With the continuing issues with the SPY 3/4 dual band radars on the USS Ford, the Navy has decided to use the SPY-6(3) system on the next Ford class carriers, CVN-79, 80, 81. This system’s description is that there are 3, 9’ x 9’ flat panels. All of the photos I’ve seen online show the front with the SPY-6(3) antenna in the lower spot where the SPY-4 was and nothing on the upper panel. The USC-38(V) antenna has moved to the front at the lower right of the flat panel where the SPY-3 was.
What I’m trying to find are more recent pictures of the rear - I’ve seen one picture that seems to show the other 2 SPY-6(3) panels are located on the lower rear panels of the island, but the last picture I’ve found don’t show the completed island.
Any idea where I could search for a current picture of CVN-79 that shows a more finished island?
Also, since the the change in radars, there is some discussion as too whether the Mk95 fire control radar system is needed for the Sea Sparrows, or does the SPY-6 handle that as well
Raytheon web page isn’t really helpful. Any ideas
Thanks
SPY-6 (V)3, 9 RMA’s (Radar Modular Assemblies) per face, 3x3, each RMA two by two foot.
The SPY-6 won’t be able to do the terminal guidance for the ESSM’s (Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles), as they need X-band guidance while the SPY is S-band. The SPY 3/4 were X-band experiments of the USN but abandoned. However, as the ESSM from Blk 2 upwards will have active seekers, essentially no terminal guidance will be required, and the S-band midcourse should do.
That’s essentially google-knowledge with some technical background…anything else/beyond is up to speculation…
It appears that full implementation of the semi-autonomous Sea Sparrow may be delayed
While eventually the central radar set will be able to control the missiles, CVN-79 and CVN-80 will have the four Mk-95 Illuminators for missile guidance
At least one source said the Navy is considering replacing all of the CIWS units on the carriers with more RAM missiles batteries. The rationale is that the RAM battery could deal with multiple incoming missiles better than the gun system-fire missiles in two directions
Internet Open Source - USS Nimitz Aircraft Carrier Deploys With Powerful New Infrared Sensor System
"The Mk 95 directors are used to provide radar illumination for the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow and RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow (ESSM). The latest ESSM Block II does not rely on external radar directors, but it hasn’t found its way on America’s supercarriers due to weight compatibility issues with the existing Mk 29 armored box launchers on these ships. "
So the carriers might be sticking with the Mk95 for a while…
Could be that the ESSM Blk 2 will be restricted to the Mk41 VLS, so the Mk95 might be around as long as the Mk29 launchers are.
Personal assumption is that RAM (possibly in combination with the Mk38 mod 4, even though they are entirely different systems) might replace CIWIS (Phalanx) entirely during the next couple of years, end of this decade…
While I see articles and such about high energy weapons systems, either lasers or “rail” electromagnetic guns, Except for a couple of trials, I don’t really see much about actual deployable weapons. The Ford class carriers would be a likely option since they apparently have the resources capable of supplying the needed power.
Given the current state of military funding, I suspect it will be some time until these types of weapons show up in the fleet.
That being said, The RAM missile seems to be the easiest method to expand defense. The SeaRam, using a RAM launch box instead of a 20mm cannon, might be the easiest way to replace the PHALANX as it uses the same footprint.
Given the investment in the ESSM Blk2 missile, I suspect a new launcher would be more likely than any other solution.
I suspect that CVN-80 Enterprise will sale with more RAM systems than CIWIS, or the CIWIS/RAM, ESSM Blk 1 missiles, Maybe a couple more Mk 38 gun systems.
The planes, at least for the first deployments, will be FA-18 E/F Super Hornets, F-35C Lighting IIs, EA-18 Growlers, E-2D Hawkeys for its carrier wing. MQ-25 Stingrays UMCS (Unmanned tankers) appear to be a major addition to the Air Wing. MH-60’s Sea Hawks and the C/M H-53 Heavy Helicopters are the Rotary Wing.
Will the Navy’s AF-XX make to the fleet by 2030? I suspect it will before lasers and rail-guns.
But both CVN-79 and CVN-80 will initially have the same air wing as the Nimitz class carriers.
That where I’m headed with my conversion of CVN-78 (Ford) to the CVN-80 Enterprise
Michael