Convoy battle in the Gulf of Aden

[TLAM Strike]

Originally Posted by Skybird

And what speaks against a speeboat stopping for short or at least going slow and firing a Stinger against that helicopter?

As well as a decent light ATGM or RPG. Some RPGs reach out for a maximum of 800m. Even the majority of RPG firing at 150-300 meters already are a lethal threat to a ship. Imagine such a projectile imploding on the bridge, or penetrating the turret magazine, a weapons stands, or just the hull in front of the engine room. We know that modern RPGs have taken out Abrams in Iraq from diverse angles. If the sea is calm enough that a trained person can handle a sextant, you certainly can train a person to get off an RPG shot as well.

Well a helicopter can stay out of MANPAD range if it encounters suspicious small craft. The MH-60Rs have a FLIR turret with sufficient range to spot such vessels, also drones can provide early detection of suspicious boats well out of sight of a gunner on their deck.

Simple solution to the RPG problem, in time of war shoot any ship that approaches within 1,000 meters, that's within range of a M61 20mm cannon. An air burst 5in shell would also be devastating miles away- with a drone providing targeting small craft could be engaged well beyond their weapon's range.