s0/CNA+Helicopter+Sample+Requirements.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CNA - Pg 28<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>When a separate task force also has to contend with Surface Warfare in addition to ASW, and has no supporting assets like P-3s, the number of helicopters needed in the task force could go up to 27 H-60R/ Ss or more, 19 MH-60Rs and 8 that can be either Rs or Ss. If the number of false contacts is high, or sonar conditions are poor, the number of helicopters needed could be twice that.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGnbh1xrdp3CljJAxeEbn5XpUoVhrPlY9P4kVVP0XGpII9pDIdgUOo1ZJemk6xEpCNENDg5n5E0Gj60dWkibPrX67mywzUCuZDJDTXG88uZ0Md1s-WgwZktE0J8b4p4A7RIGxE0cFcgKy/s395/CNA+-+For+Battlespace+Dominance.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGnbh1xrdp3CljJAxeEbn5XpUoVhrPlY9P4kVVP0XGpII9pDIdgUOo1ZJemk6xEpCNENDg5n5E0Gj60dWkibPrX67mywzUCuZDJDTXG88uZ0Md1s-WgwZktE0J8b4p4A7RIGxE0cFcgKy/s0/CNA+-+For+Battlespace+Dominance.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CNA - Pg 38<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><div>Assuming external assets like P-3s and TACAIR are available, the requirement goes down somewhat, but the task force still needs 19 H-60R/Ss.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ843ltHeToO-rKC6FcAOufd2ogdxO6GNI5gbhtNoAEI8UYg53aif_xZbJkWQPxmRDvcPpYaXlRDHk_seXnAVic57FRReobz32MXnLUc53vTUeuimcvo_seMIhxdRpYJO6_ShTfZFpSEtZ/s471/CNA+-+Battlespace+Dominace+-+All+assets.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ843ltHeToO-rKC6FcAOufd2ogdxO6GNI5gbhtNoAEI8UYg53aif_xZbJkWQPxmRDvcPpYaXlRDHk_seXnAVic57FRReobz32MXnLUc53vTUeuimcvo_seMIhxdRpYJO6_ShTfZFpSEtZ/s0/CNA+-+Battlespace+Dominace+-+All+assets.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CNA - Pg 40<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>So an independent task force, consisting of only surface combatants, without outside help, would need at least <b>fourteen </b>Flt IIA DDGs, with two MH-60s each to meet the requirement. In the IAFM, a SAGCOM based around a CVL and CG, starts with 10 helicopters already, without attaching an escort squadron (assuming 10 F-35Bs and 8 H-60s on the CVL and 2 H-60s on the CG). </div><div><br /></div><div><div>To fill out a viable task force, the IAFM combines a CVCOM/SAGCOM and with an of escort squadron consisting of Frigate Platform Docks (FPD), Frigate Arsenal Ships (FMG), and Patrol Frigates (FF), notionally 4 ships per squadron. By tailoring the attached squadrons, different missions can be emphasized. </div><div><br /></div></div><div>For example, a CVCOM with attached FPD squadron (CV55, CG, and 4xFPDs) could perform the full ARG/ESG role. </div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dSZJuGHPDIVTMdTBhyphenhyphenfq-Lt-v87_N49mNiUOXkzWoE_NJHZ158jqXeEwRPbDxBYrlKfSyNpUjWkHmKf927iOaCMbCkJ1pCFJNGQkqpc-359hMjFtLhop-dka4pkIoSHtYFaWJoQRxSe3/s1500/CVCOM%252BFPDs.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dSZJuGHPDIVTMdTBhyphenhyphenfq-Lt-v87_N49mNiUOXkzWoE_NJHZ158jqXeEwRPbDxBYrlKfSyNpUjWkHmKf927iOaCMbCkJ1pCFJNGQkqpc-359hMjFtLhop-dka4pkIoSHtYFaWJoQRxSe3/s16000/CVCOM%252BFPDs.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CVCOM with FPD Squadron<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div>A CVCOM with attached FMG squadron (CV55, CG and 4xFMGs) can perform high-end, high-capacity strike missions.</div><div><br /></div></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXlxCm1tj-zkGh4qFRqHTQwTO0p9d4nBLFO3mBWVe1iVCvMufXMdzLQnMdZk-ViL6rKlbJVcL5_bibff9Giyt4tnMCmhbCRaaOVfb_ebaXNH7O17kSJ_yxcgKXm8SB8z0Njw-vEQ6NQAP/s1500/CVCOM%252BFMGs.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXlxCm1tj-zkGh4qFRqHTQwTO0p9d4nBLFO3mBWVe1iVCvMufXMdzLQnMdZk-ViL6rKlbJVcL5_bibff9Giyt4tnMCmhbCRaaOVfb_ebaXNH7O17kSJ_yxcgKXm8SB8z0Njw-vEQ6NQAP/s16000/CVCOM%252BFMGs.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CVCOM with FMG Squadron<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Hybrid task forces can have a tailored mix of ships. The picture below depicts a SAGCOM (CG and CVL), accompanied by a hybrid squadron of escorts (1 x FPD, 1 x FMG, 2 x FF).<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hY8zHi3tgszkrLomxgxzDCK03u_naXxR5Weh3gl5IQhhIY-AsDB2b0zPGttXrjxK1CfBE_UMKJm1VW8OdVbmTSWAw1bY3oQRRzllSjoK_lq8U5cJUTv0P99BkU-bKNg8ckhxiWKHwwcR/s1500/SAGCOM%252BHybrid.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hY8zHi3tgszkrLomxgxzDCK03u_naXxR5Weh3gl5IQhhIY-AsDB2b0zPGttXrjxK1CfBE_UMKJm1VW8OdVbmTSWAw1bY3oQRRzllSjoK_lq8U5cJUTv0P99BkU-bKNg8ckhxiWKHwwcR/s16000/SAGCOM%252BHybrid.png" /></a><br />This task force, while not including a full-sized CV, still has some impressive capabilities including,<div><br /><div><google-sheets-html-origin><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" dir="ltr" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; table-layout: fixed; width: 0px;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><colgroup><col width="112"></col><col width="100"></col></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"F-35B"}" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">F-35B</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":10}" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">10</td></tr><tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"H-60R/S"}" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">H-60R/S</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":20}" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">20</td></tr><tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"VLS"}" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">VLS</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":575}" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">575</td></tr><tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Naval MLRS"}" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Naval MLRS</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":4}" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">4</td></tr><tr style="height: 21px;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td></tr><tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Marines"}" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Marines</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"5-700"}" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">5-700</td></tr><tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"LCAC"}" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">LCAC</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":2}" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">2</td></tr><tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"-or-"}" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">-or-</td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td></tr><tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Large MCM USV"}" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Large MCM USV</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":8}" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">8</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></google-sheets-html-origin></div><div>It also has one high-end BMD combat system on the CG and three SPY-1D(V)-equivalent combat systems on the FMG, FPD and CVL. It has enough helicopters to handle the combined ASW/SUW mission set above, assuming external assets are available, or using its own F-35Bs. </div><div><br /></div><div>This ability to mix and match components with different capabilities allows commanders to tailor their task forces to meet the demands of the mission set.</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>B.Smittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12650152449414871058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86690637957968368.post-75242963917229647142020-10-25T12:22:00.034-04:002021-02-25T16:12:19.914-05:00IAFM - Fleet Architecture (Battle Force 2045 Edition)<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Table of Contents</b></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://interestedamateur.blogspot.com/2019/01/interested-amateur-fighting-machine.html">Introduction</a></li><li><a href="https://interestedamateur.blogspot.com/2020/10/iafm-fleet-architecture.html">Fleet Architecture</a></li><li>Key Concepts</li><ul><li>Bimodal Presence and Maneuver Forces</li><li><a href="https://interestedamateur.blogspot.com/2020/10/iafm-key-concepts-new-task-force-types.html">New Task Force Types</a></li></ul><li>Ship Types</li><ol><li>Aviation</li><ul><li>CV55</li><li><a href="https://interestedamateur.blogspot.com/2021/01/iafm-ship-types-cvl-150.html">CVL-150</a></li></ul><li>Subsurface Combatant</li><ul><li><a href="https://interestedamateur.blogspot.com/2019/03/iafm-ssk.html">SSK</a></li></ul><li>Large Combatants</li><ul><li>SC-150</li><li><a href="https://interestedamateur.blogspot.com/2021/02/iafm-ship-types-frigate-platform-dock.html">FPD-150</a></li><li>FMG-150</li></ul><li>Small Combatants</li><ul><li>LCK</li></ul><li>Logistics &Auxiliary</li></ol></ol><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;">This version of the IAFM is sized to correspond to the Navy's Battle Force 2045 and "355" fleet designs. As such, it is more expensive than our existing fleet design, or the recent Hudson fleet design.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The IAFM is broken down into categories of ships: Aviation, Subsurface Combatants, Large Combatants, Small Combatants, and Logistics & Auxiliaries. Each section lists the steady-state count of each ship type, a notional "First In Class" cost, a discounted unit cost that applies a learn factor and build rate discount to generate an average cost, a service life of each ship in the class, and the resulting build rate. I also include a notes column that describes roughly what each type of ship is. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Aviation</b></h2><p><google-sheets-html-origin></google-sheets-html-origin></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk59UJbUDn-qaI_h-n4IDH1foNN1r4EOAFkDV3Xj48vcE16Jb7IWpTxxFWPB31yHlZCXUM9eyPSSYa7sgUby_OCPaqVQgO11KTlt5qqFnbYFeEjziWv_3Ck0RGfHMFas6Gaxk8YSpG8UP_/s847/Aviation.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="155" data-original-width="847" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk59UJbUDn-qaI_h-n4IDH1foNN1r4EOAFkDV3Xj48vcE16Jb7IWpTxxFWPB31yHlZCXUM9eyPSSYa7sgUby_OCPaqVQgO11KTlt5qqFnbYFeEjziWv_3Ck0RGfHMFas6Gaxk8YSpG8UP_/w640-h118/Aviation.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>The IAFM has a LOT of carriers, 32 to be exact. It can get away with this by ditching both the medium-sized LHAs and LHDs and the very expensive, nuclear powered CVNs.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">"CV55"</h3><p>The primary carrier is a ~70-80,000t, conventional, CTOL carrier designed around carrying roughly 55 aircraft (hence the name, CV55). In contrast, the current, nuclear-powered, Nimitz and Ford classes which are designed to carry roughly 75 aircraft.</p><p>Two examples of ships in this range,</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://nationalinterest.org/sites/default/files/main_images/RTX24G50.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="800" height="464" src="https://nationalinterest.org/sites/default/files/main_images/RTX24G50.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French PA2<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.seaforces.org/usnships/cv/CV-63_DAT/CV-63-USS-Kitty-Hawk-026.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="800" height="237" src="https://www.seaforces.org/usnships/cv/CV-63_DAT/CV-63-USS-Kitty-Hawk-026.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CV 63 Kitty Hawk<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The first in class costs for the CV55 is estimated at $8.5 billion. This estimate comes from a briefing on the CVN(X) and LHA(R) Analysis of Alternatives with the following slide:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NS3UlL-_35cELtGJFHH8_P6JWbuAIp_jYlB1ZKz6kTDncvuwccru9eVBShdK77CkvsNlF_amPV87f9YHdmC29DAZTxb1ejEfS7l-trbaXxsFOM7h4mb2h8nFcJYiN9CTxDFecN6B4cXM/s719/CVNvCV55.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="719" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NS3UlL-_35cELtGJFHH8_P6JWbuAIp_jYlB1ZKz6kTDncvuwccru9eVBShdK77CkvsNlF_amPV87f9YHdmC29DAZTxb1ejEfS7l-trbaXxsFOM7h4mb2h8nFcJYiN9CTxDFecN6B4cXM/w640-h478/CVNvCV55.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>From there, the total cost for a CV55 is around 63% that of a "CVN75". If the Ford-class CVN75 costs around $12.9 billion, then a notional CV55 would cost a bit more than $8 billion.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">CVL-150</h3><p>The IAFM second carrier is a small, 15-20,000t STOVL carrier. It's designed to carry around 12-16 F-35Bs, or a mixture of helicopters, UAVs and F-35Bs. It harkens back to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_Control_Ship">Sea Control Ship</a> concept, with the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_aircraft_carrier_Pr%C3%ADncipe_de_Asturias">Spanish Príncipe de Asturias</a> as a reasonable approximation.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/SNS_Principe_de_Asturias_(R11)_during_Dragon_Hammer_92.jpg/1280px-SNS_Principe_de_Asturias_(R11)_during_Dragon_Hammer_92.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/SNS_Principe_de_Asturias_(R11)_during_Dragon_Hammer_92.jpg/1280px-SNS_Principe_de_Asturias_(R11)_during_Dragon_Hammer_92.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_aircraft_carrier_Pr%C3%ADncipe_de_Asturias" style="text-align: left;">Spanish Príncipe de Asturias</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>It's hull, propulsion and core systems are based on the common Surface Combatant 150 (SC-150) family of ships to save costs. </p><p>Both carriers can double as Landing Platform Helicopter ships (LPH). This obviates the need for separate classes of big-deck amphibious ships in the IAFM. </p><p>Admittedly, carriers operating in this swing role won't be as effective as purpose-built amphibious ships, though you can put a lot of Marine or Army aviation on a big-deck carrier. The CVL-150 is roughly the size of an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iwo_Jima-class_amphibious_assault_ship">Iwo Jima-class LPH</a>. However, neither is designed with a well deck, and they are not expected carry significant amounts of Marine or Army equipment. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.navysite.de/lph/lph2_1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="514" height="311" src="https://www.navysite.de/lph/lph2_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USS Iwo Jima (LPH 2)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKMz3HmiYVzXeBpyleEEVc0wSFljk_ckl9X9RJxpWZAibnAkoU_AOGzOeal6bpfY-1CtCbGWhBn55hVTn4l7Lw646n_08LV-sx5Au0tnSGCUPEwfKxyw5G0fG0knCSMfwGKteJAm6jukW/s470/US+Army+special-ops+helos+aboard+CV-66..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="470" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKMz3HmiYVzXeBpyleEEVc0wSFljk_ckl9X9RJxpWZAibnAkoU_AOGzOeal6bpfY-1CtCbGWhBn55hVTn4l7Lw646n_08LV-sx5Au0tnSGCUPEwfKxyw5G0fG0knCSMfwGKteJAm6jukW/w640-h428/US+Army+special-ops+helos+aboard+CV-66..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USS America (CV66) carrying US Army Special Forces<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>I expect in practice, given the number of carriers and the Marine's push for smaller, more distributed operations, mixed air wings of Navy and Marine aircraft may predominate most deployments.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Subsurface Combatants</h2><p><google-sheets-html-origin></google-sheets-html-origin></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErrQ8vQ9uKcS6Dq5S5XRaFDSkIdqWm3Uj54WwHvtZKdE9H07GL40nnf_ySOsIe6Gy9bdRZdBNsgkmL0kpDxAQcXxDI7hSUAX7roP6Uv74564iDZwV8thS5-nj4U1VwXm-sx2tpT_Wk4jI/s844/Subsurface.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="844" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErrQ8vQ9uKcS6Dq5S5XRaFDSkIdqWm3Uj54WwHvtZKdE9H07GL40nnf_ySOsIe6Gy9bdRZdBNsgkmL0kpDxAQcXxDI7hSUAX7roP6Uv74564iDZwV8thS5-nj4U1VwXm-sx2tpT_Wk4jI/w640-h134/Subsurface.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>50 SSNs and 50 SSKs compose the attack submarines in the IAFM. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">SSN</h3><div><p>The IAFM continues development of the Virginia-class SSN but eliminates the Virginia Payload Module. This module adds a half billion to the price of each sub. For the IAFM, I'd rather have more subs than more VLS cells. The IAFM over-compensates with significant numbers of frigate arsenal ships (FMG-150).</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">SSBN</h3><p>Only 10 SSBNs are included. This should permit 4-5 to be on station at any time.</p></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">SSK</h3><p>The SSKs are roughly equivalent to the new, enhanced Soryu-class in the JMSDF, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taigei-class_submarine">Taigei-class</a>. They do NOT use Air Independent Propulsion (AIP). Instead they rely on a larger stack of advanced lithium-ion batteries. This gives the Taigei-class far more available submerged power before they have to recharge their cells.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/38/Naming_and_Launch_Ceremony_of_SS_Taigei.jpg/1280px-Naming_and_Launch_Ceremony_of_SS_Taigei.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/38/Naming_and_Launch_Ceremony_of_SS_Taigei.jpg/1280px-Naming_and_Launch_Ceremony_of_SS_Taigei.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>Most SSKs would be forward based in the Pacific to reduce transit times and increase operational availability. Some would be held back in the US to form "aggressor" teams for ASW training.