Weapons Factsheets from United States Navy's BBS. Updated files posted as they becom available. Systems mentioned in this post: Trident II (D-5) Missile TOMAHAWK CRUISE MISSILE HARPOON CRUISE MISSILE STANDARD SURFACE LAUNCH MISSILE SPARROW MISSILE PHOENIX AIR-TO-AIR MISSILE HARM MISSILE SIDEWINDER MISSILE AMRAAM MISSILE TORPEDOES> PHALANX CLOSE-IN WEAPONS SYSTEM AIWS ADVANCED BOMB FAMILY ADVANCED ROCKET SYSTEM TACIT RAINBOW MISSILE IR MAVERICK MISSILE BIGEYE CHEMICAL WEAPON NAVY FACT FILE Trident II (D-5) Missile MISSION: Ensure that the United States has a modern, survivable strategic deterrent system well into the next century. COMMENTARY: The Trident II (D-5) is the sixth generation member of the U.S. Navy's Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) program that started in 1956. Since then the Polaris (A1), Polaris (A2), Polaris (A3), Poseidon (C3), and Trident I (C4) have served as a significant deterrent to nuclear aggression. At present the U.S. Navy deploys Poseidon (C3) and Trident I (C4), having retired the Polaris family of missiles. The first deployment of Trident II will occur in late 1989 aboard the USS Tennessee (SSBN 734). The Trident II (D-5) is a three stage, solid propellant inertially guided FBM with a range of more than 4,000 nautical miles (4,600 statute miles). A considerable increase and payload was incorporated into Trident II by encasing the first two stages in epoxied graphite, and the third-stage in the filament-wound Kevlar. Also for increasing the missile's range is the aerospike, a telescoping outward extension that reduces frontal drag by about 50 percent. The new Trident/Ohio class submarines will each carry 24 Trident II missiles that can be launched under water or on the surface. Trident II is ejected by the pressure of expanding gas within the launch tube upon firing. When the missile attains sufficient distance from the submarine, the first stage motor ignites, the aerospike extends, and the boost stage begins. After about 65 seconds the first-stage motor and interstage separate from the missile, allowing the second-stage motor to ignite and continue boost phase for approximately 65 seconds. With separation, the third-stage burns for nearly 40 seconds, concluding the boost phase. At this point the missile is travelling in excess of 20,000 feet per second; the post-boost control system provides thrust and control to the equipment section until all re-entry bodies have been deployed. Periodic test launches with dummy warheads ensure high system reliability. CHARACTERISTICS Length: 44 feet; Diameter: 83 inches Weight: 130,000 pounds (approximate) Range: Greater than 4,000 nautical miles Propulsion: Three-stage solid-propellant rocket, with inertial guidance Warhead: Thermonuclear MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entryVehicle) ; Maneuverable Re-entry Vehicle) warhead Contractor: Lockheed Missiles and Space Co., Inc., Sunnyvale, CA TRIDENT I (C-4) COMMENTARY: Trident I (C-4) was first deployed in 1979 and will remain on patrol until phased out in the late 1990s. This missile was designed to the same dimensions as the Poseidon missile which allows it to be carried in existing Posidon submarines, as well as the new Trident submarines. The Trident system makes possible deployment of an improved missile carrying submarine, the Ohio class, with a much longer range strategic ballistic missile, offsetting improvements in Soviet anti-submarine warfare capability by vastly increasing the area in which submarines can operate and still have their missiles reach their target. Trident I has a range almost double that of the Poseidon missile it replaces. It will be deployed in the first eight submarines of the Ohio class and in 12 of the remaining 31 Layfayette class fleet ballistic missile submarines remaining in the fleet. CHARACTERISTICS Length: 34 feet Diameter: 74 inches Weight: 73,000 pounds Range: 4,000 nautical miles Propulsion: Three-stage soild-fuel rocket, with inertial guidance Warhead: Thermonuclear MIRV (Multiple Independtly Targeted Re-entry Vehicle) and (Maneuverable Re-entry Vehicle) head Contractor: Lockheed Missiles and Space Co., Inc., Sunnyvale, CA POSEIDON (C-3) CHARACTERISTICS Length: 34 feet Diameter: 74 inches Weight: 65,000 pounds Range: 2,500 nautical miles Propulsion: Two-stage, solid-fuel rocket with inertial guidance Warhead: Thermonuclear MIRV (Multiple Independently Targeted Re-entry Vehicle) Contractor: Lockheed Missiles and Space Co., Inc., Sunnyvale, CA SOURCE: Strategic Systems Programs; Washington, DC 20376-5002 NAVY FACT FILE TOMAHAWK CRUISE MISSILE MISSION: Long range, subsonic cruise missile, conventionally armed for anti-surface warfare, and conventionally and nuclear armed for land attack versions. COMMENTARY: Tomahawk is an all-weather submarine/surface combatant launched anti-ship or land attack cruise missile. After launch, a solid propellant rocket booster propels the missile until a small turbofan engine takes over for the cruise portion of the flight. The land attack version of Tomahawk has an inertial and terrain contour matching (TERCOM) guidance. TERCOM uses a stored map reference to compare with the actual terrain. This determines the missile's position. If necessary, a course correction is then made to place the missile on course to the target. The anti-ship version has a modified Harpoon cruise missile guidance system. This permits