Naval Missile Thread

[dimsum]

This image is floating around and as I pointed out on X, there doesn’t seem to be a pilot or wso visible. Of course, they could be short pilots but I doubt it.
The 4 missiles appear to be SM6 modified for air launch and is designated AIM 174B by the USN.

I suppose next will be an F35B or C with similar configuration, or a drone.

VX-9 F/A-18F Spotted With Heavy Air-to-Air Load of AIM-174s and AIM-120s

The U.S. Navy is continuing to test the new AIM-174B missile, derived from the SM-6, aboard the Super Hornet, with a VX-9 jet carrying four AIM-174s,

theaviationist.com

It’s real, and the site has links to other Rhinos with AIM-174Bs. One was spotted at RIMPAC in the summer.

First Images Emerge Of U.S. Navy Super Hornet Carrying Two Air-Launched SM-6 Missiles

The two missiles sport the designation XAIM-174B (or NAIM-174B) and were carried by Super Hornets belonging to the VFA-2 and VFA-192 taking part in RIMPAC

theaviationist.com

U.S. Navy Confirms SM-6 Air Launched Configuration is 'Operationally Deployed'

The SM-6 Air Launched Configuration (ALC), known by its official designation as the AIM-174, is the longest range air-to-air missile ever fielded by the U.S. Navy.

www.navalnews.com

 

[SeaKingTacco]

This image is floating around and as I pointed out on X, there doesn’t seem to be a pilot or wso visible. Of course, they could be short pilots but I doubt it.
The 4 missiles appear to be SM6 modified for air launch and is designated AIM 174B by the USN.

I suppose next will be an F35B or C with similar configuration, or a drone.

The pilot and nfo are visible. Their white helmets are visible in the cockpit.

 

[Cloud Cover]

VX-9 F/A-18F Spotted With Heavy Air-to-Air Load of AIM-174s and AIM-120s

The U.S. Navy is continuing to test the new AIM-174B missile, derived from the SM-6, aboard the Super Hornet, with a VX-9 jet carrying four AIM-174s,

theaviationist.com

It’s real, and the site has links to other Rhinos with AIM-174Bs. One was spotted at RIMPAC in the summer.

First Images Emerge Of U.S. Navy Super Hornet Carrying Two Air-Launched SM-6 Missiles

The two missiles sport the designation XAIM-174B (or NAIM-174B) and were carried by Super Hornets belonging to the VFA-2 and VFA-192 taking part in RIMPAC

theaviationist.com

U.S. Navy Confirms SM-6 Air Launched Configuration is 'Operationally Deployed'

The SM-6 Air Launched Configuration (ALC), known by its official designation as the AIM-174, is the longest range air-to-air missile ever fielded by the U.S. Navy.

www.navalnews.com

Thanks!

 

[Cloud Cover]

The pilot and nfo are visible. Their white helmets are visible in the cockpit.

Long term side effects of DEI exposure … I can see right through the whiteness.

 

[Underway]

I was think on my drive today that ship launched ASM might be more a defensive weapon then an offensive one. Any ship launching an ASM probably is going to eat one coming back the other way. So really you're just protecting yourself by threatening retaliation.

I suppose if you can get targeting info from offboard you can leverage stealth and range. But really naval strike needs to be done by aircraft. They can get the salvo densities to overwhelm defences and the range using a high low attack profile to avoid being shot down.

 

[Cloud Cover]

Not a missile but holy smokes!!!! KDX III Batch 2 bow sonar compartment is yuuuuuge. Can smuggle a Hyundai dealership that space.

 

[KevinB]

I was think on my drive today that ship launched ASM might be more a defensive weapon then an offensive one. Any ship launching an ASM probably is going to eat one coming back the other way. So really you're just protecting yourself by threatening retaliation.

I suppose if you can get targeting info from offboard you can leverage stealth and range. But really naval strike needs to be done by aircraft. They can get the salvo densities to overwhelm defences and the range using a high low attack profile to avoid being shot down.

1) Have a faster, longer range missile, with better sensors, and a bunch of them.

2) Have a lot of intercept capabilities, many many more than the enemy has ASM’s

3) Fight folks that don’t have #1 and 2 above.

 

[Lumber]

I was think on my drive today that ship launched ASM might be more a defensive weapon then an offensive one. Any ship launching an ASM probably is going to eat one coming back the other way. So really you're just protecting yourself by threatening retaliation.

I suppose if you can get targeting info from offboard you can leverage stealth and range. But really naval strike needs to be done by aircraft. They can get the salvo densities to overwhelm defences and the range using a high low attack profile to avoid being shot down.

I agree and disagree.

ASMs are meant for OTH. OTHT requires a TRU. If you don't have a TRU, your extended range means squat. Unfortunately, I have no idea what kind of TDL our adversaries use, what its capabilities are, how prolific it is among different elements, etc. However, what I can say is that we have one, and it's robust. Further, we have the ability to degrade the enemies use of TRUs and TDLs in many different ways. If you can't see us coming, and we can see you OTH, then ships don't need aircraft to conduct the engagement, they can sneak in and do it themselves.

 

[Cloud Cover]

Updated PLAN 051B DDG

Note twin Type 79 Dual 100 mm guns forward and the unique SSM layout for 16 YJ-13 AShM.

Assuming everything on this ship works as advertised, it has some punch!

 

[Underway]

Updated PLAN 051B DDG

Note twin Type 79 Dual 100 mm guns forward and the unique SSM layout for 16 YJ-13 AShM.

Assuming everything on this ship works as advertised, it has some punch!

Twin guns, rocking the old school look.

I agree and disagree.

