SHIP QUALIFICATION TRIAL OF AN ANTI‐SHIP MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM (ASMD SQT)

Abstract

ABSTRACTA qualification trial of weapons system on surface ship is, at a minimum, an onboard test and analysis service. It is applied soon after new construction, or after an overhaul period involving installation of a weapon system. Following an equipment checkout, an occasion is provided to employ the weapon against target drones at sea. Thus, the trial often represents the first opportunity of the ship to use its weapons in a dynamic way.The new man‐machine system is usually not well integrated into the ship's combat system. However, modern threat scenarios indicate that arbitrarily brief reaction times are needed to defend against anti‐ship cruise missiles.This paper describes a qualification trial that focuses upon the Anti‐Ship Missile Defense (ASMD) capability. The program includes formal combat system training, stressing ASMD engagement doctrine. Exercises at sea are scheduled that test the depth and breadth of the Anti‐Air Warfare (AAW) suite, as well as the coordination of the ship combat team. The exercises include electronic warfare, electronic counter‐measures, and casualty mode operations. The idea of using ASMD profiles in surface‐to‐air missile firings is discussed in terms of cost, realism, and system verification. Finally, an analysis is presented of the pass/fall criteria, most of which are subjective.