Royal Australian Navy Discussions and Updates

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Volkodav

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
AFAIK SM-6 doesn't need any illumination equipment so once you have the target track that's all you need to take a shot. It would mean sacrificing three ESSM's in the VLS though.



Again AFAIK CEAFAR and AUSPAR are not the same class (happy to stand corrected here). CEAFAR is lightweight and intended to be used on frigates and corvettes, AUSPAR is an AN/SPY-1D replacement and is intended for use on much heaver ships. I doubt we would see AUSPAR on an ANZAC class.



Not sure about the Merlin AEW's radar but I doubt Seaking could generate a firing solution as it's a 2D system IIRC. In any case you could achieve an OHR shot with any data from an off-board sensor, it just needs to be able to generate a track. Wedgetail would be perfect for this but so would other surface combatants.
Don't want SMs of any type on an ANZAC, they don't have the stability reserves for it. What I was thinking about was for the ANZAC replacements that are meant to be significantly larger ships with a large stike length VLS.

If CEAFAR was upto the job I was going to suggest only some of the ANZACs be upgraded with the replacement program being brought forward to allow the retirement of the un-upgraded hulls. Buy the same number of systems, just migrate some of them to new, more suitable hulls.
 

Ozzy Blizzard

New Member
SM-6 although possessing an active seeker, also has mid-course guidance and terminal command guidance modes from the legacy SM-2 capability as well. That active seeker can't compare to the FCR guidance capability inherent in AEGIS class vessels. Like AMRAAM, from which it's seeker is derived, I can see SM-6 only going active in the very last stages of flight.
I guess one would need some method of providing mid course updates to the missile in flight much like the AMRAAM? Not sure whether CEAFAR is capable of doing that? That may be a constraint in deploying the SM-6 on the ANZAC class even if it could use off board cuing data for a firing solution.

Given that SM-6 equipped ships won't be operating alone, they'll be operating in a force package it would make sense if CEC were added to CEAFAR / CEA-MOUNT equipped vessels to allow them to provide this sort of guidance at OTH ranges from the SM-6 launch vessel.

Such a setup would allow the AWD to minimise the number of ESSM it was carrying and thus maximise the SM-6 loadout given it's VLS constraints with the frigates providing the bulk of the ASMD capability for the deployment force.
It should also significantly increase the lethality of the ANZAC's ESSM load. Nifty idea...

Yep, I have no doubt the future frigate will have the ability to launch and command SM-6 as well as ESSM + developments. Wedgetail too apparently is intended to gain CEC, it would be nice if the ASMD upgraded ANZAC's could gain this capability too, but that may be a step too far for them...
Given the massive increase in capability the AWD represents it may indeed be a bridge to far; i.e. why bother? Shame though.

Volkodav said:
Don't want SMs of any type on an ANZAC, they don't have the stability reserves for it.
I agree, though I would have thought a quad packed ESSM would be getting close to the weight of a single SM-6.

What I was thinking about was for the ANZAC replacements that are meant to be significantly larger ships with a large stike length VLS.
ANZAC II's are really destroyer sized vessels and probably going to be based on a vessel which already sails with the AN/SPY-1D. So the larger and more powerful AUSPAR would definitely be more appropriate.

IIRC the ANZAC class is equipped with a strike length MK 41 VLS.

If CEAFAR was upto the job I was going to suggest only some of the ANZACs be upgraded with the replacement program being brought forward to allow the retirement of the un-upgraded hulls. Buy the same number of systems, just migrate some of them to new, more suitable hulls.
Given the fact that the ANZAC's replacements are actually a different class of vessel and much more capable I doubt CEAFAR is going to be adequate. Hopefully they'll end up being a non-AEGIS Hobart with a domestic search radar.
 

Volkodav

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
I agree, though I would have thought a quad packed ESSM would be getting close to the weight of a single SM-6.

ANZAC II's are really destroyer sized vessels and probably going to be based on a vessel which already sails with the AN/SPY-1D. So the larger and more powerful AUSPAR would definitely be more appropriate.

IIRC the ANZAC class is equipped with a strike length MK 41 VLS.

Given the fact that the ANZAC's replacements are actually a different class of vessel and much more capable I doubt CEAFAR is going to be adequate. Hopefully they'll end up being a non-AEGIS Hobart with a domestic search radar.
My issue is with the number of cells, in current configuration the ANZACs have a single 8 cell strike length VLS, this equates to 32 quadpacked ESSM or 8 of something bigger. At the end of the day though current stability margins probably limit the ANZACs to a single 8 cell VLS and even if that could be addressed the design only includes space for a second 8 cell VLS. This means the maximum load out of SM-6 on an ANZAC would be 16, hardly worth the effort. Using the Extensible Launcher, RAM Block II and Nulka could be included in the mix which probably would be a better use for an additional 8 cells.

