HOW MODULAR COMBAT SYSTEMS WILL ENHANCE SUPPORT OF SURFACE COMBATANTS

Abstract

ABSTRACTCombat system interface standards between combat system equipment and ship hulls for surface combatants are being developed. These standards, which will produce modular combat systems, permit concurrency of ship and combat system development, outfitting of alternate combat suites on a single ship hull form without major design revisions, and ease of combat system upgrade throughout the ship life cycle.Such use of modularity for combat systems and formalization of interface standards for equipment installation provide attendant opportunities for innovative integrated logistics support (ILS) of surface combatants. The impact of this concept on the various ILS elements has been studied, and this paper presents highlights of the various requirements and benefits that result. These include the requirements for ensuring access for removal engineering for transportability and handling of the modules, and development of the necessary facilities for test and installation. This paper will show how use of such interface standards and modular combat system equipment will enhance fleet support of surface combatants.