GWS27 funded?

[zen]

What happens if the GWS27 version of Sea Wolf was funded and implemented onto the Type 23 Frigates?
Critically the AESA part of this.

 

[zen]

To quote from the thread on Sea Dart and Sea Wolf...

Information on GWS.27:

• Replacement of each 911 with a phased array "under consideration"
• Each array covers 90 degrees, and is steered and elevated on a fitting closely resembling the existing 911 base
• Marconi proposal for the new tracker has an "office" below the tracker approx 1/4 the area of the 911 office
• Phased array in this case is a square array slightly larger than the circular guidance radar component on 911
• Tracker to provide initial guidance data, missile to then lock on active homing head and engage the target
• Tracker would then be released for the next engagement
• Stated to be in "pre feasibility studies"

Source:

Edwards, R J (Lt-Cdr, RN), "Seawolf SITREP", Journal of Naval Engineering, Vol. 30, No. 1

 

[zen]

So from that, we can see that GWS 27 with the phased array sets would greatly extend the capabilities of Sea Wolf to cope with Soviet saturation attacks.

To my mind the next step is fixed AESA sets.

 

[zen]

Had another thought on the phased array system in a mount. Would seem ideal for the ATF concept, in that if one such array is knocked out the other can still function to provide near complete coverage, albeit with obvious limitations on handling incoming attackers from widely differing angles.


Fixed sets, if taken out just create holes in director coverage.

 

[zen]

The more I muse on this, the more I start to think pursing Active Sea Wolf and AESA replacing the 911s opens up the potential to develop a much longer ranged weapon using this technology.

In essence an alternative to PAAMS.

 

[zen]

So critical question.....

In developing a ;Long Wolf' variant, how would one go about it?

Either produce a much larger booster that flies the weapon out at far greater ranges...possibly this might need a more thermally proof weapon made of higher temp materials.

OR

repackadge the systems in a larger missile.

 

[Grey Havoc]

So critical question.....

In developing a ;Long Wolf' variant, how would one go about it?

Either produce a much larger booster that flies the weapon out at far greater ranges...possibly this might need a more thermally proof weapon made of higher temp materials.

OR

repackadge the systems in a larger missile.

You could look at redesigning the missile to incorporate air-augmentation, as used in the Soviet Gnom ICBM. In other words, use a VRD (vertical air-augmented engine).

 

[zen]

Would'nt that be both difficult, complex and potentially offer little or no weight reduction compared to a straight rocket driven missile for the sort of ranges we're likely to try to develop a SAM for?

In the context of the times this would be pursued as a alternative to NAAWS or FAMS. So we'd be talking of ranges similar to ESSM or Aster-30.