Tomahawk to be launched and fly at low altitudes in the general direction of an enemy warship to avoid radar detection. At a programmed distance, the missile begins an active radar search to seek out, acquire and hit the target ship. Tomahawk is a highly survivable weapon against predicted hostile defense systems. Radar detection is difficult because the missile has a very small cross-section and can fly at extremely low altitudes. Similarly, infrared detection is difficult because the turbofan engine emits a low level of heat. The anti-ship variant of Tomahawk uses a combined active radar seeker and passive system to seek out, engage and destroy a hostile ship at long range. The Tomahawk weapon system is dual-sourced and is built by both General Dynamics/Convair and McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Company. CHARACTERISTICS (BGM-109) Length: 18 feet, three inches; with booster, 20 feet, six inches Diameter: 20.4 inches Wing Span: Eight feet, nine inches Weight: 2,650 pounds; 3,200 pounds with booster Speed: Subsonic - about 550 mph Range: Land attack, nuclear warhead, 1,350 nautical miles; land attack, conventional warhead, 600 nautical miles; anti-ship configuration, over 250 nautical miles Power Plant: Williams International F107-W-R-400 cruise turbo-fan engine; solid-fuel booster Warhead: Conventional - 1,000 pounds bullpup; Nuclear - W-80 conventional submunitions dispenser with combined effect bomblets Contractors: General Dynamics, Convai Division; McDonnell Douglas SOURCE: Public Affairs Office; Cruise Missile Project; 2511 Jefferson Davis Highway; Arlington, VA 22202; (202) 692-0565 NAVY FACT FILE HARPOON CRUISE MISSILE MISSION: Destroy hostile surface targets such as combatants, submarines or other shipping. COMMENTARY: Harpoon is a medium range, rocket boosted, turbo sustained, anti-ship cruise missile capable of being launched from surface ships, submarines or (without the booster) from aircraft. It was introduced in the fleet on ships and submarines in 1977, and on the P-3 series aircraft in 1979. Day-night and all-weather, the Harpoon is being improved to add range and to decrease altitude in its sea-skimming mode. The Harpoon was used effectively in attacks on Libyan targets in the Gulf of Sidra in 1986. The Navy is now developing a new infrared Harpoon variant called SLAM (Standoff Land Attack Missile). In FY 1987, the Navy bought 82 Harpoon missiles at a cost of $688,594 each; FY 1988, 83 missiles at $752,600 each; and FY 1989, 47 missiles at 886,947 each. CHARACTERISTICS (R/U/AGM-84) Length: 15 feet, surface/submarine launched; 12 feet, seven inches air launched. Diameter: Missile Body, 1 foot, 2 inches Wing Span: 3 feet, with booster fins and wings Power Plant: Turbojet and solid propellant booster for surface/submarine launch Warhead: 500 pounds, high explosive, blast penetrator Contractor: McDonnell Douglas SOURCE: Public Affairs Office; Naval Sea Systems Command (00D); Washington, DC 20362; (202) 692-6920 NAVY FACT FILE STANDARD SURFACE LAUNCH MISSILE MISSION: Engage and intercept aircraft, anti-ship missiles and surface ships. COMMENTARY: The Standard family of missiles is one of the most reliable in the Navy's inventory. A two-model weapon which can be used against missiles, aircraft and ships, it first came into the fleet more than a decade ago. It replaces Terrier and Tartar and now is part of the weapons suit of more than 100 U.S. Navy ships. The SM-2 (MR) is a medium range defense weapon for Ticonderoga class Aegis cruisers; California and Virginia class Tartar nuclear cruisers with New Threat Upgrade (NTU) conversion; Kidd class Tartar destroyers with NTU conversion; and Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates with the SM-2 conversion. In FY 1987, the Navy purchased purchased 844 MR Standard missiles; FY 1988, 960 missiles; and FY 1989, 910 missiles. The SM-2 (ER) is an extended range area defense weapon for Leahy, Belnap, Bainbridge, Truxton, and Long Beach class Terrier cruisers with NTU conversion. In FY 1987, the Navy purchased 350 ER Standard missiles; FY 1988 350 missiles; and FY 1989 400 missiles. CHARACTERISTICS (SM-1 MR, SM-2 MR) Length: 14 feet, seven inches Diameter: 13.5 inches Wingspan: Three feet, six inches Weight: SM-1, 1,100 pounds; SM-2, 1,380 pounds Power Plant: Dual thrust, solid fuel rocket Warhead: Proximity fuse, high explosive Contractor: General Dynamics, Pomona Division; Raytheon Motorola; Morton-Thiodol; Aerojet General and others CHARACTERISTICS (SM-2 ER) Length: 26.2 feet Diameter: 13.5 inches Wing Span: Five feet, two inches Weight: 2,980 pounds Power Plant: Two-stage, solid-fuel rocket -- sustainer motor and booster motor Warhead: Proximity fuse, high explosive Contractor: General Dynamics, Pomona Division; Raytheon Motorola; Morton-Thiokol; Atlantic Research and others SOURCE: Public Affairs Office; Naval Sea Systems Command (00D); Washington, DC 20362; (202) 692-6920 NAVY FACT FILE SPARROW MISSILE MISSION: To provide Navy fighter aircraft with air superiority in a hostile environment. COMMENTARY: The much improved AIM/RIM-74 version of this highly successful air-to-air and surface-to-air missile has considerably greater invulnerability to electronic counter measures (ECM), better target tracking capability, and a new low altitude active fuse. It is the fifth operational missile of the Sparrow family and can be employed against attacking