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Large Combatants</h2><p><google-sheets-html-origin></google-sheets-html-origin></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AWPL0t47hz_wtdnKwDx_IqloH-G1uZDvKwxL3kn00KHSH1WmbtGZbK650pGhete5FeOGgj3CvfbzekhNCoc98z2hz2N12s6GSyoRDXCWTYmAcBKdOxwQ77T1fdPx_mlzDyEJ7cztN8ar/s849/Large.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="849" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AWPL0t47hz_wtdnKwDx_IqloH-G1uZDvKwxL3kn00KHSH1WmbtGZbK650pGhete5FeOGgj3CvfbzekhNCoc98z2hz2N12s6GSyoRDXCWTYmAcBKdOxwQ77T1fdPx_mlzDyEJ7cztN8ar/w640-h134/Large.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>The IAFM's three large surface combatant classes and the CVL-150 are based on a common, 15,000-20,000t, Surface Combatant 150 (SC-150) design and family of systems. The CG is a AMD cruiser with a large AMDR radar. The FPD is a hybrid LPD with well deck and guided-missile frigate systems taken from the FFG(X). The FMG is an arsenal ship with the same guided-missile frigate capabilities. These hybrid ships allow the IAMF to retain a significant number of escort-capable vessels while still offering the unique capabilities of LPD- and arsenal ship-style vessels. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilG3iBI1Gs1NALKjf6-4pV30M7qBOs3jx4tbVaa6HXXLukiS-lDwBlwQyWgCZHgAMO9sKxQgJNKKFbAFt25DJ52uvC8sDXhQZLFTewRHjG2xMzjoxMF2Za3BIfpOyRtKZD-92mMFBHVLLF/s1650/FPD-CG-FMG-CV-150-no-labels.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1650" data-original-width="1374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilG3iBI1Gs1NALKjf6-4pV30M7qBOs3jx4tbVaa6HXXLukiS-lDwBlwQyWgCZHgAMO9sKxQgJNKKFbAFt25DJ52uvC8sDXhQZLFTewRHjG2xMzjoxMF2Za3BIfpOyRtKZD-92mMFBHVLLF/s16000/FPD-CG-FMG-CV-150-no-labels.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SC-150 Family of Vessels<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Small Combatants</h2><p><google-sheets-html-origin></google-sheets-html-origin></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbPEmSBJHrLudtYBKG3SVC99xt9ht1Aqy326wdGw82pEY2LORrxGBw0_nOIErVEWQBMGzW5OOSgEyqNOz3UY0Aw6rjZKx_SzkyfFRosm6A_MmlY09iraKoyau6ctd8o-Bwt4PH92cPi2J/s848/Small.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="848" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbPEmSBJHrLudtYBKG3SVC99xt9ht1Aqy326wdGw82pEY2LORrxGBw0_nOIErVEWQBMGzW5OOSgEyqNOz3UY0Aw6rjZKx_SzkyfFRosm6A_MmlY09iraKoyau6ctd8o-Bwt4PH92cPi2J/w640-h134/Small.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Littoral Combat Corvette (LCK)</h3><p>The LCK is a "Littoral Combat Corvette" in the 2-3,000t range. Emphasis on long range and endurance, as well as shallow draft, over speed. The C Sword 90 is an example.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.navyrecognition.com/images/stories/customer/CMN/C_Sword90/C_Sword90_Stealth_Corvette_CMN_Constructions_Mecaniques_de_Normandie_Euronaval_2014_bow_stern.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="640" src="https://www.navyrecognition.com/images/stories/customer/CMN/C_Sword90/C_Sword90_Stealth_Corvette_CMN_Constructions_Mecaniques_de_Normandie_Euronaval_2014_bow_stern.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>These ships would be forward based around areas such as the Persian Gulf, the South China Sea, the Baltic Sea, in areas close to land. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Constellation-class FFG</h3><p>The FFG is the forthcoming FFG(X) Constellation-class frigate. This ship will be used to develop and prove systems like SPY-6(V)3 EASR and COMBATSS-21 which will be carried forward as the primary combat systems of the FMG-150, FPD-150 and CVL-150 classes.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2F_NsDKO0_pQ8gVQLn_RItPYYP2UF88Ix8PlTnFg_0DfX2KAR6ConXWrierxYSzgF12jA0QdTXdTvnnYfRAqXXnuoMvLN268UrwMR-p9USAr8nf9hVJEL2KQmVB01yN1YzLubEyk03AyK/s770/Constellation-class-Frigate-US-Navy-Fincantieri-770x410.jpg.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="770" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2F_NsDKO0_pQ8gVQLn_RItPYYP2UF88Ix8PlTnFg_0DfX2KAR6ConXWrierxYSzgF12jA0QdTXdTvnnYfRAqXXnuoMvLN268UrwMR-p9USAr8nf9hVJEL2KQmVB01yN1YzLubEyk03AyK/w640-h340/Constellation-class-Frigate-US-Navy-Fincantieri-770x410.jpg.webp" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Constellation-class FFG (Fincantieri image)</td></tr></tbody></table><h3 style="text-align: left;">Medium Displacement Optionally-Manned Vessel (MDOMV)</h3><p>The MDOMV is an optionally-manned USV somewhat larger than the Sea Hunter MDUSV, with the ability to carry a small crew (10-20). The Thales TX Ship Concept is my current favorite in this category, but one of the fast crew vessels the Navy is investigating may also be suitable. The optional crew provides more resilience in the case of system failures and allows the MDOMV to be used as a patrol vessel as well as MIW, ASW and ISR, when so configured.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.navalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/DSEI-2019-Steller-Systems-Thales-Unveil-TX-Ship-Concept-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" src="https://www.navalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/DSEI-2019-Steller-Systems-Thales-Unveil-TX-Ship-Concept-1.png" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>These MDOMVs should have sufficient range and speed to operate with task forces and should be able to replenish at sea, when crewed.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Logistics and Auxiliaries</h2><p><google-sheets-html-origin></google-sheets-html-origin></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WtMmS1QDezrk6GMeC7V27ADC7iQww3JbkVBcjBDnyJMi_0FtOyMBfgexySvTykTGQEY4S6bKobDeyVf6cUyzKjTn_wSdsQGiGHrAebi1SKG5Y7xyjtb8sRa09g6JiY1FWkM3vochAv3V/s848/Logistics.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="848" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WtMmS1QDezrk6GMeC7V27ADC7iQww3JbkVBcjBDnyJMi_0FtOyMBfgexySvTykTGQEY4S6bKobDeyVf6cUyzKjTn_wSdsQGiGHrAebi1SKG5Y7xyjtb8sRa09g6JiY1FWkM3vochAv3V/w640-h372/Logistics.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div>A wide variety of logistics and auxiliaries are included in the IAFM. Many of the ideas and numbers are taken from the CSBA's report entitled, "<a href="https://csbaonline.org/research/publications/sustaining-the-fight-resilient-maritime-logistics-for-a-new-era">Sustaining the Fight: Resilient Maritime Logistics for a New Era</a>". This is an area of the IAFM that still needs more work. I'm not sure if the CLF components are sufficient. I only include 9 T-AOEs, so around half of the CV55s will have to operate without a dedicated AOE. Ideally I'd like to have one per CVBG. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Mine Countermeasures</h3><div>Some notables include forty dedicated MCMV vessels like the Damen MCMV.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.navalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Damen-unveiled-the-design-of-its-MCM-Vessel-candidate-for-the-Belgian-Dutch-Requirement.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="500" src="https://www.navalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Damen-unveiled-the-design-of-its-MCM-Vessel-candidate-for-the-Belgian-Dutch-Requirement.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>These ships provide the core of the IAMF's mine hunting capability, but are heavily augmented by MCM packages carried by FPDs, LSTs and LKAs. </div><div><br /></div><div>The IAFM includes sixty smaller MIW Optionally Manned Vessels as part of these MCM packages. I use the MHS-1 as a starting point for this. "<a href="https://www.nap.edu/read/10176/chapter/7#104">Naval Mine Warfare Operational and Technical Challenges for Naval Forces</a>" from the Naval Studies Board detailed the concept and its use.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqvkO3wgPmoaTipCXYpbVUMu0bM3NQ1lF8Bl3tK_EyjYz01EWyBd_CFR4J5vAAVVqdP3NRdDys-VUBdJJfvpWU0ys49Td_0IL80utA1HSycO84JlUlYfn5nZUsd6xUqc1s06xFMSf407O/s1024/MHS-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqvkO3wgPmoaTipCXYpbVUMu0bM3NQ1lF8Bl3tK_EyjYz01EWyBd_CFR4J5vAAVVqdP3NRdDys-VUBdJJfvpWU0ys49Td_0IL80utA1HSycO84JlUlYfn5nZUsd6xUqc1s06xFMSf407O/w640-h426/MHS-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MHS-1</td></tr></tbody></table><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Offensive Mine Warfare</h3><div>The IAFM includes sixteen Offensive Mine warfare ships. These are commercial conversions designed to carry and deploy hundreds of Unmanned Mine Delivery Vessels (UMDVs), which are small, inexpensive Low Profile Vessels (LPVs) that use inexpensive commercial motors and fiberglass construction. They are designed to carry 1-4 mines up to 2,000lbs up to 700-1,000 nmi at 20kts and deploy them autonomously. Upon deploying, they scuttle themselves to add clutter to the bottom of the sea, complicating mine hunting. Each Offensive Mine Warfare ship carries up to 500 of these UMDVs and are organized in four squadrons of four ships. Two squadrons would remain on station outside the first island chain constantly. In the event of war, they could launch all 4,000 UMDVs at once, or over a period of time as they transit north and south. The goal of such swarms of mine dropping USVs is to cripple critical Chinese ports early in a conflict. China has 34 major ports along its coast, and many minor ports. Each port could receive up to 100 UMDVs. Given their 1-2 day transit time, some may be lost along the way</div></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Global Fleet Station</h3><div>The IAFM includes a dedicated <a href="https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1666&context=nwc-review">Global Fleet Station</a> (GFS) ship. I know this concept is passé, but the underlying premise is still valid. We can't just ignore the rest of the world while we pivot to Asia. Twelve dedicated vessels will permit frequent and enduring contacts with countries around the world that may not rise to the level of concern or importance to warrant a warship or task force visit. These ships can economically enable USAID, DoS, and NGO operations that can increase regional stability, as well as fostering government-to-government and military-to-military contacts that may not otherwise occur. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoHjXusMYqbXG23iOoPMTkanMGHzuvCxkFUH1qZjRc_KXz0ckTzhdKQWoHgiKK7ShihP9QWL3ZxdJZAUbgx4gnwCT1l7QBgK5cs1OPLX8Q7ZC9-snFZ2Q4dPYLRPouhN7ZkRM4IWQcNpw/s372/GFS+Station+SHip.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="372" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoHjXusMYqbXG23iOoPMTkanMGHzuvCxkFUH1qZjRc_KXz0ckTzhdKQWoHgiKK7ShihP9QWL3ZxdJZAUbgx4gnwCT1l7QBgK5cs1OPLX8Q7ZC9-snFZ2Q4dPYLRPouhN7ZkRM4IWQcNpw/w640-h232/GFS+Station+SHip.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Amphibious Assault</h3><div>The IAFM includes a low-cost, commercial+ grade LST. </div><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWCEovRoTRLmUGqWyLQdLaK4Of5S3KmmfCGQZ-XL12-vTlslxNS8y62BMJhxg7gzZLJdcE1kQQXBGkMQ3bW2HtfpUHJnI9pR6-2tLwRlk1uWGfrpZ-ca80R2efoO3mJzRtuPbw8aiW3dp/s1150/LST+130.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1150" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWCEovRoTRLmUGqWyLQdLaK4Of5S3KmmfCGQZ-XL12-vTlslxNS8y62BMJhxg7gzZLJdcE1kQQXBGkMQ3bW2HtfpUHJnI9pR6-2tLwRlk1uWGfrpZ-ca80R2efoO3mJzRtuPbw8aiW3dp/w640-h334/LST+130.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Damen LST-120 & notional LST-130<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>And a low-cost LKA derived from the MV Ocean Trader SPECOPS ship or UK Littoral Strike Ship.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5ntE0aY9J9FlT5Fr48uhO_mixBWAKLSqrxBHMVSh-RZRXFH5QsPGw1KwNjAR8BO1zjCdg1gVSoP29Qg6D6I04G-WE2x7LAN9mN-7Ma3wvIXFnfPm0HBxhlSez5_3jr-tCQ1Ndar9EtrH/s1408/LKA.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="1408" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5ntE0aY9J9FlT5Fr48uhO_mixBWAKLSqrxBHMVSh-RZRXFH5QsPGw1KwNjAR8BO1zjCdg1gVSoP29Qg6D6I04G-WE2x7LAN9mN-7Ma3wvIXFnfPm0HBxhlSez5_3jr-tCQ1Ndar9EtrH/w640-h210/LKA.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>These ships aren't meant for normal forward presence of Marine forces, though they can be used for this. They are intended to form the core of a "break glass in case of amphibious assault" reserve force capable of moving multiple brigades worth of Army <a href="https://interestedamateur.blogspot.com/2020/09/pimp-my-sbct-round-3-amphibious-assault.html">AABCT</a> or Marine forces in a single assault. Fifty LSTs and twenty LKAs could carry three AABCTs with room to spare. </div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Ready Reserve Fleet</h3><div>I include a major recapitalization of the Ready Reserve Fleet (RRF), 100 ships, with a mixture of new buys, long term leases, and used ships. The RRF is a critical resource that we call upon whenever we need to bulk up our shipping and logistics, but the current RRF fleet is extremely old. Exercises to call up these ancient ships have been <a href="https://news.usni.org/2020/01/16/test-of-ready-reserve-force-exposes-need-for-newer-ships-more-people">fraught with problems</a>. Only 40% were able to steam out of port when called up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />B.Smittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12650152449414871058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86690637957968368.post-90512699788082840732020-10-24T13:36:00.029-04:002021-01-16T11:28:37.801-05:00Interested Amateur Fighting Machine (IAFM) - Introduction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ngnhpov1r648yPR0pH0_Iyb4SUMbd3Edr7epOz3chPcFRDwyI_UufxUKQY_x2pddIBMo-2xVvhTE9eLhHadV42uVpqQOP3Lpd5VHdKsWxnbrZnPEEqgsEEZyFTnfLdEMxDXFfZWkHChT/s1670/CV-63-USS-Kitty-Hawk-075.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1645" data-original-width="1670" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ngnhpov1r648yPR0pH0_Iyb4SUMbd3Edr7epOz3chPcFRDwyI_UufxUKQY_x2pddIBMo-2xVvhTE9eLhHadV42uVpqQOP3Lpd5VHdKsWxnbrZnPEEqgsEEZyFTnfLdEMxDXFfZWkHChT/w640-h630/CV-63-USS-Kitty-Hawk-075.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><h2>
Introduction</h2>
<br />
Every few years, there's an effort to revisit the design of the US Navy fleet in light of changes in technology, geopolitics, and budget realities. I decided to take a stab at a fleet design myself. As part of this effort, I reviewed a number of recent fleet designs from the Navy and various think tanks.<br />
<br />
Obviously, with this type of exercise there's a healthy chance of "garbage in/garbage out". I attempted to apply my cost model equally and impartially, to all fleet designs studied, but some subjectivity is inevitable. The costs of non-existent ship designs is highly subjective. This has a major, downstream impact on the overall fleet numbers and design.<br />
<br />
YMMV.<br />
<br />
I developed a pricing methodology that attempted to take into account ship construction costs, O&S, manning, munitions in VLS cells and aircraft. <br />
<br />
I used a planning budget that roughly corresponds to the cost of the Navy's "355 fleet" using my pricing methodology.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Comparative Fleet Designs</h2>
I compared a number of studies while researching the IAFM. Several notable among them include,<br />
<br />
<ul>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=86690637957968368" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=86690637957968368" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=86690637957968368" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>
<li><a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0ByVQu4lA4Sjval9JZ0VQbmRqQVk">The New Navy Fighting Machine</a> (Naval Postgraduate School - 2009)</li>
<li><a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0ByVQu4lA4SjvTkd3YnFDZW5xTGM">The Restoring American Seapower - A New Fleet Architecture for the United States Navy</a> (CSBA - 2017)</li>
<li><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByVQu4lA4SjvV0NlNWVNbTV6Zmc/view?usp=sharing">The Alternative Future Fleet Platform Architecture Study</a> (Navy - 2016)</li>
<li><a href="https://fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RL32665.pdf">The Force Structure Assessment - 355 Fleet </a>(Navy -2016)</li>
<li><a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0ByVQu4lA4SjvZU1vOXlFTkwtcUk">The Navy Future Fleet Platform Architecture Study</a> (MITRE - 2016)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.heritage.org/military-strength/assessment-us-military-power/us-navy">The Heritage Foundation 2019 Index</a></li>
<li><a href="https://banks.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=456">The Five Oceans Navy Strategy</a> (Banks - 2019)</li>
</ul>
More recently, two new fleet architectures have been released,<div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The Navy's new "Battle Force 2045" (Some details <a href="https://fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RL32665.pdf">here</a>)</li><li>The Hudson Institute's "<a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.hudson.org/Clark%20Cropsey%20Walton_American%20Sea%20Power%20at%20a%20Crossroads.pdf">American Sea Power at a Crossroads:A Plan to Restore the US Navy’s Maritime Advantage</a>"</li></ul>
<h3><br /></h3><h3><br /></h3><h3>
The New Navy Fighting Machine (Naval Postgraduate School - 2009)</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
The New Navy Fighting Machine describes a fairly radical redesign of the Navy with changes including,<br />
<ul>
<li>Less emphasis on nuclear carriers in favor of smaller STOVL carriers</li>
