AIM-9X eyed as sub-launched SAM

The interesting part about this is the lock-on after launch capability. If they could get rid of the requirement for a rail launch (probably already done aswell for this application), couldn’t this technology be used to make SRAAM launches from the F-22 more stealthy (open the bay, kick the missile out and close it again within minimum time)? The SRAAM launchers are powered anyway, to extend the missiles out of the bay, right?

The Polyphem-S missile had a sub launch variant under consideration, called the Triton. Cancelled if I remember correctly.

it will be bad for a SSN to kill a helo and advertise its position if other helos or ships are close nearby. useful if its cornered and out of sea room to escape.

the next gen of LRMP a/c will not be flying low in the water but at 15-20kft. they were testing a guided capsule that descends to a setpoint and release a torpedo.

That still leaves helicopters though and if you destroy one it’s still going to take a finite amount of time for the next one to get to your location. Not to mention that AIM-9X’s range would make the 2nd helicoter keep a wide berth as they won’t know where the in-range circle is.

it will be bad for a SSN to kill a helo and advertise its position if other helos or ships are close nearby. useful if its cornered and out of sea room to escape.

the next gen of LRMP a/c will not be flying low in the water but at 15-20kft. they were testing a guided capsule that descends to a setpoint and release a torpedo.

Submarine Launched SAM

Vickers of the UK developed a Sub SAM system that was tested in 1972 and at least one navy (Israel) had put it into service by 1978. The system was known as SLAM (Submarine Launched Air Missile) and was based on the Shorts Blowpipe MANPAS. The system had a 6 round launcher, TV Tracker and Command Link Transmitter that was fitted on a gyro stabilized platform fitted on a hydraulically extended mast which was housed in a pressure vessel within the conning tower when not in use. The launcher was slaved to the Attack Periscope and when the target was sighted with periscope, the system operator then tracked the target with the Launcher TV System and fired a missile (This broke the slaving of the periscope and launcher and allowed the TV tracker to follow the target using a rate memory system). The operater then used a joystick to steer the missile on to the target (Like the normal land launched Blowpipe). I don’t know if the system was ever upgraded to a SACLOS mode of operation like when Blowpipe was developed into the Javelin.

Successful Test of an AIM-9X Missile from Submarine Raytheon Company Tue, 7 Feb 2006, 22:58

TEWKSBURY: A Raytheon-led team successfully launched an AIM-9X from a stationary, vertical platform last November. The missile successfully locked on after launch and hit its target in a test of its potential launch from a submarine. The test was conducted for the Naval Sea Systems Command at the U.S. Army’s McGregor Test Range in New Mexico Nov. 19, 2005. A successful test firing matures the technology that will provide the Navy with a new capability when the Joint Battlespace is near the coast at a fraction of the cost of developing a new weapon system. The new system is an existing launch capability married to a proven weapon fired from a submarine at periscope depth. “This is very exciting,” said Dan Smith, president of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems. “In partnering with the Navy and Northrop Grumman, our team has been able to take an already proven off-the-shelf weapon, make software modifications, use existing launch technology, and give the combatant commander another option in the coastal Joint Battlespace. “The implications of this first phase test are far-reaching. It provides the Navy with a low-cost solution with a high-impact capability in its approach to littoral warfare without having to go through a costly and lengthy R&D process.” Mark Russell, vice president of Raytheon IDS engineering, said that the recent test launch also represents a significant step toward enabling the submarine force to strike targets with surprise from shallower coastal waters. Now, in addition to MK-48 torpedo and the Tomahawk cruise missile, submarine forces will have the option of another weapon system making them a more versatile player in the integrated battlespace. “Successfully demonstrating the AIM-9X lock-on-after-launch mode from a vertical orientation launch is a major step toward providing our submariners with an unprecedented offensive and defensive capability,” said Brock McCaman, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems Air-to-Air Product Line. “It’s another example of the tactical flexibility of this proven weapon system.” “This test is the first step toward an AIM-9X missile being launched vertically from a submarine,” said John Cochran, the Raytheon IDS program manager. “Ultimately, the missile will be encased in a launch capsule. When the capsule broaches the surface, the missile will launch and then acquire and engage its target.” For this test, the missile was launched from a stationary, vertically- oriented U.S. Army XM-85 Chaparral launcher. The AIM-9X missile successfully acquired and destroyed a slow moving helicopter drone target with a direct hit. AIM-9X missiles are normally launched from fighter aircraft. “This non-traditional launch of the AIM-9X provides the submarine force with an important element toward having the capability to strike enemy patrol aircraft, helicopters, and high speed patrol boats,” said Eldon Vita, the Missile Subsystem program manager for Raytheon Missile Systems. “It provides combatant commanders with another option in support of interdiction, special operations, battlespace preparation, forced entry, anti-access, and area denial.” The test is part of a multi-year risk retirement program that may lead to full scale development. In addition to testing upgraded missile guidance and target acquisition software, the firing demonstrated the potential for underwater vertical launch from a capsule and the missile’s ability to quickly reach stable flight when starting from a stationary platform. Based in Tewksbury, Mass., Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon’s leader in Joint Battlespace Integration. With a strong international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and the U.S. armed forces, Integrated Defense Systems provides a wide spectrum of integrated air and missile defense and naval and maritime warfighting solutions. Raytheon Company, with 2005 sales of $21.9 billion, is an industry leader in defense and government electronics, space, information technology, technical services, and business and special mission aircraft. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 80,000 people worldwide.

Raython release.

Several Soviet/Russian subs are reported to have been fitted with SA-16 SAMs. Descriptions vary from use by divers that surface with the weapons, aquire the targets and fire (targets generally being helos or low flying MPAs) or more sophisticated sensors on a mast that is above water determining targets and then a climb of the sub to clear the conning tower of the water, a launch and then a dive of the sub to escape the area.

There were suggestions of SAM mines during the cold war that were to be deployed by special forces troops near the end of military runways, either in bushes or in trees. These mines were protected by anti personel mines and camouflaged. These SAM mines were basically Strela or Igla type MANPADS that were guided by engine noise. As long as the noise got louder and louder they did nothing. As long as it got to a certain volume (equating to roughly in range) if it started to get quieter the weapon would be fired and directed to fly toward the sound of the now departing target.
Such a setup in the open ocean might work quite well against a helo or MPA.

That was his first book, they do get better. Anyway I thought Nimitz Class was decent. Not earth-shattering, but decent.

Eeeeek I read his nimitz class book and I found it horrible…

Anyone else read HMS Unseen by Patrick Robinson? I always thought SAMs on a sub might be an intriguing idea myself.

I wonder if it’s a copy of an article they ran in Jane’s Defense Weekly. They referred to it as “Sea Snake” (No not Vandal before anybody asks) and that they could put up to FORTY of them in a Virginia’s sail. Wouldn’t THAT be a rude surprise in the Taiwan strait?