Diversified submarine weapon suite a systems engineering approach

Abstract

This thesis presents the conceptual design of a submarine weapon system using systems engineering methods and analysis. In order to ensure mission success and submarine survivability a weapons system is required that is capable of engaging targets across the range of threats. The development of this system is demonstrated by deriving system requirements from high-level stakeholders, developing alternative designs that meet these requirements, and selecting the alternative that delivers the greatest performance. The analysis of alternatives employs a dynamic method of allocation, allowing input based on the threat priorities and estimated weapon performance as well as weapon size. Alternative suites of weapons are then assigned to the constrained space aboard the submarine platform. After evaluating alternatives, the resulting system design, which reflects the highest performance among the alternatives, demonstrates the conceptual design that can be expected to show the greatest contribution to mission success and platform survivability. The resulting design includes the continued use of heavyweight torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles, supplemented by Harpoon antiship missiles and AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles. The methodology used to arrive at this conceptual design for a submarine weapons system can be applied to a wide range of conditions in order to make informed decisions regarding future development.