Distributed surface force

Abstract

Large naval surface combatants are potentially held at risk by adversarial anti-access aerial denial (A2AD) weapon systems. To mitigate that risk we propose a distributed surface force concept, which relies on a cost-effective small surface combatant (SSC) capable of augmenting current forces in the 2025–2030 timeframe. We show that dispensing offensive and defensive power onto numerous smaller platforms has several advantages, including a more resilient force structure, greater number of ships, and fiscal cost savings. After employing the systems engineering process tailored to the problem to understand requirements and alternatives, a single mission SSC adapted to anti-surface warfare (ASUW) emerged as the solution. The SSC is conceptually employed in an armada composed of existing naval forces, which provide a protective shield against a multi-threat enemy force. The Armada is nominally composed of Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, Littoral Combat Ships and SSCs. The SSC’As capabilities include eight anti-ship cruise missiles with a range of 90 nautical miles, speed greater than 25 knots, and organic detection and classification range of at least 60 nautical miles.