Australian Army Discussions and Updates

old faithful

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
This is why I am a fan of Typhon.

It is literally an erectable Mk-41 on a trailer.

So long as you have agnostic systems the sky is the limit to what you can integrate. Theoretically quad packed ESSM, ExLS and anything integrated with that. Dual packed PAC 3?

Same missile stocks as the RAN as well as commonality with the RAAF going forward.

We need Swiss Army Knife systems, not bespoke.

It will also cause serious issues for any aggressor because they won't know what each battery is packing. Is it SM-6, Tomahawk, or maybe hypersonic. Networked SM-3 could also be an option, a deployable ABM capability.
This system sounds by far the most practical solution. Now if the ADF does adopt it, I really hope it's not like 6 units....it needs to be in meaningful numbers.
Now the containers....questions.
Could the containers be fixed to existing ships if extra capacity is needed? I'm thinking the Hunter class multi-purpose bays?
 

SammyC

Well-Known Member
This system sounds by far the most practical solution. Now if the ADF does adopt it, I really hope it's not like 6 units....it needs to be in meaningful numbers.
Now the containers....questions.
Could the containers be fixed to existing ships if extra capacity is needed? I'm thinking the Hunter class multi-purpose bays?
Just to clarify the mk70 was the original concept. It was designed to plumb into existing ship combat management systems and power, so it minimises the additional infrastructure required for electricity, control and sensing. It relies very heavily on modern systems like virtual Aegis and parent ship sensors. So call it a light pack. If it's put on say an LCS it still needs a nearby AB to control it.

The Typhon took this stripped down system, added a control package and radar, included a portable genset and fuel supply, and put it on a semi trailer such that it could be fully mobile on land. I should note it also requires an accommodation caravan for upwards of 100 people. So it's the full requirement for independent operation anywhere.

Given how a mk70 opens up to fire, it needs unencumbered space above it. I would suggest it is something strapped to a helo deck rather than inside a multi purpose bay.

Herein is the problem with it in the maritime environment. It comes at the expense of a helo capability. My personal view is that is too much to give up.

The Typhon seems to be finding a niche market, but it is still a logistical beast to move around.

I haven't seen the cost comparison, but I wonder how Typhon compares against Aegis Ashore for a fixed base installation. The Japanese budgeted about US$4.3B for two units.
 
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seaspear

Well-Known Member
One question are the trailer mounted/or container systems able to be swapped/replenished at sea ? these are different of course to reloading VLS tubes. Speartooth might be deployable from the Hunter class multi purpose bays it would be interesting to know the type of payload being considered for this
 

StevoJH

The Bunker Group
One issue with Typhon on a ship would have to be the low missile density that it has.

Each 40 foot container only has 4 VLS cells.
 

Volkodav

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
One issue with Typhon on a ship would have to be the low missile density that it has.

Each 40 foot container only has 4 VLS cells.
I hate to say it, but they would be an option for the Arafuras.

They don't have a hangar and can't operate a Romeo so not a big loss as we don't actually gave a UAV for them either.

The other thing is light and medium optionally crewed vessels.

They could be used in conjunction with or instead of, BAEs Adaptable Launching System on PB and Corvette sized vessels churned out by Austal, ships too small for a VLS.
 
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