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Originally Posted by LoBlo
For those too lazy to read the link, its basically a successful test of a new vertically launched SAM that is hoped to eventually be equipped on Subs. Its one step closer to subs being able to finally defend itself against ASW aircraft when desperate measures are needed.
"I'm sorry, but were you trying to hunt me with your sonobuoys? KABLOOOOOM!!!!"   |
You know... it's funny you should bring this up. I was talking to a coworker about this the other day. It seems that the past four wars have seriously depleted the US stores of tomahawk cruise missiles. While they're rebuilding the inventory, a lot of people have been trying to figure out ways to sell stuff to fit in those empty VLS tubes, considering that right now, they're often just filled with ballast.
One of the things they have been trying to sell is a verticle launch, encapsulated AIM-9X. The thing is, nobody is quite sure what they'd really do with it. So... things being what they are, the funded R&D of it as a possible new weapon system (the Navy is all about new toys), but it lacks CONOPS. The concensus in the submarine community is that depth is their best defense against aircraft. So, they're thinking all kinds of weird things, "uhm.... air defense for SOF? uhm... outer air battle?" Who knows? Personally, I think it'll be a neat PowerPoint slide, but nothing will actually reach the fleet.