On the ANZAC replacement being a non AEGIS Hobart, I just can't see it happening. To gain an advantage in following on from the Hobarts the design would have to already be well underway, it is not, so sadly IMHO the timing just does not work.

With the gap between the Hobarts and the ANZAC replacements it would rather make more sense to develop / adopt a new design using more recent proven inovations, such as all electric propulsion, regenerative gas turbines etc. This is not to say that some level of commonality couldn't be obtained, possibly through retro-fitting some of the new design systems to the Hobarts during various upgrade through their lives.
 

ADMk2

Just a bloke
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
I guess one would need some method of providing mid course updates to the missile in flight much like the AMRAAM? Not sure whether CEAFAR is capable of doing that? That may be a constraint in deploying the SM-6 on the ANZAC class even if it could use off board cuing data for a firing solution.
One would indeed, command mid-course guidance isn't possible without it...

:D

Both SM-2 AND ESSM have 2 way RF comms links (transmit and receive) and although ESSM uses different frequencies to SM-2 so that commands aren't transmitted to the wrong weapons when multiple weapons are in the air simultaneously, I'm certain it wouldn't be technically difficult to add command mid-course guidance capability for SM-2 (if they don't already have it... ;) ) and eventually for SM-6 to the ANZAC Class...

Of course it may be costly and probably even unnecessary if CEC were present. The data from the ANZAC Class's sensors would be handed off to the AWD through CEC and the comms links are satellite based for extended range engagements anyway...

Here's a link to more of this stuff anyway. (See what I did there?) :D

http://tinyurl.com/3p6mg5u

Given the massive increase in capability the AWD represents it may indeed be a bridge to far; i.e. why bother? Shame though.
To maximise the defensive "bubble" with the ships spread out in theatre. Wedgetails won't be circling overhead constantly afterall... ANZAC's won't be capable of carying their own SM-2/6 weapons true, but that doesn't mean they can't provide data from their sensors that the AWD can make use of...

Given the fact that the ANZAC's replacements are actually a different class of vessel and much more capable I doubt CEAFAR is going to be adequate. Hopefully they'll end up being a non-AEGIS Hobart with a domestic search radar.
That seems to be RAN's intention, much of the focus of the "Future Frigate" (FF) is it's anti-submarine capability, but just like the AWD with it's " Air Defence" focus in literature, it seems as if the FF will in reality have an extremely strong multi-role capability.

It will just be called an "anti-submarine" frigate for political correctness reasons...
 

ADMk2

Just a bloke
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
My issue is with the number of cells, in current configuration the ANZACs have a single 8 cell strike length VLS, this equates to 32 quadpacked ESSM or 8 of something bigger. At the end of the day though current stability margins probably limit the ANZACs to a single 8 cell VLS and even if that could be addressed the design only includes space for a second 8 cell VLS. This means the maximum load out of SM-6 on an ANZAC would be 16, hardly worth the effort. Using the Extensible Launcher, RAM Block II and Nulka could be included in the mix which probably would be a better use for an additional 8 cells.
With RAM and Nulka each having their own dedicated launch systems, why would you want to tie up your precious Mk 41 cells when they are at a premium anyway?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3466187224_5571e42398.jpg

As above, the current dedicated VLS for Nulka seems to do the business very well.
 

Volkodav

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
With RAM and Nulka each having their own dedicated launch systems, why would you want to tie up your precious Mk 41 cells when they are at a premium anyway?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3466187224_5571e42398.jpg

As above, the current dedicated VLS for Nulka seems to do the business very well.
Mine is not to reason why RAM Block II or additional Nulka may be desired only to point out that should additional VLS cells find their way on to an ANZAC the Extensible Launcher increases the options of what could be used to fill them in addition to the current 32 ESSM.

Actually if an ANZAC was heading to a high threat environment additional Nulka and an additional air defence layer could well be quite justified. It just increases the options for a given platform.
 

ADMk2

Just a bloke
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
Mine is not to reason why RAM Block II or additional Nulka may be desired only to point out that should additional VLS cells find their way on to an ANZAC the Extensible Launcher increases the options of what could be used to fill them in addition to the current 32 ESSM.

