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Originally Posted by LuftWolf
This is a really interesting expert position statement for those of you interested in discussions along this line.
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Interesting read. But I take any of this with a grain of salt. Norman Polmar says there has been virtually no "front-end" innovations in American submarines. That's actually quite laughable. The U.S. has been improving Mk-48 ADCAP technology non-stop. It is one of the best, if not the best torpedo in the world. I wonder what Norman would have to say about the guidance and control Mods and torpedo propulsion mods that have been added through multiple block versions. What about the improved performance in Software Block 3? What about the Block 4 that added significant capabilities in software algorithms and enhanced other electronics. What about the technologies being incorporated into CBASS? I hear there are plans into Block 7 to begin developing a new generation torpedo? "No innovation" ?!?!
That is just........ignorant.
Look at the Tomahawk Block 1's as compared to what Tomahawk is now with the Tactical Tomahawk. Tomahawks can now be used as loitering recon vehicles, can re-target, has capabilities to carry high-energy weapons to fry land or ship based electronics. And Tomahawk now has jamming and incredibly low RCS for survivability. And not just improvements in weapons. Everywhere you look, there are continual improvements in acoustic quieting and sensor upgrades in American subs as well.
All in all, this speech by Polmar looks to be old (1997?). The same kind of overblown 'fright' speeches were being made in regards to keeping funding alive for F-22/ F-35 programs as well. I think Polmar just wants to assure that the U.S. sub force doesn't lose the edge. For that he should be commended. But I'm not willing to believe that things are so dire, especially when the evidence points the other way.
Sea Demon