A Method for Increasing the Firepower of Virginia Class Cruisers.
Abstract
This article examines another possible way of getting additional cruise missile firepower to sea in the near term. Virginia class (CGN 38-41) cruisers were chosen because of their unique design--they are the first U.S ships since World War II designed with a stern hangar. There is no place where additional missiles could be installed on the weather deck without structural changes or limiting the azimuth of the current guns and/or missiles. The hangar, though, provides the opportunity to add two additional quad launchers without modifying the ship's structure. Currently these ships are required to be able to launch, recover, and stow either an SH-2 or SH-3 helicopter. While they regularly recover and lauch helos, they have never deployed with a helicopter. The hangars have been used for various other purposes such as a crew's recreation area or as additional storage room. A decision should be made to require these ships to stow a helicopter or alternatively to be able to launch additional cruise missiles. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA116602
Entities
People
- Marc Levin
Organizations
- Center for Naval Analyses