posted on Dec, 26 2005 @ 06:40 PM
True enough,
>>
www.nasm.si.edu...
>>
However; I recall there being quite a stink for awhile when the Soviets showed a doctored photo of an 'SA/N-8' or somesuch as a conning tower
mounted VSHORADS that could be launched from underwater. Turned out to be fake but it worried the P-3 operators quite a bit.
More contemporarily, both the USN (via the Sea Ferret) and the German Navy are working on long-loiter drones and the Polyphem (Fiber Optic Guided
Missile) respectively. Which can be used for both recce, to engage threat MPA/ASW helos rather than simply running from the attack, and to hit
targets not worth a radar guided AShM.
The reality of life is that /very few/ GWOT targets deserve a cruise missile and the current SSN loadout of mines, torpedos and CM is thus highly
inappropriate for the inshore litoral mission.
What we could really use is a new slant-cell loadout of 10-20 micromissiles in the LOCAAS/LAM category that can withstand multiple tube floodings
while flying at least 200nm inland with a 1-2 hour loiter AND a return flyout (to a neutral/safe ditching point).
The warhead doesn't need to be much more than 20-50lbs but a full hemispherical lookdown 'bubblecam' (think shopping mall) capability would be
nice, possibly as an alternate warhead payload.
As a function of both deep suport to conventional beachhead assaults. And to provide 'close escort' to SOF teams doing the nasty where they
officially are not.
In the latter role, if you can have someone sit back and use a ROVER like laptop terminal to track the fighters on the ground, it would do a -whole
lot- to help maintain engagement initiative in 'unacknowledged' fights like The Mog where you may be countermarched down a sidestreet with the
threat looking to turn in behind and roll you up.
Effectively what this comes down to is Netfires At Sea with a BQM-74 or ADM-141/160 type (slightly larger than LOCAAS) turbo-missile. Delilah EO
might also work.
Unfortunately, most people's view of an 'infantry UAV' is a powered RC glider which does 100 knots to