Abstract

ABSTRACTThe Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division has investigated technology for the Office of Naval Research (ONR) that has the potential to be very effective in defending Navy platforms against high‐speed, sea‐skimming anti‐ship cruise missiles (ASCMs). This technology uses a new kill mechanism, a wall of water, to provide a low cost, universal terminal defense system for Navy ships. The Water Barrier or wall of water is generated from the shallow detonation of multiple underwater explosive charges to protect the ship from attacking sea skimmers. This terminal defense concept can be employed to slow or stop debris and warhead fragments from missiles killed at short range to preclude significant damage to own ship. Furthermore, the Water Barrier would defeat the fuzing and structure of ASCMs that have penetrated the inner self‐defense layer.This paper describes the Water Barrier Concept that provides terminal defense for Navy ships, the formation of the wall of water that defeats sea skimming ASCMs, and the field tests that demonstrate the viability of the concept. Finally, this paper documents the 1997 field test results that demonstrate the lethality of the Water Barrier against tactical battlefield missile warheads and structures.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.