ASMs are meant for OTH. OTHT requires a TRU. If you don't have a TRU, your extended range means squat. Unfortunately, I have no idea what kind of TDL our adversaries use, what its capabilities are, how prolific it is among different elements, etc. However, what I can say is that we have one, and it's robust. Further, we have the ability to degrade the enemies use of TRUs and TDLs in many different ways. If you can't see us coming, and we can see you OTH, then ships don't need aircraft to conduct the engagement, they can sneak in and do it themselves.

TRU - Target Reporting Unit. I assume for those who don't speak navy

TDL - tactical data link. Whatever any ship sees, all ships see as they share contact information

 

[daftandbarmy]

I was think on my drive today that ship launched ASM might be more a defensive weapon then an offensive one. Any ship launching an ASM probably is going to eat one coming back the other way. So really you're just protecting yourself by threatening retaliation.

I suppose if you can get targeting info from offboard you can leverage stealth and range. But really naval strike needs to be done by aircraft. They can get the salvo densities to overwhelm defences and the range using a high low attack profile to avoid being shot down.

Why the focus on short range pea shooters. What if we had a naval air arm to, you know, protect and project?

 

[Underway]

Why the focus on short range pea shooters. What if we had a naval air arm to, you know, protect and project?

Reading up on the Australian Sea/Air Gap doctrine I think that we are missing a critical component in the defence of Canada.

Is the RCAF actually armed for naval strike? Is that even a mission that is assigned to them? I'm pretty sure they aren't. And we certainly don't have the Electronic Attack capabilities to properly pull that off.

For continental naval strike you need:
F-35's (can carry 4 JSM external or 2 JSM internal).
TRU (Reaper, P8)
Electronic attack (Alpha Jet is to old and outdated, so we probably need a Compass Call, Growlers or better yet MQ-9B type drone with the Growler EW pods attached)
P8's can carry 6 JSM or better yet 4 LRASM's (which are quite good).

You combine all these into a nice stew. TRU tracks targets, links out info. F-35's get close enough to launch JSM from high to low attack profile for increase range, P8's launch LRASM's from further away with a similar time on target. At appropriate time EA platform jams TDL, Radars and other sensors/comms on enemy fleet. Missiles go in and search for the high value units (all of these missiles use IR signature recognition software).

Bad guys explode a lot as their response is hindered by overload of missiles and EW in coordination.

Assuming 12 F35's, and 4 P8's that's a strike package of 48 JSM and 16 LRASM's, which isn't a crazy amount but is something that will likely get through most Chinese TG air defences to hit important things.

Should the airforce be assigned naval strike as a mission, what would they need. For starters probably the right ordinance and training (and perhaps more F-35's as the current numbers don't account for that mission set).

 

[Colin Parkinson]

A hotel guide for the regions they will be based at? But seriously, ASM are generally big missiles, so the stealth bit of the F35 is likley to be compromised. I also suspect that the RCAF will look to the USN/USAF for either the mission itself or guidance on how to do it. My WAG is the RCAF would offer to fly cover for the Allied aircraft conducting the mission.

 

[Underway]

A hotel guide for the regions they will be based at?

Japan, Korea, Canada, Alaska, Guam?

Just Tom Clancy-ing this scenario.

This is perhaps an arctic engagement or North Pacific engagement. Say Russia or China are causing problems, their fishing fleets request help after Turbot War 2: Electric Boogaloo starts. Situation escalates and we need to take action.

But seriously, ASM are generally big missiles, so the stealth bit of the F35 is likley to be compromised. I also suspect that the RCAF will look to the USN/USAF for either the mission itself or guidance on how to do it. My WAG is the RCAF would offer to fly cover for the Allied aircraft conducting the mission.

There of course should be assigned fighter escorts for the strike package.

2xJSM fit internally to F35. If you are doing a high missile launch profile that also means you're going to probably be seen either way IF the enemy are using their radar. The other options are low launch and that means much closer ranges are needed, but you can launch beyond the horizon still. If there is an AEW aircraft or assets this might be harder to do.

JSM and LRASM are very stealthy missiles themselves, so even if the launch is detected its hard to find and shoot them down.

 

[Colin Parkinson]

Aussie navy news about reloading 3 different navies.

https://www.navynewspaper.defence.gov.au/navy-news/october-10-2024/flipbook/2/

 

[Underway]

Warship aborts missile test mid-flight off California

A Harpoon Block II missile was lost at sea after it was fired from the Canadian vessel HMCS Regina.

www.newsweek.com

Kinda burying the lead on this one. They shot successfully later. No shame in range safety.

 

[SeaKingTacco]

It was a telemetry warhead, not a warshot.

US range- US rules. Missile loses telemetry, it gets ditched.

 

[Lumber]

Warship aborts missile test mid-flight off California

A Harpoon Block II missile was lost at sea after it was fired from the Canadian vessel HMCS Regina.

www.newsweek.com

Kinda burying the lead on this one. They shot successfully later. No shame in range safety.

I... was not aware that they installed the flight termination kit on those...

 

[Oldgateboatdriver]

The article makes it sound like it was Range Control that terminated the flight. Perhaps they all have the kit but only the Americans have the codes and transmitters to terminate.

 

[Lumber]

The article makes it sound like it was Range Control that terminated the flight. Perhaps they all have the kit but only the Americans have the codes and transmitters to terminate.

I mean the statement is nebulous. Range control terminating the flight could just as easily mean ordering the ship to activate the flight termination systems. I mean, I guess it could be there, but I was aboard OTT for the Harpoon strike test off Point Mague back in 2018, and no one mentioned a flight termination system being installed on the exercise missiles. I suppose it could have been there and I didn't know, I just really feel like given my role there, I would likely have known about it.