aircraft at all tactical speeds and altitudes in all weather. The RIM-7M, with folding wings and clipped tail fins, is compatible with the NATO Sea Sparrow launcher. This latest version of the Sparrow family entered the Navy's inventory in 1983. It continues to be one of the most heavily procured missiles. CHARACTERISTICS (AIM-7M) Length: 12 feet Diameter: 8 inches Wing Span: 3 feet, 4 inches Weight: 510 pounds Speed: More than 2,660 mph Range: More than 30 nautical miles Power Plant: Solid propellant rocket motor Warhead: Blast Fragment, high explosive SOURCE: Public Affairs Office; Naval Air Systems Command (AIR 07D2); Washington, DC 20361-0701; (202) 746-3791 NAVY FACT FILE PHOENIX AIR-TO-AIR MISSILE MISSION: Destroy multiple hostile air targets with conventional warheads at great range in an all weather environment. COMMENTARY: The Phoenix missile was introduced into the fleet with the F-14A aircraft and AN/AWG-9 weapons control system in 1974. The AN/AWG-9 is capable of long range tracking of multiple hostile air targets and to launch up to six missiles against six targets simultaneously. The missile has great range and intercept capability against high speed maneuvering targets at both high and low altitude. The current version, AIM-54C, now in production, has significantly improved the capability for counter-countermeasures. CHARACTERISTICS (AIM-54C) Length: 13 feet Diameter: 15 inches Wing Span: 3 feet Weight: 1024 pounds Speed: In excess of 3,040 mph Range: In excess of 104 nautical miles Power Plant: Solid propellant rocket motor Warhead: Proximity fuse, high explosive; weight, 135 pounds SOURCE: Public Affairs Office; Naval Air Systems Command (AIR 07D2); Washington, DC 20361-0701; (202) 746-3791 NAVY FACT FILE HARM MISSILE MISSION: Air-to-surface missile designed to destroy or suppress enemy electronic emitters, especially those associated with radar sites used to direct anti-aircraft guns and surface-to-air missiles. COMMENTARY: Harm is a high-speed anti-radiation missile which succeeds Shrike and Arm as the Navy's primary anti-radiation, defense-suppression air-to-surface missile. It proved effective against Libyan targets in the Gulf of Sidra in 1986. FY 1988 cost for 766 Harm missiles is $194.7 million; FY 1989 cost for 1766 missiles is $404.9 million. CHARACTERISTICS (AGM-88A) Length: 13 feet, 8 inches Diameter: 10 inches Wing Span: 3 feet, 8 inches Weight: 807 pounds Warhead Weight: 146 pounds Speed: More than 760mph Range: 50 plus nautical miles Power Plant: Two-stage solid propellant rocket motor Warhead: Blast fragmentation Prime Contractor: Texas Instruments SOURCE: Public Affairs Office; Naval Air Systems Command (AIR 07D2); Washington, DC 20361-0701; (202) 746-3791 NAVY FACT FILE SIDEWINDER MISSILE MISSION: The Sidewinder air-to-air missile is a short-range, dogfight missile used by all Navy fighters and attack aircraft against hostile aircraft. COMMENTARY: Sidewinder is one of the oldest, least expensive and most successful missiles in the entire U.S. weapons inventory. The prototype of this heat-seeking missile first was fired more than 30 years ago; since then various versions of it have been produced for more than 27 nations. The latest version, AIM-9M, was introduced in 1982, has a significantly improved infrared counter-measure capability. CHARACTERISTICS (AIM-9M) Length: 9 feet, 5 inches Diameter: 5 inches Wing Span: 2 feet, 1 inch Weight: 195 pounds Speed: More than 1,900 mph Range: More than 3.5. nautical miles Power Plant: Single-stage, solid propellant reduced smoke motor Warhead: Annular blast framentation; weight: 25 pounds SOURCE: Public Affairs Office; Naval Air Systems Command (AIR 07D2); Washington, DC 20361-0701; (202) 746-3791 NAVY FACT FILE AMRAAM MISSILE MISSION: The AIM-120A, Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) is the next generation all-weather, radar guided, beyond visual range missile designed to provide launch and leave capability and multiple target engagement capability. COMMENTARY: The AMRAAM missile is the follow-on to the Sparrow missile and will be deployed on F-14D and F/A-18 C/D A/C. It's faster, smaller, lighter and better able to attack at a lower level than the Sparrow. The pilot will be able to aim and fire several missiles at multiple targets simultaneously. The Navy has requested procurement of 150 AMRAAM missiles in FY 1990 at a cost of approximately $129 million. Raytheon has been certified as a second production source. CHARACTERISTICS Length: 12 feet Diameter: Seven inches Wing Span: One foot, nine inches Weight: 335 pounds Speed: More than 760 mph Range: Greater than 35 nautical miles (depending on launch/target parameters) Power Plant: Directed rocket motor Warhead: Blast high explosive Contractor: Hughes Aircraft/Raytheon Co. SOURCE: Public Affairs Office; Naval Air Systems Command (AIR 07D2); Washington, DC 20361-0701; (202) 746-3791 NAVY FACT FILE TORPEDOES> MARK 48 TORPEDO MK 48 AND MK 48 ADVANCED CAPABILITY (ADCAP) MISSION: Enable US submarines to sink hostile surface ships or submarines in the presence or absence of torpedo countermeasures. COMMENTARY: The MK 48 is carried by all Navy attack and ballistic missile submarines. The improved version, MK 48 ADCAP, is carried by SSN 688 and SSN 637 class attack submarines and will be carried in the future by the SEAWOLF class attack and OHIO class ballistic missile submarines. Both of these