11 cells with SeaRam doesn’t seem enough these days, especially against a swarm. 1 on each side, like the Hunter would be better.
Royal Australian Navy Discussions and Updates 2.0
- Thread starter OPSSG
- Start date
Could always go for the mk49 launcher rather than the SeaRAM. Upgrades to 21 rather than the 11.
It comes with the loss of the independent radar though.
In regards to RAM launchers on the Hunter, these units need a clear missile exhaust vent pathway. If they sit where the Phalanx units are intended, then this might be difficult as they will vent straight into the main funnel and intake plenums.
Last edited:
Swarms of drones or missiles will no doubt come from multiple angles/sides, having 2 independent SeaRam with 11 cells would be better than 1x21 cell mk49 imo. Think we might see even smaller SeaRam systems in the future with ships having multiple launchers, possibly connected to 1 radar dome.
Last edited:
iambuzzard
Well-Known Member
Has any consideration been given to having both Phalanx and SeaRAM/RAM fitted at the same time. In a Hail Mary situation with a swarm attack of drones you would want multiple redundancies. Look at the Italian ships. While you're reloading one you're firing the other. ESSM/RAM missiles are expensive so gun options must be in the mix. Also directed energy weapons. It's better to be an echinda than a hairless cat.
I feel navy will watch what army does with regards to defending against the small drove type threat.
Could be that interceptor drones become an additional hard kill layer employed across the fleet.
RAN ships do sail close to coastlines
Cheers S
Agree
I'm thinking guns align with the bulk of the land defence strategy, with systems such as the EOS slinger and Skyranger. A ship's own 127mm and smaller remote weapons stations match this approach.
High energy microwave systems like the Leonidas Epirus seem to be capable mass defence systems that are getting more attention. These use ASEA radar panels, so a Mogami, Hunter (or ANZAC for that matter) should be able to use their own radars as an equivalent. Still short ranged, 5km is a good outcome.
While drones can be hardened (and probably will over time) this adds a lot to the cost, so it limits the enemy's ability to mass produce.
Drones seem best to allow them to get close and use low cost short ranged systems to destroy.
The dual or quad Mistral 3 comes to mind.
Quick question re the 50 cal employed by Navy.
What are the advantages / disadvantages re hand operated versus remote control.
Id speculate a remote control gun maybe more accurate but no doubt more expensive and labour intensive.
I’d appreciate some feedback.
Cheers S
What are the advantages / disadvantages re hand operated versus remote control.
Id speculate a remote control gun maybe more accurate but no doubt more expensive and labour intensive.
I’d appreciate some feedback.
Cheers S
50 cals; reaction time and target prioritisation. They are operated from the Ops Room by the team on watch and can take control information from the ship’s sensors, so they don’t require some poor sod on the upper deck on a headset - two actually, as there is normally a gunner an a supervisor. They are available all the time whereas for the manual operated weapon you first need to tip the poor sods out of their bunks. They are more expensive to acquire of course. They are also only fitted to the Anzacs SFAIK; other MFUs have 25mm in their Typhoon mounts.
Given we only have 36/48 mk41 cells and the risk of drone swarms why wouldn’t the RAN use the MK49 Sea Ram with 21 cells? I still see a role for both Sea Ram and Phalanx. Why not keep both?
Thanks Spoz
Certainly see some merit of one over the other.
I believe there’s a bit to clean and maintain on a RCWS.
That said is one superior to the other for accuracy.
Cheers S
devo99
Well-Known Member
THE WHAT??
iambuzzard
Well-Known Member
That's what I asked. Layer the defences.
iambuzzard
Well-Known Member
Mogami crews wear wrist based trackers so their movements in the ship are known at all times. Useful in an emergency during combat.