Actually if an ANZAC was heading to a high threat environment additional Nulka and an additional air defence layer could well be quite justified. It just increases the options for a given platform.
True, but I can't for the life of me see why you'd opt for RAM when you could just as easily put more ESSM into an ANZAC IF it had the margin for an additional 8x cell Mk41 VLS system.

I can't see RAM offering more air defence capability than ESSM and whilst more Nulka might be desirable, the existing launcher installation is pretty compact and as they "swing out" and launch the Nulka rocket over the side, I can't see clearance issues being too great and therefore why more of those launchers couldn't be fairly easily installed on the ship.

I know L-M have created the extensible launcher option. I know that no-one has picked it up yet either...
 

Volkodav

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
True, but I can't for the life of me see why you'd opt for RAM when you could just as easily put more ESSM into an ANZAC IF it had the margin for an additional 8x cell Mk41 VLS system.

I can't see RAM offering more air defence capability than ESSM and whilst more Nulka might be desirable, the existing launcher installation is pretty compact and as they "swing out" and launch the Nulka rocket over the side, I can't see clearance issues being too great and therefore why more of those launchers couldn't be fairly easily installed on the ship.

I know L-M have created the extensible launcher option. I know that no-one has picked it up yet either...
True, the real potential of the Extensible Launcher is probably in integrating other weapon types, maybe a VLS version of what ever ends up replacing Hellfire etc. Also makes more sense when looking at the low end of town as well, the LCS or our proposed OCVs, it would give a lot of mission specific load out options for a ship with a limited number of cells.

Where it would help also is where top weight and / or stealth were issues.
 

SASWanabe

Member
Given the fact that the ANZAC's replacements are actually a different class of vessel and much more capable I doubt CEAFAR is going to be adequate. Hopefully they'll end up being a non-AEGIS Hobart with a domestic search radar.
my understanding was that the plan was to use AEGIS but swap out SPY with AUSPAR i think someone on here might of said it.
 

Volkodav

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
my understanding was that the plan was to use AEGIS but swap out SPY with AUSPAR i think someone on here might of said it.
Abe mentioned that it had been suggested, not sure at what level though. Just remember, just because something makes sense doesnt mean its going to happen.

A good guide on the likelyhood of it happening would be if the USN goes down the Northrop Grumman AUSPAR based path for the Flight III Burkes.

There was also speculation that AUSPAR maybe a midlife update option for the Hobarts
 

Abraham Gubler

Defense Professional
Verified Defense Pro
Abe mentioned that it had been suggested, not sure at what level though. Just remember, just because something makes sense doesnt mean its going to happen.

A good guide on the likelyhood of it happening would be if the USN goes down the Northrop Grumman AUSPAR based path for the Flight III Burkes.

There was also speculation that AUSPAR maybe a midlife update option for the Hobarts
AUSPAR is considered as a long term option for mid life upgrade of the Hobarts to replace the SPY-1 radars (also to over AEGIS platforms which is why the USN is funding it). As to the level it was suggested to me it was from the then AWD systems project manager (RAN CDRE). The exact term was "we will see these radars on the ships during their lifetime." But its not something that is likely before 2020-30ish. The space and weight savings of such a change would be huge, as well as capability.
 

Kirkzzy

New Member
Facts that still seem to be beyond the comprehension of most journo's :(

On the Record - Department of Defence

Good to see Griggs giving them a bit back, served with him when he was a 2 ringer on the JB as Nav and he was a "spade is a spade" no bullshit sort of guy then, hope he continues this line to expose some of these people for the true fools they are
I was about to have another rant on the Australian, but luckily Defence saved me the rouble... bloody sensationalist murdoch press.
 

Volkodav

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
I was about to have another rant on the Australian, but luckily Defence saved me the rouble... bloody sensationalist murdoch press.
The Collins Class submarines are a political football that was used to make Kim Beazley look incompetent and unsuitable to be PM. The truth of the matter is we have a highly capable piece of kit that, along with its operators, maintainers and builders has been unfairly criticised for political and other reasons. I would go so far as to suggest that the politicisation of the submarine project has had a very real and adverse effect on the RANs submarine capability.

The media talked Mitsubishi’s local production into the ground and is now proceeding down the same path with Ford, local submarine building is another victim of the irrational knockers who seem to glory in “proving” their assertion that Australia can’t build anything.
 