weapons are designed to combat fast, deep divine nuclear Submarines and high performance surface ships. The MK 48 replaced both the MK 37 and MK 14 torpedoes in anti-submarine and anti-ship roles, with the ADCAP supplementing the MK 48 for use against the most advanced threat submarines and surface ships. Both torpedoes can operate with or without wire guidance and use active and/or passive homing. When launched they execute preprogrammed target search, acquisition and attack procedures. Both will conduct multiple reattacks in the unlikely event that they miss the target. The MK 48 has been operational in the U.S. Navy since 1972, the MK 48 ADCAP became operational in 1988 and was approved for full production in 1989. The ADCAP has significantly increased capabilities over the MK 48. These capabilities allow its employment against the most advanced Soviet submarines. CHARACTERISTICS Length: 19 feet Diameter: 21 inches Weight: 3434 lbs (MK 48), 3695 lbs(ADCAP) Speed: Greater than 28 kts Power Plant: Piston engine; pump jet Range: Greater than 5 miles; Depth:Greater than 1200 ft Warhead: 650 lbs high explosive VERTICAL LAUNCH ASROC (VLA) COMMENTARY: VLA is an intermediate range, all-weather, quick reaction, ship launched ballistic anti-submarine weapon. It will be installed on VLS equipped DD 963, DDG 51 and CG 47 class ships. VLA, a replacement for the older ASROC missile on these ships, uses the MK 46 MOD 5 torpedo as its payload and will have increased range over the deck-launched ASROC. VLA will be replaced with the SEA LANCE missile when it becomes available. CHARACTERISTICS: Length: 192 inches Diameter: 14.1 inches (body) Weight: 1408 pounds Power Plant: Solid Propellant Rocket Warhead: MK 46 MOD 5 Torpedo Guidance: Terminal Acoustic Homing with MK 46 Torpedo Contractor: Loral Defense Systems Div. TORPEDO MARK 46 MISSION: The MK 46 torpedo is a lightweight ASW torpedo designed to attack high performance submarines. COMMENTARY: The MK 46 torpedo is presently identified as the NATO standard and since first introduced into the U.S. Navy fleet in 1967, has been acquired for employment by navies of several other countries. The MK 46 torpedo (presently available in Mods 1, 2, and 5) is designed to be launched from surface combatant torpedo tubes, ASROC missile, and fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Beginning in Fiscal Year 89, a major block upgrade program was initiated to enhance the performance of the Torpedo Mk 46 Mod 5 in a shallow water environment. Weapons incorporating these improvements are identified as Mod 5A and Mod 5A(S). The MK 46 Mod 5 torpedo is the backbone of the Navy's lightweight ASW torpedo inventory and is expected to remain in service until the year 2015. CHARACTERISTICS: (Torpedo MK 46 Mod 5) @TABLE = Length: 102.357 in. (tube launch configuration) @TABLE = Diameter: 12.75 in. @TABLE = Weight: 517.65 lbs. (warshot configuration) @TABLE = Propulsion: Two-speed, reciprocating external combustion; Mono-propellant (Otto fuel II) fueled @TABLE = Homing mode:Active or passive/active acoustic homing Launch/search mode: Snake (HATS) or circle search (NRO) warhead: 98 lbs of PBXN-103 high explosive (bulk charge) @TABLE = Contractor: Honeywell Inc. @Z_HEADER = NAVY FACT FILE MK 50 TORPEDO MISSION: Destroy hostile submarines. COMMENTARY: The MK 50 is an advance lightweight torpedo for use against the faster, deeper-diving, and more sophisticated submarines being developed and operated by the Soviet Union. The MK 50 can be launched from all ASW aircraft, and from torpedo tubes aboard surface combatant ships. The MK 50 will eventually replace the MK 46 as the fleet's light weight torpedo with fleet introduction in the early 1990's. CHARACTERISTICS: @TABLE = Length: 112 inches @TABLE = Diameter: 12.75 inches @TABLE = Weight: 750 pounds @TABLE = Speed: 40+ knots @TABLE = Power Plant: Stored Chemical Energy Propulsion System @TABLE = Guidance: Active/Passive acoustic homing @TABLE = Contractors: Honeywell, Westinghouse SOURCE: Public Affairs Office; Naval Sea Systems Command (00D); Washington, D.C. 20360; (202) 692-6920 NAVY FACT FILE PHALANX CLOSE-IN WEAPONS SYSTEM MISSION: Provide U.S. Navy ships with a defense against anti-ship missiles which have penetrated other fleet defenses. COMMENTARY: The Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) is a last-ditch defense against anti-ship missiles. It combines a single mount fire-control radar and a six-barrel Gatling gun firing depleted-uranium projectiles at a rate of 3,000 rounds per minute. Its projectiles are 2.5 times heavier than those made of steel. A total, fully integrated weapons system, it automatically carries out search, detection, automatic threat evaluation, tracking, and firing. Its reliability has been increasing constantly. The Navy plans ultimately to install 626 systems aboard ships of the fleet; and has ensured every Phalanx selected ship scheduled for deployment to the Middle East receives its system prior to deployment. The Navy also is modifying over 400 of its CIWS installations to improve their capability and enhanced operability, maintainability and reliability. Competitive procurement is expected to commence in 1988. CHARACTERISTICS (MK-15) Weight: 12,500 pounds Gun: M61A1 Vulcan (gatling-type) Ammunition: 20mm with high density penetrating projectile Magazine Capacity: 989 Firing Rate: 3,000 rounds per minute Contractor: General