Feature 3 | Weapons handling
proven command-and-control functionality Renderings of the
from the Principal Anti-Air Missile System CaMM missile
is re-used, the system takes target indication being ejected
cues from the ship’s own medium-range from an sVl cell
radar, and there is no need for separate on BMT’s Venator
tracking radars (reducing top weight and design, and then
reducing support costs through-life). flying out towards
CAMM, like many other naval its target (pictures
anti-air weapon systems, will use vertical top and bottom).
launch. This avoids the need for complex (photo: BMT)
re-loading arrangements and expensive
and unreliable trainable launchers, while
also conferring the benefits of 360°
coverage and quick reaction.
However, conventional ‘hot’ vertical
launch requires careful management of
the energetic effects generated by a rocket
motor during the missile launch phase.
Specific demands include the need for
a complex efflux management system, a
large space/weight footprint, the need to
stagger multiple firings from proximate
launch cells, and a potential limit on the
number of firings per cell owing to plenum
chamber wear.
Cold launch
The alternative soft-launch methodology Soft Vertical Launch (SVL) is an technology demonstrator programme
being pursued by MBDA sees the CAMM adaptation of the ‘cold’ vertical launch. jointly funded with the UK Ministry of
missile ejected ‘cold’ from its launch The base of the launch canister, containing Defence (MoD) have already proved
canister prior to main motor ignition. It a gas charge and a piston, is effectively a the underpinning technology. These
is seen as an integral part of the CAMM low-pressure gun barrel that ejects the culminated in a proof-of-principle test
system, and seen to offer a number of missile upwards to an altitude of 80-100ft. at the Otterburn range conducted using
advantages for both new ship programmes A series of hardware demonstration ASRAAM-based missile hardware (using
and potential retrofits. trials performed by MBDA under a a cut-down motor to meet range safety
a CaMM missile in its container.
34 Warship Technology May 2009
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