Analysis of How to Rapidly Bring Hypersonic Missile Capability to the Surface Fleet
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Authors
Paulo, Eugene P.
Beery, Paul T.
Porter, Wayne
Subjects
hypervelocity missile
hypervelocity missile ship launch platform
hypervelocity missile ship launch platform
Advisors
Date of Issue
2021
Date
2021
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School.
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School.
Language
en_US
Abstract
The development and deployment of hypersonic missiles is a major priority for the U.S. Armed Forces. While the Navy is conducting ongoing testing of its version of the hypersonic missile, there is a need to examine alternative launch methods for these missiles from existing surface ships in the near future. The ability to successfully deploy and launch hypersonic anti-ship missiles, as well as potentially anti-surface missiles in support of land forces, could provide significant advantage to joint forces, particularly in the Pacific region. Multiple navy surface ship platforms will be considered, as will the mix of operational missions being conducted, and the potential variety of ships that make up the operational task force. From these platforms, we will examine the development of alternate launching systems, as hypersonic missiles may not be compatible with existing launching systems like the MK-41 and MK-57 vertical launch systems (VLS). Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), Expeditionary Fast Transports (EPF), and amphibious ships have weight and space to dedicate to hypersonic missiles, but no system to launch them. Among other potential launching systems, we will consider the feasibility of crane-launching hypersonic missiles, as the missile exhausts over the water and not the ship and is easily adapted to accommodate missiles not compatible with existing launchers. Our study will analyze suitability of existing cranes on these ship classes, as well as associated magazines and handling gear. If missile size exceeds EPF and LCS crane capability, study should recommend required crane specifications.
Type
Report
Description
NPS NRP Executive Summary
Series/Report No
Department
Systems Engineering
Organization
Naval Research Program (NRP)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC)
U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF)
U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF)
Funder
This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrp
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO)
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO)
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.