Dynamics' Pomona Division 76MM/62 CALIBER GUN SYSTEM MISSION: Provide frigates, hydrofoils and other combatants with a fast reaction, lightweight, rapid fire gun to counter aircraft, cruise missiles and surface ships. COMMENTARY: Technical and operational evaluation of this gun system was conducted at sea on USS Talbot (FFG-4). The Mark 75 was provisionally approved for service use in September 1975. The Naval Systems Division (NSD) of FMC Corporation and General Electric Co. (Ordnance Systems Division) were both licensed by the gun's designer, OTO Melara of La Spezia, Italy, and competed for the right to manufacture the MK 75 in the United States. In 1975, FMC/NSD subsequently won the competition. Since 1981, however, all MK 75 buys have been competed between FMC/NSD and OTO Melaro has won all competitive procurements. Because of performance, light weight and low manning requirements, the MK 75 is suited for installation on small combatants. Current usage includes one gun mount each for FFG-7 and PHM-1 class Navy ships, and one gun mount each for the WHEC-378 class and the WMEC-270 class Coast Guard cutters. The first United States produced gun mount was delivered in August 1978. FEATURES (MK 75): Enclosed naval gun mount Single barrel Lightweight Water-cooled Rapid fire Remote controlled Dual purpose automatic 5-INCH/54-CALIBER LIGHTWEIGHT GUN MISSION: The 5-inch/54-caliber (Mark 45) lightweight gun provides surface combatants accurate naval gunfire against fast, highly maneuverable surface targets, air threats, and shore targets during amphibious operations. COMMENTARY: This light weight gun system offers significant improvements in reliability and maintainability over 5-inch/54-caliber Mark 42 gun systems. The Mark 45 is controlled by the Mark 86 Gun Fire Control System. Deliveries began in 1971 and will continue through the 1990s for CG-47 and the DDG-51 classes. FEATURES (MARK 45): Fully automatic Lightweight Fires at a rate of 16 to 20 rpm MARK 92 FIRE CONTROL SYSTEM MISSION: Provide FFG 7 class frigates and other surface combatants with a fast reaction, high fire-power, all-weather weapons control system for use against air and surface targets. COMMENTARY: The Mark 92's surface and air surveillance capability gives highly accurate gun and missile control against air and surface targets. It is an Americanized version of the WM-25 system designed in The Netherlands. The Mod 1 system in PHMs and the U.S. Coast Guard's WMEC and WHEC ships can track one air or surface target using the monopulse tracker and two surface or shore targets using track-while-scan data from the Combined Antenna System (CAS). The Mod 2 system in FFG 7 class frigates can track an additional air or surface target using the Separate Track Illuminating Radar (STIR). The Mark 92 fire control system was approved for service use in 1975. Introduction to the fleet and follow-on test and evaluation began in 1978. In 1981, an aggressive program to improve performance and reliability of the MK 92 fire control system in clutter and electronic counter-measure environments was launched. Following at-sea evaluation of these improvements in USS Estocin in 1986, this upgraded system, identified as MK 92 Mod 6, was installed in USS Ingraham (FFG-61) and is a backfit candidate for the 51 MOD 2 systems in the fleet today. MARK 86 FIRE CONTROL SYSTEM MISSION: Provide ships of destroyer size and larger with an economical, versatile, lightweight, gun and missile fire control system which is effective against surface and air targets. COMMENTARY: The Mark 86 fire control system is a substantial improvement over the earlier Mark 68 system that was developed following World War II. It uses a track-while-scan radar coupled with a digital computer. The Mark 86 system was developed from a 1963 Navy requirement to provide new construction ships with an improved surface-to-surface gunfire control capability. Subsequent requirements added an anti-air and self-defense missile control capability. Mark 86 systems have been purchased for installation at Navy training sites and onboard recent construction and conversion destroyers, cruisers and Tarawa class amphibious assault ships. The Navy purchased additional systems for the Ticonderoga class AEGIS cruiser and selected guided missile destroyers. Lockheed Electronics Company developed and is manufacturing the Mark 86. MARK 68 FIRE CONTROL SYSTEM MISSION: Provide frigate, destroyer and cruiser-sized surface combatants with a dual purpose fire control system effective against air and surface targets including targets ashore. COMMENTARY: The Mark 68 control system consists of a manned topside director; a conical scan acquisition and tracking radar; an analog computer that solves the target motion and gun ballistics equations; and a stabilization unit. In production for over 25 years, several variants exist including a Digital Upgrade modification installed in limited quantities after 1975 and continuing into 1985. Over 80 systems will continue in active service into the 1990s and many beyond that time. The hardware and software architecture of the computing system within the Digital Upgrade variant has evolved further into the gun to be installed in the Arleigh Burke class of destroyers. SOURCE: Public Affairs Office; Naval Sea Systems Command(00D); Washington, DC 20360; (202) 692-6920 NAVY FACT FILE AIWS MISSION: Low cost air-to-ground