<li>Abandonment of purpose-built amphibious ships</li>
<li>Reintroduction of conventional submarines</li>
<li>Development of a large, but modestly priced, "Green Water Navy" consisting of a variety of small combatants and patrol ships</li>
</ul>
<div>
The NNFM SCN design budget was $15 billion SCN per year, which produced an aggregate total cost of $77B/yr using my model. This is significantly lower than the other studies.<br />
<br />
For comparison purposes, I include the original NNFM with tweaked unit costs to match similar classes in other fleet architectures. I also included a a scaled-up NNFM, for direct comparison with the other, more costly, force models. To scale up, I simply multiplied the original NNFM unit counts by a common factor until the total costs were similar to the other designs.<br />
<br />
I'm sure, if given a higher budget, the original NNFM team wouldn't scale the original design this way, but I didn't want to speculate what they might do.</div>
<h4>
Likes</h4>
<ul>
<li>Bi-modal fleet with "blue water" and "green water" components</li>
<li>Methodology - A reflection on Capt. Hughes' work with the Salvo Model as well as a steady-state cost framework, used to describe the fleet.</li>
<li>Numerous, less expensive combatants and patrol ships</li>
<li>Theater Security vessels</li>
<li>Conventional submarines</li>
<li>Mini-Arsenal ships</li>
<li>Global Fleet Station Ships</li>
<li>Large number of commercial vessels for movement of land forces.</li>
<li>Does not depend on any revolutionary (aka "Transformational") technologies.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<h4>
Dislikes</h4>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Too many ship types, with too few ships of each type. It's difficult to gain economies of scale with learning factors and build rates when you only build 12 ships of a type. With so few of each type, worldwide deployments will make achieving sufficient concentration of these ships in a particular theater difficult. </li>
<li>No specialized amphibious warfare ships (though they do say their 125 "Deliver and Sustain" ships could include some amphibious ships)</li>
<li>Too much emphasis on STOVL vs CTOL airpower.</li>
<li>Not enough emphasis on volume of fires (especially long-range missiles). Their mini-Arsenal ships add merely 1,000 VLS cells to the overall fleet. </li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<h3>
The Restoring American Seapower - A New Fleet Architecture for the United States Navy (CSBA - 2017)</h3><b>
Likes</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Analytical approach</li>
<li>Bi-modal deterrence and maneuver forces</li>
<li>Regionally-tailored presence forces.</li>
<li>CATOBAR CVL</li>
<li>Large unmanned systems</li>
</ul>
<h4>
<span>Dislikes</span></h4>
<ul>
<li>Offensive MIW and ASW Groups seem like after-thoughts. It's unclear how they would operate or deliver robust capabilities.</li>
<li>Large UUVs appear to be far off from robust autonomy.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=86690637957968368&useLegacyBlogger=true" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=86690637957968368&useLegacyBlogger=true" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>The CSBA also came out with a later study on the combat logistics fleet. I used some of their CLF ideas in the IAFM.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=86690637957968368&useLegacyBlogger=true" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=86690637957968368&useLegacyBlogger=true" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=86690637957968368&useLegacyBlogger=true" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=86690637957968368&useLegacyBlogger=true" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>
The Alternative Future Fleet Platform Architecture Study (Navy - 2016)</h3>
In 2016, the Navy developed its own future fleet architecture study. It took a 15-year plan to develop a Distributed Fleet by 2030.<br />
<h4>
Likes</h4>
<ul>
<li>Significant investment in large USVs and UUVs</li>
</ul>
<h4>
<span>
Dislikes</span></h4>
<ul>
<li>Fairly mundane otherwise</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<h3>
The Force Structure Assessment - 355 Fleet (Navy -2016)</h3>
<div>
From the "<a href="https://fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RL32665.pdf">Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress</a>".</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">On December 15, 2016, the Navy released a force-structure goal that calls for achieving and maintaining a fleet of 355 ships of certain types and numbers. The 355-ship goal is the result of a Force Structure Assessment (FSA) conducted by the Navy in 2016. An FSA is an analysis in which the Navy solicits inputs from U.S. regional combatant commanders (CCDRs) regarding the types and amounts of Navy capabilities that CCDRs deem necessary for implementing the Navy’s portion of the national military strategy, and then translates those CCDR inputs into required numbers of ships, using current and projected Navy ship types. The analysis takes into account Navy capabilities for both warfighting and day-to-day forward-deployed presence.1 The Navy conducts an FSA every few years, as circumstances require, to determine its force-structure goal.</span></i><h4>
Likes</h4>
<ul>
<li>Low risk</li>
</ul>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Dislikes</h4>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Mundane. Tweaks around the margins.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3><br /></h3><h3>
The Navy Future Fleet Platform Architecture Study (MITRE - 2016)</h3>
Takes the approach of recommending a 15 year plan to modify the fleet. Does not consider a wholesale redesign. As such, they didn't produce a full fleet architecture, so I just include them here for reference.<br />
<h4>
Likes</h4>
<ul>
<li>IRBMs </li>
<li>Arsenal ship</li>
<li>CATOBAR, non-nuclear CV and CVL</li>
<li>Recognition that enemy satellites can provide robust targeting for A2/AD forces</li>
</ul>
<div>
<h4>
Dislikes</h4>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>IAMD strategy focused on the end-game intercept of A2/AD weapons</li>
<li>All-in on the unproven promise of the Hyper-Velocity Projectile (HVP).</li>
</ul>
<div>
<h4>
Uncertain</h4>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Expeditionary Advanced Basing (EAB): Without a <a href="https://interestedamateur.blogspot.com/2019/03/bring-on-sea-gryphon.html">credible offensive capability,</a> I don't see much value in penny packets of Marines spread around various islands. F-35Bs may not require much space to take off and land, but they require a LOT of logistics to keep in the air. </li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<h3><br /></h3><h3>
Heritage 2019 Index</h3>
<div>
The Heritage Foundation comes up with a military index every year as well as recommended force levels. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div><b>
Likes</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Sizable number of CLF ships</li>
</ul>
<div><b>
Dislikes</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Expensive. Heritage has never met a defense dollar they didn't like</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<h3>
Five Oceans Navy</h3><div><div>Rep. Banks, <i>“As the Navy reassesses their 355-ship plan, the Department of Defense must think strategically about global maritime threats. It is clear to me that at least 400 Navy ships are required to achieve strategic success to address the challenges outlined in the National Defense Strategy. The President and Congress need to act quickly to prepare our Navy for a great power competition against technologically advanced enemies.</i></div><div><i>“A larger Navy will require a serious investment in the American industrial base to give our military the fleet of warships it needs to win the naval battles of tomorrow. According to a September 2018 White House Study, ‘Industries involved in the manufacturing of shipbuilding components were among the hardest hit by the global shift in the industrial base over the last 20 years.’ We must support our industrial base with innovative technological capabilities to adapt to the future requirements of the force.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>“The Five Ocean Navy Strategy encourages the Department of Defense to strengthen our shipbuilding program to address our aging Navy, and the global strategic challenges posed by adversaries both near and far.”</i></div></div><div><br /></div>
<div><b>
Likes</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Sizable number of CLF ships</li>
<li>Lots of submarines</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div><b>
Dislikes</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Most expensive architecture studied</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">Battle Force 2045</h3></div><div>Replaces large carriers with LHA-derived CVLs to pay for more submarines, USVs and UUVs. Given that the exact architecture has yet to be released, I just estimated based on the mid point, when there was a range of ships numbers.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Likes</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Lots of submarines</li></ul><div><b>Uncertain</b></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Heavy commitment towards USVs and UUVs</li></ul></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">Hudson: American Sea Power at a Crossroads: A Plan to Restore the US Navy’s Maritime Advantage</h3><div><b>Likes</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Significantly cheaper than other options</li><li>Small combatants</li></ul><div><b>Dislikes</b></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Less airpower</li></ul><div><b>Uncertain</b></div></div><div><ul><li>Heavy commitment towards USVs and UUVs</li></ul></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;">Comparisons</h2><div>Again, YMMV here. I had to guess about details of some of the fleet designs, especially their CLF and Sealift components. The Interested Amateur Fighting Machine (IAFM) is included at the end.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyc6R3v2979BxlnTJG-xrVQxCZgOveDEkSMFV9Kfz6kgtS5rvGfsBT5IqOLfu3vaG_CWhx47StCs0AC8xXSVq5guxov_PIoQ-iCDkHCi1HA-rHTCiinh8wIkoFpZF3By91SA0o76M2nvMQ/s793/IAFM+-+Comparision+-+1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyc6R3v2979BxlnTJG-xrVQxCZgOveDEkSMFV9Kfz6kgtS5rvGfsBT5IqOLfu3vaG_CWhx47StCs0AC8xXSVq5guxov_PIoQ-iCDkHCi1HA-rHTCiinh8wIkoFpZF3By91SA0o76M2nvMQ/s16000/IAFM+-+Comparision+-+1.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Some Observations</h3><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnvMDyoHMp39zdlf_lmIDWfsTuWmMOkAJ-oOieIJZXyL1CwcdJhAG2R9SFsn4m9QhO6JiFrn1n4cpZMdCYkjAA_Sp0fzE_saqP6Qmh_eK71SODql7BFtII84skQyz3h31z3egwTwu3ziW/s787/Combatant+staying+power.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="787" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnvMDyoHMp39zdlf_lmIDWfsTuWmMOkAJ-oOieIJZXyL1CwcdJhAG2R9SFsn4m9QhO6JiFrn1n4cpZMdCYkjAA_Sp0fzE_saqP6Qmh_eK71SODql7BFtII84skQyz3h31z3egwTwu3ziW/w640-h402/Combatant+staying+power.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staying Power - Out of Action vs Sinking<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The less expensive Hudson fleet does well here, owing to its large number of small combatants. The scaled NNFM fleet does the best for the same reason. The IAFM does well too, partially due to the larger size of its main combatants (SC-150).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDTy-DkJchHAU2SuK6YSH2zj3-QA42_qKs1UdKejfWhjzcXeDGNln6BT1pAite-mJQaQpxyTswUeSq3nDR2GXzxZZA2whpJ1pXuXSLmeHJOjtK2C1Wpg03nhfqBXkPLH44UzVW8RNjBdF/s602/Missile+Cells.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="602" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDTy-DkJchHAU2SuK6YSH2zj3-QA42_qKs1UdKejfWhjzcXeDGNln6BT1pAite-mJQaQpxyTswUeSq3nDR2GXzxZZA2whpJ1pXuXSLmeHJOjtK2C1Wpg03nhfqBXkPLH44UzVW8RNjBdF/w640-h396/Missile+Cells.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div></div><div>The IAFM wins by a landslide in the number of missile cells category. All those FMG arsenal ships really add up.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqC0_gLsF_eDZtUs3JEQru1ECFQJdlpKPZ6l5CbmWzzDvO-71_xOeVGX2_u3ncQiJ_UVQHJZz3_87vf427fNETdHc-Fnr1_OyG1JCjeroEDOBhTPvON36ZtiRPkDl-B6Ogg9CRNNauM9PK/s647/KSM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="647" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqC0_gLsF_eDZtUs3JEQru1ECFQJdlpKPZ6l5CbmWzzDvO-71_xOeVGX2_u3ncQiJ_UVQHJZz3_87vf427fNETdHc-Fnr1_OyG1JCjeroEDOBhTPvON36ZtiRPkDl-B6Ogg9CRNNauM9PK/w640-h370/KSM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div></div><div>This also shows up in the total Kilo Strike Miles each force can generate. (1 KSM = 1 x 1,000lb warhead delivered 1,000 nmi) Heritage gets a major KSM boost from having the largest fixed-wing component. </div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Conclusion</h2><div>The IAFM fleet has far more instantaneous firepower available to it as a result of the largest number of missile cells. It is competitive in all other metrics, though certain architectures (Hudson, NNFM) are designed to a lower cost baseline. </div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Next </h2><div><a href="https://interestedamateur.blogspot.com/2020/10/iafm-fleet-architecture.html">IAFM Fleet Architecture</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
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</div>B.Smittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12650152449414871058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86690637957968368.post-47269147074289072492020-09-04T18:03:00.019-04:002021-06-22T10:00:40.737-04:00Pimp My SBCT Round 3 - The Amphibious Assault Brigade Combat Team (AABCT)<p>The USMC is moving away from large-scale amphibious assaults towards smaller, battalion-and-below formations and EABO. However, the US Military may still find itself in need of performing such an assault as part of a broader forcible-entry operation. What’s needed is a “relatively” inexpensive way to land a large, mobile, armored force in short order. </p><p>So how about give the large-scale amphibious assault mission to the Army? Switch three IBCTs (roughly a division) over to an Amphibious Assault Brigade Combat Team (AABCT), an organization mirroring the SBCT, but replacing the ~300 Strykers with the USMC ACV.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.armytimes.com/resizer/6EVxKPdX0wFB0Ta3J9i-IYZxP_M=/1200x0/filters:quality(100)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/mco/EITML52B6ZHRFO3BZ44DLU6JWQ.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="576" src="https://www.armytimes.com/resizer/6EVxKPdX0wFB0Ta3J9i-IYZxP_M=/1200x0/filters:quality(100)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/mco/EITML52B6ZHRFO3BZ44DLU6JWQ.jpg" width="768" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USMC ACV with 30mm Remote Turret<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoqYYUuzuGcpFEr6HHjjcmaLU2xQtRdrQaX5cjIhyx4aDq3z-9R3DRkx-UIadCP9T85r1QkV8loAkge_ki_VdScGlQTD7jEWikLuXUjxX7jNubkqd71hiPX_xelwC3B8VlMqQftV056Dq/s890/SBCT-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="693" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoqYYUuzuGcpFEr6HHjjcmaLU2xQtRdrQaX5cjIhyx4aDq3z-9R3DRkx-UIadCP9T85r1QkV8loAkge_ki_VdScGlQTD7jEWikLuXUjxX7jNubkqd71hiPX_xelwC3B8VlMqQftV056Dq/w498-h640/SBCT-1.png" width="498" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SBCT Organization (<a href="https://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/114th-congress-2015-2016/reports/51535-fsprimerbreakoutchapter2.pdf">CBO</a>)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKflR_MvAQ0i-5NSnhDqOPxRTvxp1BWGWXSRoivaIbKLmyi37mUEt2FhdRvhY_PkqQpc2fE7n3X2ZEZBXgOPN4bS2jPZ6aMO_XsTDhwI-tIZIurLDycsLA6-niFUGgmbmAMUWPtyMsobq/s931/SBCT-2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="685" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKflR_MvAQ0i-5NSnhDqOPxRTvxp1BWGWXSRoivaIbKLmyi37mUEt2FhdRvhY_PkqQpc2fE7n3X2ZEZBXgOPN4bS2jPZ6aMO_XsTDhwI-tIZIurLDycsLA6-niFUGgmbmAMUWPtyMsobq/w472-h640/SBCT-2.png" width="472" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SBCT Organization Pg 2<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>In this way, existing, land-based SBCT doctrine and training could remain the same. The AABCT can be used in more or less the same ways and same situations as an SBCT. ACVs are somewhat heavier and larger than Strykers so the logistics elements in the SBCT will need a bit of a bump.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Outfitting the AABCT</h3><div>The Army has <a href="https://defense-update.com/20210604_mcws.html">selected </a>the Rafael Sampson 30mm remote turret to arm its Stryker brigades. This may include integration of Javelin missiles with the Sampson turret. Rafael offers a Sampson variant that includes the TROPHY Active Protection System. A full-capability Sampson turret with TROPHY and Javelin is ideal for AABCT infantry ACVs. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2VWVZH7HpuB91VPqrw2bboW8T0a6Mena2AC0kpXbGmqCPepDA0D6QeRvM43p3YtKdbTn4r909yGskS3_QQIKvhzHDLtJo4-EFP3AB6Idt9L3jbay-g0P22hY5r3TWYOabcaWbnhd8lgE/s1021/Oshkosh-MCWS-1021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="1021" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2VWVZH7HpuB91VPqrw2bboW8T0a6Mena2AC0kpXbGmqCPepDA0D6QeRvM43p3YtKdbTn4r909yGskS3_QQIKvhzHDLtJo4-EFP3AB6Idt9L3jbay-g0P22hY5r3TWYOabcaWbnhd8lgE/s320/Oshkosh-MCWS-1021.