Kirkzzy

New Member
The Collins Class submarines are a political football that was used to make Kim Beazley look incompetent and unsuitable to be PM. The truth of the matter is we have a highly capable piece of kit that, along with its operators, maintainers and builders has been unfairly criticised for political and other reasons. I would go so far as to suggest that the politicisation of the submarine project has had a very real and adverse effect on the RANs submarine capability.

The media talked Mitsubishi’s local production into the ground and is now proceeding down the same path with Ford, local submarine building is another victim of the irrational knockers who seem to glory in “proving” their assertion that Australia can’t build anything.
News Limited are "fair and balanced" always reporting the truth and nothing but the truth!
 

icelord

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
Apologies to all for going off topic. I have a question regarding HMAS Dechaineux.
Did she participate in a recent FPDA exercise or did she have to head for home from Singapore after experiencing technical problems? There have been a number of conflicting reports on her participation, so I decide to pose the question here.

Also, is the info on this 2010 article accurate, as it mentions that 2 of the 6 boats had not been to sea for 2 years.

Reputation of Collins class subs takes a further dive
i can answer that as i happened to be up there for Bersama(lima or shield i kept mixing them up and getting in shite:rolleyes:)

She made it to Singapore straits, had issues onboard(what and where is not for here) and stayed alongside for 2 weeks then went back to FBW.
Navy news did a story about how it was hunting the ships participating, even though it was on its way home, and copped a lotta flak from HQ for it.

We had to cancel alot of ASW excercises, although i got money there were subs out there though not ours...
 
Re CEAFAR/CEAMOUNT

Probably worth at this point to remind that it's a modular "tile based" system. So the size of the radar on the ANZACs has been specifically scaled to fit the capabilities of the ESSM. It's a big concept change from traditional radars. That's why CEA is touting it as "from corvettes to cruisers" as it is abled to be scaled to suit the platform/mission.

Northrop Grumman is already advertising a smaller version:

http://www.es.northropgrumman.com/solutions/minor-vessel-radar/assets/ceafar_mwvr.pdf
 

Ozzy Blizzard

New Member
Re CEAFAR/CEAMOUNT

Probably worth at this point to remind that it's a modular "tile based" system. So the size of the radar on the ANZACs has been specifically scaled to fit the capabilities of the ESSM. It's a big concept change from traditional radars. That's why CEA is touting it as "from corvettes to cruisers" as it is abled to be scaled to suit the platform/mission.

Northrop Grumman is already advertising a smaller version:

http://www.es.northropgrumman.com/solutions/minor-vessel-radar/assets/ceafar_mwvr.pdf
The issue with CEA FAR is (AFAIK) its power output per T/R module. Even if you upscaled the system by installing more "tile's" it still wouldn't be competitive with SPY-1D. That's why AUSPAR is in development.
 
The issue with CEA FAR is (AFAIK) its power output per T/R module. Even if you upscaled the system by installing more "tile's" it still wouldn't be competitive with SPY-1D. That's why AUSPAR is in development.
That's correct. It's not simply a scalable issue. But given that the SPY-1 is a first gen and CEAFAR is a fourth gen aesa the two technologies are quite different. The AMDR program will attempt to achieve a 4th gen radar for US ships.
 

StingrayOZ

Super Moderator
Staff member
CEAFAR is designed around ESSM for frigates. While being tile based means it is configurable that doesn't mean its the only way to be enhanced, by adding more tiles.

Designing it for Sm-2/6 etc would see a increase in area as well as an increase in power per area.

The other advantage is being tile based you can position the radar possibly across a ship. Radar positioning has always caused problems with ships...

Sometimes they fall off..

[ame="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41311545@N05/5863111409/page2/"]Flickr@@AMEPARAM@@http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5305/5863111409_580c8c5067_m.jpg@@AMEPARAM@@5863111409@@AMEPARAM@@580c8c5067[/ame]
 
CEAFAR is designed around ESSM for frigates. While being tile based means it is configurable that doesn't mean its the only way to be enhanced, by adding more tiles.

Designing it for Sm-2/6 etc would see a increase in area as well as an increase in power per area.

The other advantage is being tile based you can position the radar possibly across a ship. Radar positioning has always caused problems with ships...

Sometimes they fall off..

Flickr
The problem CEA has now is breaking their customers out of legacy ideas and thinking about who to use a modular system. SingrayOZ makes a good point, a distributed radar system would be an interesting idea. I was impressed by CEA's stand at LWC where they had the current ASMD CEAFAR system on the back of a bushmaster (in images). Nailing an on-the-move Air Defence/CRAM system would be a considerable achievement.
 
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