weapon to attack less than high value targets day or night with capability for stand-off outside close in defense. COMMENTARY: The Advanced Interdiction Weapon System (AIWS) entered the Demonstration and Validation Phase during the third quarter of FY-89. A key element in the Strike Anti-Surface Warfare Master Plan, the AIWS will replace Skipper/Laser Guided Bombs, Walleye and Laser Maverick beginning in the mid-1990's. The first variant will be inertially guided and have a cluster warhead for use against area targets outside of close-in-defenses. Later variants will include a terminal seeker, GPS Receiver, Man-in-the-Loop capability and unitary warhead for use against individual targets outside of Point Defenses. The AIWS will be employed from the F/A-18, A-6, A-12 and AV-8B aircraft. CHARACTERISTICS Length: NTE 168 inches Width: NTE 24 inches Height: NTE 21 inches Weight: NTE 1,965 pounds Compatibility: MIL-STD-1553/1760 SOURCE: Public Affairs Office; Naval Air Systems Command (AIR 07D2); Washington, DC; (202) 746-3791 NAVY FACT FILE ADVANCED BOMB FAMILY MISSION: Provide two affordable All-UpRound (AUR) weapons to meet the general purpose bombing requirements for increased blast, fragmentation, and penetration effects against a broad target spectrum. COMMENTARY: The Advanced Bomb Family (ABF) will replace the MK-80 series bomb components with two versatile weapons: a 500 pound class bomb optimized for blast and fragmentation, and a 1,000 pound class bomb with improved penetration capabilities. These weapons will make maximum use of common components and modern technology to improve safety, logistics, and tactical flexibility while decreasing life cycle costs. The ABF will satisfy all insensitive munitions requirements. The bombs will be compatible with current and future tactical aircraft. CHARACTERISTICS (ABF) Warhead: 500 pound/1,000 pound (insensitive high explosive fill) Fuzing: Integral unit; highly integrated, multi-function, electronic device with provisions for plug-in special mission kits Fin Assembly: Stabilizer/retarder (high/low drag options) Aircraft Interface:Single MIL-STD-1760 connection SOURCE: Public Affairs Office; Naval Air Systems Command (AIR 07D2); Washington, DC 20361-0701; (202) 746-3791 NAVY FACT FILE ADVANCED ROCKET SYSTEM MISSION: Provide a high volume of air-to-ground fire from stand-off ranges against a broad target spectrum. COMMENTARY: The Advanced Rocket System plans to "neckdown" the 2.75-Inch and 5-Inch Rocket Systems to one that meets the requirements of the Anti-Surface Warfare Master Plan. The current program will maximize available RDT&E funds through the use of currently ongoing or planned Product Improvement Programs, NDI and FWE/NCT candidate components. The motor will have a minimum effective range of 10,000 meters direct fire and 15,000 meters loft delivery is required. CHARACTERISTICS Motor(s): Current MK 66 and/or high performance Launchers(s): Lightweight - Low Drag Index - remote set fuze capable Warhead(s): Color marking; anti-personnel, material, armor, helicopter and coastal shipping; chaff; flare; smoke screening; night marking; and training SOURCE: Public Affairs Office; Naval Air Systems Command (AIR 07D2) Washington, DC 20361-0701; (202) 746-3791 NAVY FACT FILE TACIT RAINBOW MISSILE MISSIION: Air-to-surface missile designed to provide persistent air defense suppression capability to cost effectively counter -- in conjunction with HARM and other defense suppression systems -- hostile integrated air defense systems. COMMENTARY: Tacit Rainbow is a long range standoff, loitering anti-radiation homing missile capable of launch from a wide variety of tactical aircraft. Production will start in Fiscal Year 1992. CHARACTERISTICS (AGM-136A) Length: 8 feet, 4 inches Diameter: 19 inches Wing Span: 5 feet, 1.5 inches Weight: 430 pounds Warhead Weight: 38 pounds Speed: More than 250 mph Range: Greater than 90 nautical miles Power Plant: Turbo-Jet Engine Prime Contractor: Northrop, Ventura Unit SOURCE: Public Affairs Office; Naval Air Systems Command (AIR 07D2); Washington, D.C. 20361-0701; (202) 746-3791 NAVY FACT FILE IR MAVERICK MISSILE MISSION: Air-to-surface missile designed for day/night war-at-sea and land interdiction against small ships and bunkers. COMMENTARY: IR Maverick is a forward-fired, infrared guided weapon. It is a modified version of the U.S. Air Force TV Maverick with a larger improved warhead, out of line igniter, and IR guidance section optimized for ship tracking. IR Maverick is planned for employment by the Navy/U.S. Marine Corps on the AV-8B, F/A-18 and A-6E SWIP aircraft. CHARACTERISTICS (AGM-65F) Length: 8 feet, 2 inches Diameter: 12 inches Wing Span: 2 feet, 4.5 inches Weight: 675 pounds Warhead Weight: 300 pounds Speed: Supersonic, boost/sustain Range: 6-12 nautical miles Power Plant: Two-stage solid propellant rocket motor Warhead: Penetrating/Blast Prime Contractor: Hughes and Raytheon SOURCE: Public Affairs Office; Naval Air Systems Command (AIR 07D2); Washington, D.C. 20361-0701; (202) 746-3791 NAVY FACT FILE BIGEYE CHEMICAL WEAPON MISSION: Air-to-ground retaliatory chemical weapon designed to deter adversaries from using their chemical weapons. COMMENTARY: Bigeye is a tri-service, safe-to-handle binary chemical weapon. When employed, Bigeye is designed to delay and disrupt airfields, troops and logistical lifelines by forcing an enemy into a chemical protective