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sampson turret on a Stryker</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Perhaps do away with the goofy overhead 105mm MGS for a proper turret.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFbx9B7DRSoK1Y4JZLS_1FWTQwuLE64sAqB7eT8c118v5auYiauzESxKnTp1iIXiL8g5372LKk3w025fIyvq6ltjlHUSlg3oC_IltuJ7g-lQdtvLzyQUY6Qo-lcJxuj__v1LhgR86Xe9m/s545/CMI-Defence-Races-for-US-Army-Mobile-Protected-Firepower.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFbx9B7DRSoK1Y4JZLS_1FWTQwuLE64sAqB7eT8c118v5auYiauzESxKnTp1iIXiL8g5372LKk3w025fIyvq6ltjlHUSlg3oC_IltuJ7g-lQdtvLzyQUY6Qo-lcJxuj__v1LhgR86Xe9m/w294-h320/CMI-Defence-Races-for-US-Army-Mobile-Protected-Firepower.jpg" width="294" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CMI 3015 MPF 105mm Turret (<a href="https://cmidefence.us/products-services/3105-mpf">CMI Defense</a>)<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Also consider replacing some or all of the M777 155mms with a turreted howitzer on the ACV that can swim ashore with the rest of the AABCT. </span><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.armyrecognition.com/images/stories/africa/south_africa/artillery_vehicle/lav-III_105mm/Lav-III_Stryker_105mm_wheeled_sel-propelled_artillery_howitzer_Denel_South_Africa_African_Defence_Industry_640.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://www.armyrecognition.com/images/stories/africa/south_africa/artillery_vehicle/lav-III_105mm/Lav-III_Stryker_105mm_wheeled_sel-propelled_artillery_howitzer_Denel_South_Africa_African_Defence_Industry_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Denel/GDLS 105mm T7 Turret on a Stryker (<a href="https://www.armyrecognition.com/south_africa_african_artillery_vehicles_systems_uk/lav_iii_stryker_t7_105_mm_self-propelled_howitzer_technical_data_sheet_specifications_pictures.html">Army Recognition</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtTgwm-wBJdFdZqqwQ3kX3khrLN9359DtV0ipZzT-7jz7Gl-P0F6DdjLSRZTeKMFMVL7W2SsIEf9Ii6jD7PtnTKoYoWLCSlqjU_UAcooFkT2zcZnHw4l1exc8aiagcKE3ir3WjesZcwJb/s899/LEO.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="899" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtTgwm-wBJdFdZqqwQ3kX3khrLN9359DtV0ipZzT-7jz7Gl-P0F6DdjLSRZTeKMFMVL7W2SsIEf9Ii6jD7PtnTKoYoWLCSlqjU_UAcooFkT2zcZnHw4l1exc8aiagcKE3ir3WjesZcwJb/w320-h243/LEO.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GDLS 105mm LAV III Artillery Weapon System (<a href="https://ndiastorage.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/ndia/2004/armaments/04_Vickory_105mm_Indirect_Fire.pdf">NDIA</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><div>Lastly, the Army is looking to replace its current Stryker mortar variants with a turreted system. This may even more important for an AABCT, potentially allowing indirect and direct fire while swimming. One obvious option, which has already been trialed on boats, is the Nemo mortar turret.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholNg8zzuZpEdQMwiEBqQ8U_7UPyK2qc7_tWQMtYE19n1hVkZNNT8FKzCjXHGr8iKYWxRBKPRAhburXRLd0kkW0wmGjJSwIFvJle9Q751T3ibjoGcKgrALp4q9ItDHYrv11Rp42Udfl2RR/s680/Nemo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="680" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholNg8zzuZpEdQMwiEBqQ8U_7UPyK2qc7_tWQMtYE19n1hVkZNNT8FKzCjXHGr8iKYWxRBKPRAhburXRLd0kkW0wmGjJSwIFvJle9Q751T3ibjoGcKgrALp4q9ItDHYrv11Rp42Udfl2RR/s320/Nemo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patria Nemo</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Moving the AABCT</h3><div>Unlike current USMC doctrine that relies heavily on rotary wing lift and landing craft to move forces ashore, the AABCT's main combat element of 300+ ACVs would wade ashore on their own, in a single wave, ready to fight immediately and move off the beach at vehicle speeds. This hearkens back to the huge waves of LVTs in the Pacific in WWII.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/15/4f/f4/154ff4b9ff32dc7d12fa5f86bcb1231b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="800" src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/15/4f/f4/154ff4b9ff32dc7d12fa5f86bcb1231b.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LVTs waves coming ashore at Iwo Jima (<a href="https://www.pinterest.cl/pin/199776933448206196/?nic_v2=1a3UZrJxz">Pinterest</a>)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br />Obviously the AABCT would need a way to get from its home to the line of departure. The Navy is investigating modifications to the stern ramp of the JHSV/EPF to support launch and recovery of ACVs.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c0/USNS_Spearhead_with_helicopter_during_sea_trials.jpg/1920px-USNS_Spearhead_with_helicopter_during_sea_trials.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c0/USNS_Spearhead_with_helicopter_during_sea_trials.jpg/1920px-USNS_Spearhead_with_helicopter_during_sea_trials.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Around twelve to fourteen EPFs would be required to carry all of the AABCT's ACVs. Given that the Navy only plans to buy 14 EPFs total, a larger buy would be required. Perhaps some could be bought using Army funds and manned by soldiers, much as the <a href="https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/6149/meet-the-biggest-and-baddest-ships-in-the-us-army">Besson-class LSV</a> is today.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another option instead of the JHSV would be to re-introduce the humble LST. Stay away from the faster, more complex Newport class LST, in favor of something like the older, simpler, 17-18kt De Soto County class. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7d/De_Soto_County_LST-1171.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="509" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7d/De_Soto_County_LST-1171.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>A modern version should be relatively inexpensive to build, perhaps even less than the EPF, if sticking to a modest combination of commercial and naval design practices. Damen Shipbuilding has a line of LST designs that might be a good starting point.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jCTPSoaUtwk" width="320" youtube-src-id="jCTPSoaUtwk"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /><div><div>However, ACVs still only constitute around a third of the AABCT's total rolling stock of around 1,000 vehicles. These other vehicles would have to be carried by other vessels and landed by regular landing craft, lifted ashore by heavy lift helicopters, or make use of a port or pier to offload. Additional LSTs or EPFs could be purchased for this, but I propose re-introducing Amphibious Cargo Ship (LKA). A larger LKA could carry more with fewer ships. </div><div><br /></div><div>We already have a suitable starting point with the M/V Craigside conversion to the SOCOM MV Ocean Trader.</div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/the-drive-staging/message-editor%2F1527897362083-kkkadj1313.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/the-drive-staging/message-editor%2F1527897362083-kkkadj1313.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MV Ocean Trader <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><p>A similar design was considered for the Royal Navy Littoral Strike Ship.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Prevail-Partners-Multi-Role-Vessel-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="800" src="https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Prevail-Partners-Multi-Role-Vessel-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prevail MSV (<a href="https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/a-closer-look-at-the-littoral-strike-ship-concept/">Save the Royal Navy</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table>And the Canadian Maritime Support Ship (Irving Shipbuilding).</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://u0v052dm9wl3gxo0y3lx0u44wz-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/MSS.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="800" src="https://u0v052dm9wl3gxo0y3lx0u44wz-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/MSS.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maritime Support Ship (<a href="https://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2019/02/future-littoral-strike-ship-flss/">ThinkDefence</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table>The LKA could offload vehicles and logistics via its rear ramp to its own lighterage, to LSTs, or to other Navy or Army lighterage.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Both the LST and LKA could be built by second or third tier yards, which don't normally build Navy warships, and are more accustomed to building commercial vessels. <br /><p>A combination of fourteen LST/EPFs and four or five LKAs could carry the entire AABCT, likely with room to spare. </p><p>Perhaps some or all of these ships could be bought or leased by the Military Sealift Command and crewed with a mix of civilian mariners and Navy sailors. </p><p>Obviously there is a cost to buying 19 or so additional large ships per AABCT and introducing the ACV to the Army. However, LKAs and LSTs should be an order of magnitude cheaper than existing Navy amphibious ships, like the LHD/A and LPD, especially if they’re limited to amphibious transport and eschew the Sea Base and warship roles of current Navy amphibious ships. Removing the requirement to spend months at sea supporting open-ended ARG/ESG tasking, in favor of point to point troop movements should greatly simplify their design. </p><p>For the LST, the Army’s smaller and slower, but conceptually similar, 83m Besson-class LSV costs a mere <a href="http://www.defensetech.org/2010/07/23/huzzah-for-the-humbletech-logistic-support-vessel-lsv/">$32 million each</a>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.thedrive.com/content/archive-images/ccaca1.jpg?width=1440&quality=70" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://www.thedrive.com/content/archive-images/ccaca1.jpg?width=1440&quality=70" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Besson class LSV (<a href="https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/6149/meet-the-biggest-and-baddest-ships-in-the-us-army">The Drive</a>)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Shoot for a unit cost in the neighborhood of $200-300M per LST. At around $180M each, the EPF is less expensive than this.</p><p>Assuming a unit cost of $200M per LST and $300M per LKA, the 19 ships needed to transport a single AABCT would cost $4.3 billion. Three AABCTs-worth would need $12.9 billion. </p><p>Certainly not pocket change, but consider a single, battalion-sized ARG requires three ships that cost close to $8 billion. The LST/LKA combo lifts an entire brigade for a bit more than half the price. </p><p>Not a bad deal, IMHO.</p><p><google-sheets-html-origin style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-size-adjust: auto;"></google-sheets-html-origin></p><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" dir="ltr" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; table-layout: fixed; width: 0px;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><colgroup><col width="228"></col><col width="120"></col><col width="120"></col></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 21px;"><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Ground Combat Power</td><td data-sheets-value="[null,2,"MEU GCE"]" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">MEU GCE</td><td data-sheets-value="[null,2,"AABCT"]" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">AABCT</td></tr><tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Troops"]" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Troops</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":1200.0}" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">1200</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":3600.0}" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">3600</td></tr><tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="[null,2,"LAVs"]" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">LAVs</td><td data-sheets-value="[null,2,"7 to 16"]" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">7 to 16</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":0.0}" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">0</td></tr><tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="[null,2,"ACVs Total"]" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">ACVs Total</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":15.0}" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">15</td><td data-sheets-value="[null,2,"\u003e300"]" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">>300</td></tr><tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="[null,2,"ACV 105mm gun systems"]" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">ACV 105mm gun systems</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":0.0}" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">0</td><td data-sheets-value="[null,2,"27 (original)"]" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">27 (original SBCT)</td></tr><tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-hyperlinkruns="[null,6,"https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howitzer"]{"1":14}[null,16,"https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/M777_howitzer"]{"1":20}" data-sheets-value="[null,2,"155mm howitzer: M777"]" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">155mm howitzer: M777</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":6.0}" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">6</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":18.0}" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">18</td></tr><tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="[null,2,"120mm/81mm mortar"]" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">120mm/81mm mortar</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":8.0}" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">8</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":8.0}" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">24</td></tr><tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="[null,2,"TOW missile launchers"]" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">TOW missile launchers</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":8.0}" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">8</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":9.0}" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">9</td></tr><tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="[null,2,"Javelin missile launchers "]" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Javelin missile launchers </td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":8.0}" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">8</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":81.0}" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">81</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p></div></div></div></div></div>B.Smittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12650152449414871058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86690637957968368.post-2559767625599051542020-08-27T14:43:00.006-04:002021-03-06T09:58:32.590-05:00IAFM - Next Generation Cruise Missile (NGCM)<p><img src="https://www.navalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/LRASM-set-to-Achieve-EOC-with-U.S.-Navy%E2%80%99s-FA-18EF-Super-Hornet-3-770x410.jpeg" /></p><p>Much focus today is on hypersonic and ballistic, long-range munitions. However there is still a significant need for a large number of boring, subsonic cruise missiles, especially to fill VLS cells. The Tomahawk cruise missile has performed well in this role, but it's getting long in the tooth. It has three major shortcomings,</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>It has no RCS shaping to speak of, which makes it vulnerable to enemy IADS. </li><li>It doesn't have sufficient range to allow ships to operate in "safe" waters when an enemy has a extensive A2AD system and hold at risk more depth of enemy territory.</li><li>It only carries a 1,000lb warhead. This limits its ability to strike hardened and deeply buried targets, as well as large infrastructure targets like bridges. (which can require 10 or more 2,000lb class warheads)</li></ol><div>To fill these gaps, I propose we build a Next Generation Cruise Missile (NGCM). The notional requirements are as follows,</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Fits in a <a href="https://www.alternatewars.com/BBOW/Weapons/Mk57_VLS.pdf">Mk57 VLS</a> cell </li><li>Carries either a Mk84 or BLU 109/137, 2,000lb-class warhead.</li><li>1,200+ nmi range.</li><li>VLO, using stealth shaping and materials (ala JASSM)</li><li>Ideally makes use of technology from JASSM/LRASM/Tomahawk (don't reinvent the wheel)</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: left;">Mk 57 VLS</h2><div>The Mk57 VLS was meant to be a "next generation" VLS for the Navy. It was designed to allow for larger, longer, and heavier munitions than the Mk41 VLS. Currently only the DDG 1000 class carries the Mk57, but the IAFM makes heavy use of it in its Frigate Arsenal Shps (FMG-150s) and the new Cruiser (CG-150).</div></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Mk41 rough estimates</h4><div><b>Max. canister width: </b>25 in / 0.635m</div><div><b>Max. canister length: </b>264 in / 6.7m</div><div><b>Max. encanistered weight: </b>~6,400lbs / 2,900kg (Mk25 w/ quad-ESSM)</div><div><br /></div><div>It's unclear what the max encanistered weight is for the Mk41, but the heaviest loaded canister (surprisingly) is a quad-pack ESSM.