Dilandu
I'm dissatisfied, which means, I exist.
Just a thought, but how hard it would be to "navalize" the MIM-23 HAWK surface-to-air missile system for shipboard use?
While "navalizing" the land-based SAM generally isn't a good idea, HAWK seems to be a rather fine candidate for this role. It's basic version (fielded in 1959) is roughly the same size, weight, and finspan as basic RIM-24 Tartar missile (deployed in 1962), but have almost twice more range and better aerodynamic control. Most importantly - it could function in forward-deployed mode, with "minimal" battery composed only of HPIR fire control radar (in this mode used as search radar also), one M192 launcher, generator unit and AFFC console (Assault Fire Command Console - a compact fire control station that allowed manual control).
The forward-deployed mode - originally designed to provide SAM cover for amphibious landing beachheads - seems to be quite suitable for shipborne deployment. It is relatively compact and could be installed even on small warships, providing them with short-to-medium range air defense. Essentially what would need to be done:
* A stabilized mount for HPIR fire control radar (water-proofed)
* A new launcher - box-type or coffin-type - to store the missile sealed inside (to avoid the need to moist-proof the missile)
* An interface system to allow the direct link between ship search radar and AFFC console
So the idea is to use a naval-HAWK as sort of "bolt-on" system, that could be easily installed on smaller ships - that could not carry full-size Tartar system due to size and weight limitations, like FRAM destroyers - in relatively short time, to provide them both self-defense and (limited) area defense capability.
While "navalizing" the land-based SAM generally isn't a good idea, HAWK seems to be a rather fine candidate for this role. It's basic version (fielded in 1959) is roughly the same size, weight, and finspan as basic RIM-24 Tartar missile (deployed in 1962), but have almost twice more range and better aerodynamic control. Most importantly - it could function in forward-deployed mode, with "minimal" battery composed only of HPIR fire control radar (in this mode used as search radar also), one M192 launcher, generator unit and AFFC console (Assault Fire Command Console - a compact fire control station that allowed manual control).
The forward-deployed mode - originally designed to provide SAM cover for amphibious landing beachheads - seems to be quite suitable for shipborne deployment. It is relatively compact and could be installed even on small warships, providing them with short-to-medium range air defense. Essentially what would need to be done:
* A stabilized mount for HPIR fire control radar (water-proofed)
* A new launcher - box-type or coffin-type - to store the missile sealed inside (to avoid the need to moist-proof the missile)
* An interface system to allow the direct link between ship search radar and AFFC console
So the idea is to use a naval-HAWK as sort of "bolt-on" system, that could be easily installed on smaller ships - that could not carry full-size Tartar system due to size and weight limitations, like FRAM destroyers - in relatively short time, to provide them both self-defense and (limited) area defense capability.