posture. The Bigeye metal parts contract was awarded in June 1988 for the procurement of production-representative operational test units, trainers and Safe Separation Test Vehicles. CHARACTERISTICS (BLU-80/B) Length: 7 feet, 6 inches Diameter: 13.25 inches Wing Span: 1 foot, 5.25 inches Weight: 595 pounds VX Agent Weight: 180 pounds Prime Contractor: The Marquardt Company SOURCE: Public Affairs Office; Naval Air Systems Command (AIR 07D2); Washington, D.C. 20361-0701; (202) 746-3791 NAVY FACE FILE AEGIS SYSTEM For more than 40 years, the U.S. Navy has developed systems and tactics to protect itself from air attacks. Since the end of World War II, several generations of anti-ship missiles have emerged as the air threat to the fleet. The first combatant ship sunk by one of these missiles was an Israeli destroyer in October 1967, hit by a Soviet built missile. The threat posed by such weapons was reconfirmed as recently as April 1988 when two Iranian surface combatants fired on U.S. Navy ships and aircraft in the Persian Gulf. The resulting exchange of anti-ship missiles led to the destruction of an Iranian frigate and corvette by U.S. built Harpoon missiles. Modern anti-ship missiles can be launched several hundred miles away. The attacks can be coordinated, combining air, surface and subsurface launches, so that the missiles arrive on target almost simultaneously. Some cruise missiles have both nuclear and conventional variants. The U.S. Navy's defense against this threat has continued to rely on the winning strategy of defense in depth. Guns were replaced in the late fifties by the first generation of guided missiles in our ships and aircraft. By the late sixties, these missiles continued to perform well, but it was recognized that our reaction time, firepower, and operational availability in all environments did not match the threat. To counter this, an operational requirement for an Advanced Surface Missile System (ASMS) was promulgated and a comprehensive engineering development program was initiated to meet that requirement. ASMS was re-named AEGIS (after the mythological shield of Zeus) in December 1969. Drawing on state-of-the-art technology - particularly in digital computers and radar signal processing - the AEGIS system was designed as a total weapon system, from detection to kill. The heart of the system is an advanced, automatic detect and track, multi-function phased-array radar, the AN/SPY-l. This high power (4 megawatt) radar is able to perform search, track and missile guidance functions simultaneously with a track capacity of well over 100 targets. After several years of development and land-based testing, the first Engineering Development Model (EDM-l) was installed in the test ship, USS Norton Sound (AVM 1) in 1973. Within weeks AEGIS had successfully engaged the most difficult targets possible in extremely demanding anti-air warfare scenarios intended to stress it to its limit. The AEGIS weapon system is the most capable surface launched missile system the Navy has ever put to sea. It can defeat an extremely wide range of targets from wave top to directly overhead. AEGIS is extremely capable against anti-ship cruise missiles and manned aircraft flying in all speed ranges from subsonic to supersonic. The AEGIS system is effective in all environmental conditions having both all-weather capability and demonstrated outstanding abilities in chaff and jamming environments. The computer-based command and decision element is the core of the AEGIS combat system. It is this interface that makes the AEGIS combat system capable of simultaneous operation against a multi-mission threat: anti-air, anti-surface and anti submarine warfare. The combat system also has the capability for overall force coordination. AEGIS brings a revolutionary, multi-mission combat capability to the U.S. Navy. AEGIS equipped ships are capable of engaging and defeating enemy aircraft, missiles, submarines and surface ships. AEGIS equipped ships are key elements in modern carrier and battleship battle groups. Current Status The sophistication and complexity of the AEGIS combat system are such that the combination of engineering with AEGIS/AEGIS equipped ship acquisition demands special management treatment. This "marriage" was effected by the establishment of the AEGIS shipbuilding project at Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA PMS-400) in 1977. The special management treatment combines and structures hull mechanical and electrical systems, combat systems, computer programs, repair parts, personnel maintenance documentation, and tactical operation documentation into one unified organization to create the highly capable, multi-mission surface combatants that are today's AEGIS cruisers and destroyers. The charter for NAVSEA PMS-400 represents a significant Navy management decision, one which has had a far-reaching impact on acquisition management, design and life-time support of modern Navy ships. For the first time in the history of surface combatants, PMS-400 introduced an organization that has both responsibility and authority to simultaneously manage development/acquisition, combat system integration and life-time support. After studying several shipboard applications, the decision was made to construct the first AEGIS ships based on the hull and machinery designs of Spruance class destroyers. Originally identified as a guided