</div><div><br /></div><div>From <a href="http://www.seaforces.org/wpnsys/SURFACE/Mk-57-missile-launcher.htm">seaforces.org</a>,</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">4-cell Mk57 PVLS Module</h4><div><span class="auto-style60"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Width:</strong> (7.25 ft / 2,21 m)<br /><strong>Length:</strong> (14.2 ft / 4,33 m)<br /><strong>Height:</strong> (26 ft / 7,93 m)<br /><strong>Weight:</strong> (33600 lb / 15240 kg)<br /><strong>Max. canister width:</strong> (28 in / 0,71 m)<br /><strong>Max. canister length:</strong> (283 in / 7,18 m)<br /><strong>Max. encanistered weight:</strong> (9020 lb / 4091 kg)</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br class="auto-style60" /></span></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Mk84 & BLU 109/137 warheads</h2><div>The 2,000lb Mk84 bomb and its deep penetration cousins are workhorse munitions for the USAF. The core warhead bodies are mated with various guidance kits to form munitions like the GBU-24 Laser Guided Bomb and the GBU-31 JDAM. Over 5,000 GBU-31 JDAMs were dropped during Operation Iraqi Freedom, making it the <a href="https://www.comw.org/pda/fulltext/oifcentaf.pdf">second most used guided munition </a>of the war (after the 500lb GBU-12).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/images/blu109-81.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="414" src="https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/images/blu109-81.gif" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p><ul><p align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><a href="http://www.ordtech-industries.com/2products/Bomb_General/Mk84/Mk84.html">Lethality Effects Mk84 </a></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>(depend on HE charge type)</b></span></p><center><table border="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 61%;"><tbody><tr><td width="26%"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">FRAGMENTATION</span></td><td width="22%"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></td><td width="26%"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">CRATERING</span></td><td width="26%"> </td></tr><tr><td width="26%"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Grains</span></td><td width="22%"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">4 to 3000</span></td><td width="26%"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Diameter</span></td><td width="26%"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">7.6 m to 18.3 m</span></td></tr><tr><td width="26%"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Velocity</span></td><td width="22%"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">610 m/s to 2745 m/s</span></td><td width="26%"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Depth</span></td><td width="26%"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">1.22 m to 8.84 m</span></td></tr><tr><td width="26%"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">BLAST</span></td><td width="22%"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></td><td width="26%"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">PENETRATION</span></td><td width="26%"> </td></tr><tr><td width="26%"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Pressure at 50 ft (16 m)</span></td><td width="22%"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">35 psi</span></td><td width="26%"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Steel Armor Plate</span></td><td width="26%"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">51 mm</span></td></tr><tr><td width="26%"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Pressure at 100 ft (31 m)</span></td><td width="22%"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">11.5 psi</span></td><td width="26%"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Concrete 3000 psi (beton)</span></td><td width="26%"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">884 mm</span></td></tr></tbody></table></center></ul><div style="text-align: left;">The BLU-109 penetrator warhead variant will soon be replaced by the BLU-137 Advanced 2,000 lb. Penetrator (A2K). The BLU-109 can penetrate four to six feet of concrete. It's unclear how much more the BLU-137 can penetrate.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Iraqi Hardened Aircraft Shelter Struck by at least two BLU-109-class warheads (<a href="http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-2008-02.html">Kopp 2008</a>)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UffZE8YDwJxZqgUrLRcCvTKkNw6ANhNoBzhDRtV4Wn_BHiSVHGK7BLeiGriguCnEzthy_Y8FgmvByWkzsiYH-2BEutrFbEXxjHlvUcc8MFWk6mQsVOVv5Fh71oG0ZyrxEyUv62Wg3w-I/s768/HAS-DF-ST-92-09634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="768" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UffZE8YDwJxZqgUrLRcCvTKkNw6ANhNoBzhDRtV4Wn_BHiSVHGK7BLeiGriguCnEzthy_Y8FgmvByWkzsiYH-2BEutrFbEXxjHlvUcc8MFWk6mQsVOVv5Fh71oG0ZyrxEyUv62Wg3w-I/w640-h258/HAS-DF-ST-92-09634.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Range</h2><p>The current TLAM-E is estimated to have a range of around 900 nmi. The NGCM requirement increases that by 33% to 1,200 nmi. This allows ships carrying NGCM to either stand off further from the enemy coast, or reach deeper into their territory. To gain this extra range, NGCM will make use of the following techniques:</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">1. Owing to its VLO airframe, it doesn't always have to fly the Hi-Lo flight profile as shown below. Instead it can fly Hi-Hi all the way, where the jet engine and airframe are far more efficient.</h4><p><img alt="We all love the Tomahawk:” a brief history of US's favorite robotic killer | Ars Technica" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/TLAM-C-Profile-S-640x427.jpg" /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">2. A more efficient airframe and engine.</h4><p>Back in 2006, Lockheed Martin started a company-funded effort for what they called the "<a href="https://www.satellitetoday.com/uncategorized/2006/09/11/lockheed-martin-explores-extreme-range-cruise-missile/">Cruise Missile XR</a>",</p><p></p><blockquote>Known as the Cruise Missile Extended Range (XR), the company-funded concept entails a stealthy, 5,000 pound-class weapon that can fly out to 1,000 nautical miles to deliver a lethal payload up to 2,000 pounds precisely on target, said Ed Whalen, director of Strike Weapons Business Development for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.</blockquote><p></p><p>This is broadly in line with my requirements, with only a 200nmi shortfall. 14 years of materials and engine development since then might be able to push it the rest of the way. </p><p>With a ~1,000lb booster, and a ~3,000lb canister, that would fit within the max encanistered weight for the Mk57. </p><p>A smaller 1,000lb warhead variant might be developed with even greater range, to hit even deeper targets.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">VLO and JASSM technologies</h2><p>JASSM was designed to be stealthy. NGCM would continue with this capability. VLO greatly improves its survivability when flying through advanced IADS.</p><p>In addition, both JASSM and it's anti-ship derivative LRASM have guidance, and seeker technologies that can be more or less lifted for NGCM. Tomahawk has SATCOM networking, GPS-less, terrain matching guidance, and the forthcoming Maritime Strike variant has a radar seeker. Any or all could also be incorporated. It would be nice if all NGCMs were both land attack and maritime strike missiles, but there may be a need to develop different variants. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Cost</h2><div>Tomahawks cost around $1.36M (<a href="https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/1019558.pdf">APUC FY16</a>). JASSM-ERs cost around $1.45M (<a href="https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/FOID/Reading%20Room/Selected_Acquisition_Reports/FY_2017_SARS/18-F-1016_DOC_15_AF_JASSM_SAR_Dec_2017.pdf">APUC FY17</a>). I expect a high rate production of a missile that's 70% larger than TLAM might cost 50-70% more, perhaps between $2-2.5M.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p>B.Smittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12650152449414871058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86690637957968368.post-44606994879032530302019-07-13T15:00:00.007-04:002022-02-09T10:18:52.919-05:00MOCM - Massive Ordinance Cruise Missile<h2>
Background</h2>
<div>
Short of nuclear weapons, there are certain military targets that simply demand a Really Big Bomb (RBB). Smaller ordinance just won't do. And not just any RBB, such targets require a bomb with considerable earth and concrete penetration. These targets include super-hardened airfield hangars; submarine pens; command and control facilities; and WMD storage, research and production facilities.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
From <a href="https://www.nap.edu/read/11282/chapter/1">Effects of Nuclear Earth-Penetrator and Other Weapons</a> on Strategic Hardened and Deeply Buried Targets,<br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: inherit;">BASIC FACTS AND ESTIMATES</i><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i>Following is a concise list of background facts and estimates relating to HDBTs:</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i>Potential U.S. adversaries worldwide are using underground facilities to conceal and protect their leadership, military and industrial personnel, weapons, equipment, and other assets and activities. These facilities include hardened surface bunkers and tunnel facilities deep underground.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i>Many underground command, control, and communications (C3) complexes and missile tunnels are between 100 and 400 meters deep, with the majority less than 250 meters deep. A few are as deep as 500 meters or even 700 meters, in competent granite or limestone rock.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i>As identified by the Defense Intelligence Agency, there are about 10,000 HDBTs in the territory of potential U.S. adversaries worldwide.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i>Of the 10,000 HDBTs identified, about 20 percent are estimated to have a major strategic function.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i>Over half of these strategic HDBTs are located near or in urban areas.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i>The number of known strategic HDBTs is increasing at a rate of about 10 percent per year. This increase is attributable mostly to discovery by the U.S. intelligence community and to a lesser extent to construction in countries seeking protection from U.S. military capabilities.</i></span></li>
</ul>
<h2>
Examples of HDBT</h2><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9-d0H3dtDRAZbOjdPmNSMqA-JFhxRXQiH8ujgR25Gpc_JcCgr5iaqq23DMSAPc3VzWQ2rYg2xQY52p9o2QZhtCknr_jcAlHgutyVOzOQhVQk0zJDSULWJ2KMqC1mS-GZnrA4FLRQfEUl/s962/32154368-8645191-The_submarine_is_believed_to_be_a_Shang_class_Type_093_nuclear_a-a-13_1597889256617.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="962" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9-d0H3dtDRAZbOjdPmNSMqA-JFhxRXQiH8ujgR25Gpc_JcCgr5iaqq23DMSAPc3VzWQ2rYg2xQY52p9o2QZhtCknr_jcAlHgutyVOzOQhVQk0zJDSULWJ2KMqC1mS-GZnrA4FLRQfEUl/w640-h360/32154368-8645191-The_submarine_is_believed_to_be_a_Shang_class_Type_093_nuclear_a-a-13_1597889256617.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Chinese super-hardened submarine base</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbC5_oznPQlOYu9gr1aN9Pl53yDSemrXLZHtSKa5Oz3PhX0kSTnkhRJzQc8MYRRfbV1yD6RtkdOhvAu_aJZqUu6p2ydQVnWxh8LeoLlz943EcbIEOGatI3My5zbXbKMugjID6SXy0Rnp_/s768/J-8B-PLAAF-2S.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="768" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbC5_oznPQlOYu9gr1aN9Pl53yDSemrXLZHtSKa5Oz3PhX0kSTnkhRJzQc8MYRRfbV1yD6RtkdOhvAu_aJZqUu6p2ydQVnWxh8LeoLlz943EcbIEOGatI3My5zbXbKMugjID6SXy0Rnp_/w640-h364/J-8B-PLAAF-2S.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PLAAF Underground Hangar (<a href="http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-2011-01.html">Kopp</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>There are other targets that may not require such high degrees of penetration but may be effectively struck with a RBB, like large railroad bridges and damns. It could take five or six 2,000lb class weapons to drop a bridge, where a single RBB might do the job.<br />
<br />
Lastly, the Navy and Marine Corps has investigated using really big bombs to clear a surf zone and beach of obstacles and mines in preparation for an amphibious assault. The idea is to essentially drop several RBBs in a line and detonate them simultaneously to throw mines and obstacles out of the way and create what amounts to a safe zone all the way through.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Massive Ordinance Penetrator</h2>
<br />
To hit these some of these targets today, we have heavy bombers carrying the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP).<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPhVbjN27ZY6nYNHpLLO6GUR1HFBxtARyR4Nw8eriUD1_jPajPHFfGRsJls7ibm71q6u1e_9S8h7_oswACHJWT5xlF9qIejo2DtcBLaBEwADK8LdXW1nt7wcZABtD6jPKlO-l-eGjoiG0yrVj1Xw5_tBKrJOuDsN24smJlJPZqRNmE0n8_eyygkWpXVA=s713" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="632" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPhVbjN27ZY6nYNHpLLO6GUR1HFBxtARyR4Nw8eriUD1_jPajPHFfGRsJls7ibm71q6u1e_9S8h7_oswACHJWT5xlF9qIejo2DtcBLaBEwADK8LdXW1nt7wcZABtD6jPKlO-l-eGjoiG0yrVj1Xw5_tBKrJOuDsN24smJlJPZqRNmE0n8_eyygkWpXVA=w355-h400" width="355" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Given "only" 40-60m of earth penetration, MOP clearly can't hold at risk all of the HDBTs outlined above, but it can still be used to collapse entrances.<br />
<br />
The problem with MOP is that it requires a B-2 to carry it. The forthcoming B-21 Raider may also be able to carry one, but little information is available on its capabilities. We only have a handful of operational B-2s and no operational B-21s, so our ability to deliver this type of effect is extremely limited at present. <br />
<br />
Delivery of MOPs by B-2/21's requires the aircraft to fly almost directly over the target, as MOP has a limited standoff range. This forces the bomber to fly deep into heavily defended airspace.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiou169THPGuk-UDiSxjOLZui9CdRCIdU9lu2J4rjPr5axmvqrPUU0DI-BEBYNvT0tIIMHeXnSoKcCbJydcYeobCsjQKY-lPhW6-Kq-WB4X906_iqIzlc0-sLymJabFrHFKbpbEPWbhtR_W/s768/UGH-Attack-B.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="768" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiou169THPGuk-UDiSxjOLZui9CdRCIdU9lu2J4rjPr5axmvqrPUU0DI-BEBYNvT0tIIMHeXnSoKcCbJydcYeobCsjQKY-lPhW6-Kq-WB4X906_iqIzlc0-sLymJabFrHFKbpbEPWbhtR_W/w640-h404/UGH-Attack-B.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-2011-01.html">Kopp 2011</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<h2>
Proposal</h2>
Develop a large, fighter-sized, cruise missile called the Massive Ordinance Cruise Missile (MOCM) that can either take off directly from an airfield or catapult launch from an aircraft carrier and carries a single warhead of MOP-level penetration. The Air Force plans to eventually replace the 30,000lb MOP with an advanced, ~10,000lb weapon with similar capabilities, called the Next-generation Penetrator Munition (NGP). MOCM would carry a single NGP internally. Ideally MOCM would have a range of at least 1,500nmi to allow it to hit targets deep within mainlaind China.<br />
<br />
Stealth is obviously mandatory to give it a reasonable chance of penetrating defenses. Terminal penaids such as chaff, flares and jamming may be required at the target.<br />
<br />
MOCM could be around the same size and general configuration as the Northrop Grumman Tacit Blue aircraft, with foldable wings for carrier stowage.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/95/Tacit_Blue_in_flight.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="512" height="312" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/95/Tacit_Blue_in_flight.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
MOCM has non-retractable, but jettisonable, landing gear and tail hook, allowing it to take off and land like a traditional aircraft. <br />
<br />
However, we need to be careful and avoid turning this into a reusable system, which would greatly drive up unit price and drive down expendability. It's a missile, not a UCAV.<br />
<br />
A few MOCMs could be carried by a CVN, tucked away in the corner of the hangar for when they're needed. Or, they could be flown out to the carrier from land-based storage areas, unarmed, and mated with their NGP warhead on the ship before being re-fueled and launched to their target.<br />
<br />
Given enough land- and sea-based MOCMs in theater, we could strike every enemy super-hardened facility simultaneously, at the beginning of the conflict, rather than the slow pace of using our handful of B-2s once every other day, or every third day, from CONUS or distant forward bases.<br />
<br />
Follow-on MOCM payload could include:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>A bunch of GBU-57 A/B Small Diameter Bombs to attack other targets where the quantity of DMPIs struck is more relevant than the size of each munition (e.g. other airfield targets like runways, taxiways, POL storage, command and control).</li>
<li>A bunch of MALD decoys and jammers. A MALD-equipped MOCM could be fired ahead of warhead carrying MOCMs to jam, and disrupt defenses ahead of the main strikes.</li>