missile destroyer, DDG-47 class, the class was re-designated a guided missile cruiser. The first ship of the class, USS Ticonderoga (CG 47), was christened by Mrs. Nancy Reagan on Armed Forces Day 1981, and commissioned on January 23, 1983. USS Ticonderoga deployed to the Mediterranean with the USS Independence Battle Group in October 1983 and supplied outstanding air defense coverage to our ships off the coast of Lebanon. Commenting on the ship's performance, the Chief of Naval Operations said, "Ticonderoga provided to the Eastern Mediterranean Task Force an impressive new tactical dimension which included 100 percent weapon system availability and a totally coherent air picture allowing the Anti-Air Warfare Coordinator (AAWC) (embarked in Ticonderoga) to manage, rather than react to a difficult situation. Since 1983, 12 additional AEGIS cruisers have joined USS Ticonderoga in the fleet. The 27th and final CG 47 class cruiser will be commissioned in 1994. The commissioning of USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) opened a new era in surface warfare as the first AEGIS ship outfitted with the Vertical Launching System (VLS), allowing greater missile selection, firepower and survivability. The improved SPY-lB radar went to sea in USS Princeton (CG 59) ushering in another advance in AEGIS capabilities. Future Outlook Congress has authorized all 27 ships in the AEGIS cruiser line. Fiscal 1984 was the first year AEGIS cruisers were opened to competition. In 1980, the preliminary plans for a smaller ship with AEGIS capabilities were studied. Because of advanced technology in relevant fields, it is now possible to build an AEGIS system compatible with a smaller ship while maintaining the multi-mission capability vital to modern surface forces. As a result, Arleigh Burke, the first ship of the DDG-51 class, was competitively awarded in 1985, three more were appropriated in the FY 87 budget with four DDG-51s being appropriated in FY 89. The first eight DDG-51s have all been awarded and are under construction. The DDG-51's will be built in "flights" which allow incorporation of technological advances during construction or "forward fitting" technology rather than very expensive technology backfitting during scheduled overhauls. CG-47 class cruisers are also constructed by this method. The lead ship of the DDG-51 class bears the name of a living person - the legendary Admiral Arleigh "Thirty-one Knot" Burke, the most famous destroyerman of World War II. Admiral Burke has attended each phase of the design of DDG-51, most recently observing the keel laying in Bath, Maine. DDG-51 is on schedule with her commissioning date set for early in 1991. Benefits The surface Navy's AEGIS system provides area defense for the battle group as well as a clear air picture for more effective deployment of F-14 and F/A-18 aircraft. At present, AEGIS enables fighter aircraft to concentrate more on the outer air battle while cruisers and destroyers assume a greater responsibility for battle group area defense. Technological advances in missile and computer battle management systems make it possible for AEGIS equipped ships to join carrier air assets in outer air defense in the not too distant future. The highly accurate firing of AEGIS weapon systems will result in minimizing the expenditure of assets. As long as our blue water Navy is required to steam "in harm's way" to carry out its assigned missions, a formidable anti-air warfare capability is required. The AEGIS system gives surface AAW forces a decided edge against the sophisticated modern air threat. Planned upgrades to the standard missiles and evolutionary improvements to the AEGIS system itself, promise to give the fleet an extremely capable AAW system well into the 21st century. AEGIS CRUISER ACQUISITIONS TICONDEROGA (CG 47); commissioned Jan 83 YORKTOWN (CG 48); commissioned Jul 84 VINCENNES (CG 49); commissioned Jul 85 VALLEY FORGE (CG 50); commissioned Jan 86 THOMAS S. GATES (CG 51); commissioned Aug 87 *BUNKER HILL (CG 52); commissioned Sep 86 *MOBILE BAY (CG 53); commissioned Feb 87 * ANTIETAM (CG 54); commissioned June 87 * LEYTE GULF (CG 55); commissioned Sep 87 * SAN JACINTO (CG 56) commissioned Jan 88 * LAKE CHAMPLAIN (CG 57); commissioned Aug 88 * PHILIPPINE SEA (CG 58); commissioned Mar 1989 + PRINCETON (CG 59); commissioned Feb 89 + NORMANDY (CG 60); commission Dec. 89 + MONTEREY (CG 61); authorized FY 85 + CHANCELLORSVILLE (CG 62); commission Nov. 89 + COWPENS (CG 63); authorized FY 1986 + GETTYSBURG (CG 64); authorized FY 1986 + CHOSIN (CG 65); authorized FY 1986 + HUE CITY (CG 66); authorized FY 1987 + SHILOH (CG 67); authorized FY 1987 + ANZIO (CG 68); authorized FY 1987 + PORT ROYAL (CG 69); authorized FY 1988 + LAKE ERIE (CG 70); authorized FY 1988 + CAPE ST. + GEORGE (CG 71) authorized FY 1988 + VELLA GULF (CG 72); authorized FY 1988 + CG ; authorized FY 1988 * = VLS capable ships + = VLS and SPY-lB ships AEGIS DESTROYER ACQUISITIONS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG 51: authorized FY 1985 JOHN BARRY (DDG 52); authorized FY 1987 JOHN PAUL JONES (DDG 53); authorized FY 1987 CURTIS WILBUR (DDG 54); authorized FY 1989 STOUT (DDG 55); authorized FY 1989 JOHN S. MCCAIN (DDG 56); authorized FY 1989 MITSCHER (DDG 57); authorized FY 1989 LABOON (DDG 58); authorized FY 1989 SOURCE: Department of the Navy (OP-03PA); Washington, D.C. 20350-2000; (202) 694-6049)