</ul>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />B.Smittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12650152449414871058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86690637957968368.post-53500056434242756282019-03-16T11:31:00.000-04:002020-08-28T16:12:13.551-04:00Bring on the Sea Gryphon! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>(aka Land-based Maritime Strike Tomahawk)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpUOe4opc-0UNTZBj-_cxSzfs3My7niEMnicP5KS9qIrerIiiUiXzPS1_lZBO0b61_7l4ku6oAHKgY1w6o9BI0ip5G0iJT9gbQ544EoiiHRcG_SnPPQgSo_3Np4XF3jQGh6uCjCqirE0B/s1600/glcm_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="583" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpUOe4opc-0UNTZBj-_cxSzfs3My7niEMnicP5KS9qIrerIiiUiXzPS1_lZBO0b61_7l4ku6oAHKgY1w6o9BI0ip5G0iJT9gbQ544EoiiHRcG_SnPPQgSo_3Np4XF3jQGh6uCjCqirE0B/s640/glcm_5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BGM-109 Gryphon GLCM (fas.org)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
With the US withdrawal from the INF Treaty, the US Army and/or Marine Corps should immediately reconstitute the USAF BGM-109 Gryphon GLCM system using the modern Maritime Strike Tomahawk. They should stand up independently deployable Gryphon companies and battalions that can be deployed to Europe and the Pacific to greatly bolster anti-ship and land attack capabilities in the region.<br />
<br />
The Marines and Army have made noises about developing land-based maritime strike capabilities, but the weapons considered to date are just too short-ranged (e.g. 115 mile range NSM, 190 mile range ATACMS) to have a major impact, given the limited number and location of potential bases.<br />
<br />
Maritime Strike Tomahawk's 1,000 mile range can cover large portions of the theater from a handful of friendly operating areas.<br />
<br />
Forward-deployed Gryphon battalions in Thailand and Japan can hit targets throughout most of the China Seas and significant portions of the Chinese mainland from dispersed, survivable locations. Stockpiles of additional missiles could be stored in hidden, hardened locations nearby.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWq2bXvoMd_OpuzdhJ624vVpWgOh836TDXEQDIAfsE7yfHDwsoOS-s_u5CHNJbY0TPD4UzLIBzeE4fxvwHDZLSUJ_o_P1gkQOgPpqw5uQNIUTKOoLTDXVqOvteno2qMv_CLY-ao0Mw2Gk/s1600/SeaGryphon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="912" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWq2bXvoMd_OpuzdhJ624vVpWgOh836TDXEQDIAfsE7yfHDwsoOS-s_u5CHNJbY0TPD4UzLIBzeE4fxvwHDZLSUJ_o_P1gkQOgPpqw5uQNIUTKOoLTDXVqOvteno2qMv_CLY-ao0Mw2Gk/s640/SeaGryphon.png" width="598" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A Gryphon company could be notionally similar to the USAF Gryphon "Flight", with four TELs each carrying four missiles, 22 vehicles total carrying 16 additional missiles with 69 personnel total, including a 44 soldier infantry platoon. (Source: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BGM-109G_Ground_Launched_Cruise_Missile">Wikipedia</a>)<br />
<br />
A Gryphon battalion would consist of three Gryphon companies, an Air Defense platoon (Stinger or NASAM), an HQ, and supply section carrying another full set of reloads. Perhaps a total of 3-400 personnel.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.raytheon.com/sites/default/files/capabilities/rtnwcm/groups/public/documents/content/nasams_pdf.pdf" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="480" height="272" src="https://www.raytheon.com/sites/default/files/2017-10/rtn_231824_0.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Raytheon NASMS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_1562838717"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1562838718"></span></div>
<br />
<br />
A battalion has 48 ready missiles and 96 reloads.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Obviously Gryphon's two hour flight time causes targeting problems when attacking moving ships, so mid-course guidance updates would have to come from sea or airborne surveillance assets such as MQ-4C Tritons, P-8s, or tactical aircraft such as the F-35.<br />
<br />
Gryphon (aka Tomahawk) is not stealthy like LRASM, and isn't hypersonic, but it does have a low-altitude flight profile, which can't be detected by surface ships until it crosses their radar horizon.<br />
<br />
Numbers can make up for individual missile survivability. A battalion-sized salvo of 48 missiles would stress even AEGIS-level air defenses. At minimum, such a salvo would force air defense ships to expend multiple interceptors per Gryphon. Even if individual missiles don't have top-tier survivablity, multiple salvos can beat down any air defenses. You just have to fire more missiles than the enemy has interceptors.<br />
<br />
Obviously, Maritime Strike Tomahawks (aka Sea Gryphons) retain all of their land-attack capabilities. Commanders can decide whether they want to use them against mainland or sea targets.<br />
<br />
If the Army wants to regain relevance in the Pacific theater, this is the way to do it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />B.Smittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12650152449414871058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86690637957968368.post-76030500824575525262019-01-19T14:48:00.002-05:002020-10-12T10:54:06.939-04:00The Case for a Medium-Weight Anti-Ship Cruise Missile<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for mald-v decoy" height="291" src="https://thaimilitaryandasianregion.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/030616-f-0000w-002.jpg?w=1200" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MALD</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The DARPA, the Navy, and Air Force are currently funding the Offensive Anti-Surface Warfare (OASuW) Weapon Development program. This intends to replace the decades-old Harpoon Anti-Ship Missle (AShM) on Navy warships with a new weapon, and develop an air-launched variant for Air Force bombers, as well as Navy and Air Force tactical aircraft.<br />
<br />
The candidate weapons include an anti-ship variant of the time-tested Tomahawk. An anti-ship version of the USAF JASSM missile (LRASM). And the Konsgberg JSM/NSM.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.navyrecognition.com/images/stories/west_europe/norway/systems/NSM_naval_strike_missile_JSM_joint_strike_missile_top.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="640" src="https://www.navyrecognition.com/images/stories/west_europe/norway/systems/NSM_naval_strike_missile_JSM_joint_strike_missile_top.jpg" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Konsgberg NSM and JSM</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
All have pros and cons, and ultimately a mix may be the most appropriate.<br />
<br />
All of these share one thing in common, they are meant to kill relatively large warships.<br />
<br />
Warhead weight:<br />
<br />
Tomahawk - 450kg blast-frag<br />
LRASM - 450kg penetrating blast-frag<br />
NSM/JSM - 125kg blast-frag<br />
<br />
For comparison:<br />
<br />
Exocet - 165kg blast-frag<br />
Harpoon - 221kg blast-frag<br />
<br />
However, most warships we will face are <b>not</b> very large. The Chinese Navy (PLAN) and Chinese Coast Guard alone have nearly 500 frigate-sized ships or smaller. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Type 056 corvette in ShangHai.jpg" height="480" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/43/Type_056_corvette_in_ShangHai.jpg/800px-Type_056_corvette_in_ShangHai.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Type 056 Corvette</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/37/Houbei_(Type_022)_Class_Fast_Attack_Craft.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="800" height="445" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/37/Houbei_(Type_022)_Class_Fast_Attack_Craft.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Type 022 Houbei</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />
<br />
<br />
Most worldwide navies consider frigates to be their "capital warships". So, other than possibly NSM/JSM, the remaining OASuW candidates are significant overkill for most ASuW targets we should expect to face. <br />
<br />
The US Navy and Air Force have many air-delivered weapons at their disposal to deal with these types of ships (e.g. GBU-12, SDB II). However we don't have a credible helicopter-launched or surface-launched munition. In 1986, the Navy purchased a number of AGM-119 Penguin missiles for use by SH-60Bs for this purpose, but it has since been retired.<br />
<br />
Looking at foreign navies, some missiles appear to fall in the right size range,<br />
<br />
Sea Skua - 30kg warhead<br />
AS 15 TT - 30kg warhead<br />
Marte - 70kg warhead<br />
FASGW(H) / ANL - 30kg warhead<br />
Deliah - 30kg<br />
<br />
Sea Skua, especially, has been very successful in operational use for the RN. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
From this list, a 30-70kg warhead appears sufficient to heavily damage or disable a small combatant up to small frigate-sized.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LKwaQ_iNFCpP2ckk4NreaDnNdYb-gKGDm2EjliSDmydneqLHan5G5FiaZLEBOOvrWDXeKLJLHOVUpZIxKIeDA0_JloFc5EJcNrdhfu9d-HI4Pxqq6aC7KJpyLV5X-4xPFEE4zkAXU2Tt/s1600/SeaSkuaDamage.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LKwaQ_iNFCpP2ckk4NreaDnNdYb-gKGDm2EjliSDmydneqLHan5G5FiaZLEBOOvrWDXeKLJLHOVUpZIxKIeDA0_JloFc5EJcNrdhfu9d-HI4Pxqq6aC7KJpyLV5X-4xPFEE4zkAXU2Tt/s640/SeaSkuaDamage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ton-class Minesweeper, HMS Lewiston , damaged by Sea Skuas during SINKEX</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Proposal</h3>
<div>
Develop an anti-ship/land attack cruise missile that can be quad-packed in a Mk41 VLS cell, or 4-6 per MLRS pod, or carried comfortably in pairs by an MH-60.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Consider starting with MALD but with a reduced fuel tank to accommodate a ~30kg warhead. Use the SDB II tri-mode seeker, which combines SAL, MMW and IR sensors.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="292" src="https://i1.wp.com/www.mediafire.com/convkey/302f/67dgr1vzdz1jnqbzg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: "Open Sans", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Image @mediafire.com</em></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
MALD may be a bit too small, but it's in service and further development is funded.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />B.Smittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12650152449414871058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86690637957968368.post-43902827968675613252019-01-19T14:13:00.003-05:002020-09-03T11:16:06.457-04:00Pimp My S/IBCT - Round 2 - Bring Back the Independent Tank Battalion<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://twitter.com/GD_LandSystems/status/905123971674275840"><img height="424" src="https://assets.rbl.ms/18989684/980x.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/GD_LandSystems/status/905123971674275840">M1A2 SEPv3</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In the previous Pimp My IBCT, I suggested using a combination of refurbished M-ATVs to achieve full vehicular mobility for some IBCTs. This would give them a degree of tactical and operational mobility near that of the Stryker BCTs. They would suffer off-road, in comparison to the SBCT, but would be at least as mobile on roads, with lower logistics overhead.<br />
<br />
However both SBCTs and mounted IBCTs are still severely hamstrung if used offensively. The Stryker ICV is protected against 14.5mm HMGs organically, and partially protected against RPG-7s with slat armor. It is not protected against heavier RPGs (e.g. RPG-29) or any ATGMs.<br />
<br />
M-ATV is protected against 7.62mm rounds only. So even this guy would ruin its day.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DShK"><img alt="Doushka desert.jpg" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8a/Doushka_desert.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DShK">Source: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Aggressive, offensive use of either BCT type against foes with anti-armor systems, or in built-up areas, would likely result in heavy casualties. Both BCT types will be stuck either dismounting prematurely, whenever enemy resistance is suspected, or driving into ambushes, where their thin-skinned vehicles will be shot to pieces.<br />
<br />
Historically in these situations, we've beefed up infantry units with tanks, either organically, or through augmentation from other units.<br />
<br />
<br />
Back in WWII, we used to have separate tank battalions that could be task organized with infantry units.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Separate_tank_battalion"><img height="467" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/92/United_States_World_War_II_Tank_Battalion_November_1944_Structure.png/1024px-United_States_World_War_II_Tank_Battalion_November_1944_Structure.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Separate_tank_battalion">Source: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A modern independent tank battalion could draw on the Force XXI or AoE designs, augmented with mobility, logistics and engineering assets required for heavy armor use, but not available to the parent division.<br />
<br />
A representative "modern" Tank Battalion is <a href="https://fas.org/man/dod-101/army/unit/toe/17375F100.htm">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Tank Battalion HQ<br />
<br />
6 CARRIER, 120MM MORTAR<br />
5 CARRIER CP<br />
6 MORTAR 120MM<br />
2 TANK, M1A2<br />
5 TRK, CARGO 8X8<br />
3 TRK, MTV W/E<br />
10 TRK, 8X8 HVY EXP<br />
20 TRK, CARGO, LMTV W/E<br />
5 TRK, LMTV, W/E W/W<br />
22 HMMWV<br />
1 TRK, WRECKER<br />
16 TRK, TANK FUEL<br />
1 TRK, WRECKER, MTV<br />
3 CARRIER, COMD AND CTRL<br />
5 COMMAND LAUNCH (JAVELIN)<br />
7 RECOVERY, M88A1E1<br />
2 TRK UTIL, EXP. CAP.<br />
10 HMMWV, UP ARM<br />
1 TRK, TANK POL<br />
<br />
3 x Tank Companies<br />
<br />
1 CARRIER, ARMORED<br />
14 TANK, M1A2<br />
1 TRK, LMTV W/E<br />
2 HMMWV<br />
<br />
<h3>
Divisional Requirements</h3>
Of the eleven active duty divisions in the Army, six of them have no tanks at all.<br />
<br />
I propose adding one independent tank battalion to each active duty division that lacks tanks, except for the 82nd Airborne Division.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" dir="ltr" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; font-family: arial,sans,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; table-layout: fixed; width: 0px;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><colgroup><col width="120"></col><col width="57"></col><col width="52"></col><col width="87"></col><col width="50"></col><col width="79"></col><col width="90"></col></colgroup><tbody>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Division"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Division</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"ABCT"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">ABCT</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"SBCT"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">SBCT</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"SBCT (ANG)"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">SBCT (ANG)</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"IBCT"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">IBCT</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"IBCT (Abn)"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">IBCT (Abn)</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Tank Battalion"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Tank Battalion</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"1st Armored"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">1st Armored</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":3}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">3</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":0}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">0</td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"1st Cav"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">1st Cav</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":3}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">3</td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"1st ID"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">1st ID</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":2}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">2</td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"2nd ID"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">2nd ID</td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":2}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">2</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":1}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">1</td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":1}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">1</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"3rd ID"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">3rd ID</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":2}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">2</td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":1}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">1</td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"4th ID"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">4th ID</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":1}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">1</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":2}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">2</td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"7th ID"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">7th ID</td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":2}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">2</td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":1}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">1</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"10th Mountain"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">10th Mountain</td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":3}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">3</td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":1}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">1</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"25th ID"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">25th ID</td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":1}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">1</td><td style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":2}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">2</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":1}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">1</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":1}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">1</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"82nd Abn"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">82nd Abn</td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":3}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">3</td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"101st Abn"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">101st Abn</td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":3}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">3</td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":1}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">1</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Total"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Total</td><td data-sheets-formula="=sum(R[-11]C[0]:R[-1]C[0])" data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":11}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">11</td><td data-sheets-formula="=sum(R[-11]C[0]:R[-1]C[0])" data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":7}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">7</td><td data-sheets-formula="=sum(R[-11]C[0]:R[-1]C[0])" data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":1}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">1</td><td data-sheets-formula="=sum(R[-11]C[0]:R[-1]C[0])" data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":9}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">9</td><td data-sheets-formula="=sum(R[-11]C[0]:R[-1]C[0])" data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":4}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">4</td><td data-sheets-formula="=sum(R[-11]C[0]:R[-1]C[0])" data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":5}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">5</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
These battalions could be task-organized with divisional SBCTs and IBCTs when needed, to provide heavy armor.<br />
<br />
When not needed, they can be left at home.<br />
<br />
A total of 5 new tank battalions would greatly increase the offensive capability of these Stryker- and Infantry-based divisions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />B.Smittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12650152449414871058noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86690637957968368.post-66912887291747899092018-01-06T12:09:00.001-05:002020-07-04T14:49:35.352-04:00New Family of Missiles for the Infantry<h2>
Rationale </h2>
Man-portable and vehicle-mounted Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) have shown value across the combat spectrum. Even in conflicts without significant armor threats, these missiles have been used as long-range bunker busters and anti-personnel munitions. Uday and Qusay Hussein reportedly died in their house under an intense TOW barrage.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5e/TOW_uday_qusay_house.png/220px-TOW_uday_qusay_house.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="220" height="417" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5e/TOW_uday_qusay_house.png/220px-TOW_uday_qusay_house.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uday and Qusay Hussein's house under attack by TOW missiles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
ATGMs also form the cornerstone of anti-armor capabilities for light and medium units, and significantly enhance the anti-armor firepower of heavy units.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Background</h2>
<br />
The US Army has been stuck in a missile rut for some time now. After the failures of EFOG-M and Netfires/NLOS-LS, the Army appears content to produce minor updates to Javelin and TOW anti-tank missiles.<br />
<br />
However other countries, notably Israel, have moved on in dramatic fashion.<br />
<br />
The Rafael Spike family of missiles has expanded to include five distinct variants.<br />
<h3>
Mini-Spike</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/OpeyxSw.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="590" height="304" src="https://imgur.com/OpeyxSw.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rafael Mini-Spike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i.imgur.com/PZsgTF0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://i.imgur.com/PZsgTF0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini-Spike launcher and missile tubes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Designed to be carried and operated by one soldier, with another carrying reloads, this missile was designed to attack light structures and personnel. A HEAT warhead could be developed to defeat light armor. With a range of up to 1,200m, Mini-Spike could have been an interesting "guided RPG-7". Development was discontinued.<br />
<h3>
Spike SR</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbdlyMGqjI8/VwoSU3y608I/AAAAAAABPZw/i_CEcgGRTQQkMkimSL9aflZcK8usUbE8wCCo/s800-Ic42/Spike-SR-ATGM-wf-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="700" height="358" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbdlyMGqjI8/VwoSU3y608I/AAAAAAABPZw/i_CEcgGRTQQkMkimSL9aflZcK8usUbE8wCCo/s800-Ic42/Spike-SR-ATGM-wf-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spike SR</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Spike SR was designed to supplant or replace unguided, disposable munitions like the AT-4. With a range of 1,500m and a light, semi-disposable CLU, it can be issued as a unit of ammunition to any personnel, rather than just to dedicated anti-tank personnel. It uses IR-based, Fire-and-Forget guidance, with a direct-attack, tandem, HEAT warhead (~105mm diameter). It's direct-attack mode probably means it will have difficulty penetrating the thickest armor of the most capable MBTs out there, but side and rear attacks should be very lethal. <br />
<br />
Think of it as a 1.5km-range, fire-and-forget, RPG-29.<br />
<h3>
Spike MR/LR</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/86/SPIKE_ATGM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="600" height="408" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/86/SPIKE_ATGM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spike MR/LR launcher plus missile mockup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Spike MR is roughly equivalent to the US Javelin missile.<br />
<br />
Spike LR uses the same missile as Spike MR but adds a fiber optic cable to permit "Lock On After Launch" (LOAL) and "Fire-Observe-Update" targeting modes, in addition to Fire-and-Forget. Both use a top-attack profile to defeat MBT frontal armor.<br />
<br />
The Spike MR/LR CLU is heavier than the latest Javelin CLU, but includes a tripod.<br />
<br />
A new version, Spike LR2, increases its range to 5.5km (ground launched), 10k (air launched), adds improved IR and daytime seekers, a multi-purpose warhead option, an RF datalink option, and networked remote missile handoff. <br />
<h3>
Spike ER</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/09/Euro-Spike_ER_Helsinki_2012_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/09/Euro-Spike_ER_Helsinki_2012_3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spike ER launcher</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Spike ER is the TOW-sized variant in the Spike lineup. However, it has nearly twice the range of TOW (8km vs ~4.5km for TOW-2 Aero) and the same LOAL/Fire-and-Forget/Fire-Observe-Update targeting modes of Spike LR, due to its fiber-optic cable. The missile itself is somewhat larger and heavier than TOW. It has both anti-structure and anti-armor warheads and uses a top-attack profile to defeat MBT frontal armor.<br />
<h3>
Spike NLOS</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i1.wp.com/defense-update.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SPIKE_NLOS800.jpg?resize=696%2C409" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="696" height="376" src="https://i1.wp.com/defense-update.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SPIKE_NLOS800.jpg?resize=696%2C409" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spike NLOS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Spike NLOS is a 25km range anti-armor/anti-structure missile with the same flexible targeting modes as Spike ER and Spike LR, but uses an RF datalink instead of fiber-optics. In theory, this means it's more susceptible to jamming and RF interference, but in practice it's unclear how problematic this is. Advanced antenna designs and signal processing can improve resistance to jamming significantly. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All of the missiles above, with the exception of Mini-Spike, are in production and in use around the world. </div>
<div>
</div>
<h2>
Proposal #1 - <b>Guided Light Anti-Armor Weapons (GLAWs)</b></h2>
Develop a new family of man-portable missile (Guided Light Anti-Armor Weapons - GLAWs). All would use a mix of guidance options to hit specific price points and capabilities. These might include,<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Predicted Line of Sight (PLOS - from Predator SRAW)</li>
<li>RF-command guidance (SACLOS, preferably TOW 2-compatible), </li>
<li>IIR/EO with LOAL/Fire-and-Forget/Fire-Observe-Update options.</li>
</ol>
All GLAWs would interface with an improved Javelin CLU as well as a common, very light, semi-disposable CLU using cell phone camera technology.<br />
<br />
The family includes a Light, Medium, and Heavy weapon.<br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" dir="ltr" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; font-family: arial,sans,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; table-layout: fixed; width: 0px;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><colgroup><col width="177"></col><col width="143"></col><col width="141"></col><col width="137"></col></colgroup><tbody>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"GLAW Variants"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom;">GLAW Variants</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Light"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom;">Light</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Medium"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom;">Medium</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Heavy"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom;">Heavy</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 34px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Supplements/Supplants"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">Supplements/Supplants</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"M72 LAW"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">M72 LAW</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"AT-4/8, MAAWs, Urban Assault Weapon"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">AT-4/8, MAAWs, Urban Assault Weapon</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Predator SRAW"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">Predator SRAW</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Diameter (mm)"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">Diameter (mm)</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":70}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">70</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":90}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">90</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":140}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">105-140</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"AUR Weight (kg)"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">AUR Weight (kg)</td><td data-sheets-numberformat="{"1":5,"2":"m-d","3":1}" data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":43135}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">2-4</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"~8"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">~8</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"~10"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">~10</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Range (m)"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">Range (m)</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":">600"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">>600 (PLOS/SACLOS)<br />
1500m IIR</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":">1000"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">1500 </td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":">1000"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">1500</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Guidance*"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">Guidance*</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"PLOS/SACLOS"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">PLOS/SACLOS/IIR</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"PLOS/SACLOS"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">PLOS/SACLOS/IIR</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"PLOS/SACLOS"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">PLOS/SACLOS/IIR</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Soft-Launch"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">Soft-Launch</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Yes"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">Yes</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Yes"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">Yes</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Yes"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">Yes</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Warheads"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">Warheads</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"HE, HEAT, ASM"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">HE, HEAT, ASM</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"HEDP, Tandem HEAT, ASM "}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">HEDP, Tandem HEAT, ASM </td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Tandem HEAT, Bunker Buster, Top Attack"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">Tandem HEAT, Bunker Buster, Top Attack</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Penetration (mm RHAe)"}" style="font-weight: bold; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">Penetration (mm RHAe)</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":">300"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">>300</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":">600"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">>600</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":">1000 (HEAT) or Top Attack"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom; word-wrap: break-word;">>1000 (HEAT) or Top Attack</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"* PLOS - Predicted Line-of-Sight, SACLOS - RF Semi-Active Command Line-Of-Sight"}" style="border-right-color: transparent; overflow: visible; padding: 2px 0px; vertical-align: bottom;"><div style="left: 3px; overflow: hidden; position: relative; white-space: nowrap; width: 596px;">
<div style="float: left;">
* PLOS - Predicted Line-of-Sight, SACLOS - RF Semi-Active Command Line-Of-Sight</div>
</div>
</td><td style="border-right-color: transparent; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="border-right-color: transparent; overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
All GLAWs can be fired without the CLU using PLOS-only guidance, or with the CLU with PLOS or SACLOS guidance.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
These weapons would supplant MAAWS, AT4 and lighter LAW rockets. One could argue Javelin covers the requirement for the large weapon, but it is a very expensive munition, and requires an expensive CLU. Javelin systems are only issued two or three CLUs per company.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, GLAW can be issued down to the squad, fire-team level, and has a wide variety of effects, including anti-tank, and anti-structure.<br />
<br />
In addition to man-portability, GLAW is a useful addition to light vehicle armament.<br />
<br />
A multi-round, GLAW box launcher can be built for CROWS Remote Weapon Stations on Strykers and other vehicles to give them a multi-shot, intermediate-range, anti-bunker, anti-armor punch.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-MOIllszySiI-Ng1SgXLClRXL1erBg0p2o8VywlLPzIU9XfqvUX-LUgat7HPju6xYHA3CGs5Of_4wCa66-_Q8Q3bPzch-11clnCuyjxPFQ2w3MoxQobxFxhmqL69ZFW8EigwG2ogAfw/s1600/Mini+Typhoon+gun+missile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="267" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-MOIllszySiI-Ng1SgXLClRXL1erBg0p2o8VywlLPzIU9XfqvUX-LUgat7HPju6xYHA3CGs5Of_4wCa66-_Q8Q3bPzch-11clnCuyjxPFQ2w3MoxQobxFxhmqL69ZFW8EigwG2ogAfw/s400/Mini+Typhoon+gun+missile.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini-Typhoon RWS with Spike missiles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ideally the box launcher would support combinations of small, medium and large missiles and/or Javelin LR (e.g. 4 x small and 1 x large/Javelin).<br />
<h2>
<b>Proposal #2 - Javelin LR</b></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/ff/Army-fgm148.jpg/1200px-Army-fgm148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="800" height="456" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/ff/Army-fgm148.jpg/1200px-Army-fgm148.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Javelin launch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
Enhance the existing Javelin CLU to fire an updated missile with a fiber optic cable for LOAL/Fire-Observe-Update guidance, and increased range. Add ability to fire GLAWs from the Javelin CLU.<br />
<br />
Javelin has already demonstrated an enhanced, 4km range using the existing CLU and missile, so 4-5km should be the goal for Javelin LR.<br />
<h2>
<b>Proposal #3 - TOW ER</b></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.army-technology.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/09/tow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="450" height="640" src="https://www.army-technology.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/09/tow2.jpg" width="618" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TOW missile family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
Develop a new missile that fits in the existing TOW missile tube, to be fired from an enhanced version of the existing TOW CLU. This missile would add a fiber-optic cable to permit the Spike LR/ER guidance modes, and top attack capability. If possible, add the ability to fire GLAWs as well from the new CLU. Ideally the new CLU would retain the ability to launch existing TOW missiles.<br />
<h2>
Proposal #4 - JAGM NLOS</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XgO2olz18xM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XgO2olz18xM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">JAGM is meant to eventually replace Hellfire in US service, but apparently won't bring a large increase in effective range, at least not Increment 1. It appears to be closer to the MDBA Brimstone missile, using combined MMW and SAL guidance. </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i.imgur.com/yQ9k2AD.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://i.imgur.com/yQ9k2AD.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
Perhaps an Increment 2/3/4 variant could use larger wings, and an IIR/SAL seeker, combined with an RF datalink to provide a missile with similar capabilities to Spike NLOS. A ground-based, vertically launched system might give us a cheaper version of the ill-fated NLOS PAM. Forget the fancy networking extreme range for now. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9a/NLOS-LS_missile_test_launch_from_truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="796" height="544" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9a/NLOS-LS_missile_test_launch_from_truck.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NLOS PAM test launch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<h2>
<a name='more'></a>Conclusion</h2>
</div>
<div>
Without a high-end, near peer threat, US military ground forces have allowed their man- and vehicle-portable missile systems to languish. The Israeli Spike family of missiles from Rafael shows us a way forward, using proven technologies. We've spent the past decade shaking off the foolish wastefulness of "Transformationalism". How about a little "Incrementalism" instead.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
B.Smittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12650152449414871058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86690637957968368.post-59163810070417443412016-12-22T13:40:00.003-05:002020-09-03T11:16:28.097-04:00Pimp My IBCT<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyowm0u7dizjKiXedzqBm1G8ZGkRR0BA-lbbI0NL0lZgqiNE0SNSa27qdCRZHw4PNFuJwgghvEHkl1j-AQAsAJaFT2Nj9KQ57bDQ_AQ8gt1y64fQIUE2YdFW54mBJNeN5vUXbhRi-Tx7YS/s1600/oshkosh-matv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyowm0u7dizjKiXedzqBm1G8ZGkRR0BA-lbbI0NL0lZgqiNE0SNSa27qdCRZHw4PNFuJwgghvEHkl1j-AQAsAJaFT2Nj9KQ57bDQ_AQ8gt1y64fQIUE2YdFW54mBJNeN5vUXbhRi-Tx7YS/s400/oshkosh-matv.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Oshkosh M-ATV with Objective Gunner Protection Kit (OGPK)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA) recently conducted multi-think tank exercise entitled "<a href="http://csbaonline.org/research/publications/how-much-is-enough-alternative-defense-strategies">HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH? ALTERNATIVE DEFENSE STRATEGIES</a>".<br />
<br />
In it, they enlisted the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), the CATO Institute, Center for a New American Security (CNAS), and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) to weigh in on alternative strategies and force structures for the US Military.<br />
<br />
Each team presented a set of force level changes for each service, and the CSBA compared them to the current baseline plan. <br />
<br />
For the Army, most teams significantly cut the number of Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs) in the force model. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Most also increased the number of heavy ABCTs, reflecting their renewed emphasis on conventional conflicts. <br />
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However, if we look at the resulting structures, IBCTs still comprise a significant portion (9-12 IBCTs out of ~30 total) of the overall Army force model. <br />
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So I got to thinking, what can we do to make these units more strategically relevant? <br />
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<h2>
Capabilities and Limitations</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FM 3-21.21 - THE STRYKER BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM
INFANTRY BATTALION </td></tr>
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As seen in red, IBCTs are primarily foot-mobile. They have a limited number of vehicles, primarily for movement of heavy weapons, logistics, and equipment. They also have far less protection and firepower than SBCTs or ABCTs. <br />
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So how do we improve this, without eliminating the benefits of strategic deployability and without breaking the bank?<br />
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
Proposal</h2>
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<div>
The IBCT's limits are primarily in tactical mobility, protection and firepower.</div>
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<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Tactical Mobility and Protection</h3>
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During the wars in Afghanistan we produced a large number of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs). Eventually we settled on the Oshkosh M-ATV as our primary MRAP, producing over 8,700 for the various services. <br />
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With the wind-down of these wars, many of these vehicles are being sent back to Oshkosh for reset and upgrades. The Army alone intends to keep over 5,600.<br />
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Oshkosh has continued to produce new models, including Ambulance, Mortar and Assault variants.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oshkosh M-ATV variants</td></tr>
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As part of the refurbishment/reset process, let's take the M-ATVs we have and convert them to a set of vehicles suitable for permanent issuance to some or all of the non-airborne IBCTs. <br />
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Convert some of our current short wheel base variants to the long wheel base Assault, Ambulance and Mortar vehicles. This would obvious require a more extensive rework, but since most of the components are the same, it should be significantly cheaper than buying new vehicles. <br />
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The Assault variant can serve as the IBCT's wheeled APC. Call it an M-APC (MRAP Armored Personnel Carrier).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://oshkoshdefense.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/M-ATV-Assault-Product-Sheet-5-3-2016.pdf">M-ATV Assault</a></td></tr>
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Yes, M-APCs will be less mobile and and less well protected from direct fire than a Stryker or Bradley, but we aren't trying to duplicate the SBCT. We're trying to improve the firepower, protection and mobility of the existing IBCTs at a much lower cost. <br />
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The IBCT battalion organization can morph to something more like the SBCT battalions, with the Weapons Company providing drivers and gunners for the M-APCs.<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Firepower</h3>
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Each M-APC can carry an Objective Gunner Protection Kit (OGPK) turret, housing up to three weapons.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OGPK</td></tr>
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<div>
These weapons can include a .50 cal M2 machine gun, a 40mm Mk19 Grenade Launcher, or a 7.62mm M240 machine gun. There's even a variant that can carry a TOW missile launcher.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GPK with TOW and secondary armament</td></tr>
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The addition of up to 14 x .50 cal and Mk19 grenade launchers per IBCT company greatly improves its firepower over just a handful of M240s and 60mm mortars. <br />
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M-ATV Mortar variants can carry 120mm or 81mm mortars, to supplement the hand-carried 60mm mortars.<br />
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Additional Javelin launchers can be carried to provide anti-armor capabilities.<br />
<h3>
Strategic Mobility </h3>
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Clearly, adding a bunch of 14-16.7 metric ton vehicles to the IBCT will reduce its strategic deployability... assuming you bring along the unit's <i>organic </i>vehicles.</div>
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However, given the number of M-ATVs we <i>already own</i>, we can produce <i>additional</i> IBCT sets relatively inexpensively, and preposition them around the world. Buy a number of RoRo-style Maritime Preposition Ships to house and store these "extra" IBCT sets. These MSC-operated vessels are relatively inexpensive to buy or lease.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/mv-point-image01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="700" height="385" src="https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/mv-point-image01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M/V Craigside</td></tr>
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The IBCTs can train at home with their organic equipment set. When it's time to deploy, they can rapidly move via airlift without vehicles, and fall in on an IBCT vehicle set delivered to a local, friendly port via pre-positioned RoRo.</div>
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Each SBCT requires around 330 Strykers. Assuming the same number of M-ATVs are required per IBCT, we could convert the planned stock of 5,600 M-ATVs into up to 16 IBCT sets.</div>
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If we convert half of the baseline IBCTs (seven out of 14) to this new organization, we could convert/purchase an additional seven IBCT sets to preposition near potential hotspots around the world. </div>
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The remaining seven IBCTs can maintain their "lightness" and/or airborne qualifications for those rare situations where we actually need an "LBCT". </div>
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B.Smittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12650152449414871058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86690637957968368.post-59232961678714498852016-12-13T14:34:00.002-05:002019-03-16T11:57:52.506-04:00On Phasers and Photon Torpedoes<h2 style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/memoryalpha/images/9/99/USS_Enterprise_fires_photon_torpedo.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/1000?cb=20130204211452&path-prefix=en" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/memoryalpha/images/9/99/USS_Enterprise_fires_photon_torpedo.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/1000?cb=20130204211452&path-prefix=en" width="400" /></a></div>
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Multiple, recent papers from the Navy think tank community<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=86690637957968368#1" name="top1"><sup>1</sup></a> has espoused the benefits of solid state lasers (SSLs), electromagnetic rail guns and hyper velocity projectiles (HVPs) to increase the magazine depth of Navy ships when defending against cruise and ballistic missile strikes. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Laser Weapon System aboard USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) in November 2014 (05).JPG" height="266" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/02/Laser_Weapon_System_aboard_USS_Ponce_%28AFSB%28I%29-15%29_in_November_2014_%2805%29.JPG/300px-Laser_Weapon_System_aboard_USS_Ponce_%28AFSB%28I%29-15%29_in_November_2014_%2805%29.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LaWS on Ponce</td></tr>
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However none of these technologies has come close to shooting down even simulated cruise missiles. At best SSLs have shot down small, light weight UAVs. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZTnezvM9gh2LqtipgiGMV4fFMA8Gbw5gzcxbjsO9KuGc0cx3V0IzY19oj8NtXWui79HXNxp0t-RX5XhF27VMWwwhNGali9pfOlfRPLJuKCewYZvw7_-h19pK5SjQWxb8s0-gLnq5tto/s640/HPVtable.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BAE HVP</td></tr>
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Current HVP programs haven't even done this. They are still heavily in the research phase. <br />
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The one exception is the OTO Melara Strales/DART program, which appears to be far closer to production. However, it is purely a Close-in Weapon System (CIWS) replacement. It's unclear to me how many successful tests of this system have occurred. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for strales dart" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuiUSkOFPbpfEQSqfOIqYrHucoWWdRH927_4HgueajC9E0gcdCybAQxOQq1Z3PrMIg-0RfYgpLCj6cSB8_jA2WRMe2fMzUE20ySYuX6MBx8kYm4Y8XoQRhLmU5VHmKg-GZnS-cbpYcjY/s640/76dart-01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OTO Melara Strales 76mm gun</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for strales dart" 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" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OTO Melara DART munition</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Before we "bet the farm" on the transformational power of SSLs and HVPs to allow our ships to penetrate the peer A2/AD zone, maybe we should ask them to shoot down a few representative threats first. And then do so under operational conditions, with multiple inbounds and inclement weather. </div>
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Until then, they're just science fiction.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for phasers pew pew" 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" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="1"><b>1</b></a></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="1" style="font-size: small;"><b> "</b></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">Navy Lasers, Railgun, and Hypervelocity Projectile: Background and Issues for Congress", https://fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/R44175.pdf.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">"</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">WINNING THE SALVO COMPETITION: </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">REBALANCING AMERICA’S </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">AIR AND MISSILE DEFENSES", </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://csbaonline.org/uploads/documents/CSBA6173-PGM2_Report_WEB_2.pdf</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=86690637957968368#top1" style="font-size: small;"><sup>↩</sup></a>B.Smittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12650152449414871058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86690637957968368.post-63275522353664351462011-01-20T16:17:00.000-05:002011-01-20T16:17:14.804-05:00Have to start somewhereYes, nothing here yet. Time and a general lack of unique content has prevented me from posting anything.B.Smittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12650152449414871058noreply@blogger.com0