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TRIDENT D-5
The UK Strategic deterrent (US Trident D-5) is deployed
in the four Vanguard class Ballistic Missile Nuclear-Powered
Submarines (SSBNs). The Trident D-5 missile is a three-stage, solid
propellant Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) - it is 13.42 m
long and has a body diameter of 2.11 m. It has a launch weight of
59,090 kg and a maximum range of 12,000 km. The minimum range is
believed to be about 2,500 km.
It has been stated that the UK missiles will carry up to eight
warheads each, but it is expected that there will be between one and
four warheads fitted to most missiles. The UK plans to use some
Trident D-5 missiles in a `sub-strategic' role, with a single warhead
set to produce a smaller yield, believed to be around 10 kT.
A
statement in 1999 clarified the situation with regard to the maximum
number of warheads to be carried by each of the UK’s SSBNs, which will
be limited to 48.
Photo US Navy
SLCM: HUGHES TOMAHAWK IIIC/BLOCK IV
US-built Tomahawk is deployed in all RN
Attack submarines.
In 1995, the first export order for Tomahawk missiles was announced,
with the UK ordering 65 missiles, Advanced Tomahawk Weapon Control
Systems for seven boats, and a shore-based mission planning system.
The missiles are UGM-109C TLAM-C versions to the Block 3/4 build
standard, to be launched from standard torpedo tubes.
The UK fired 20 missiles against targets
in Serbia in early 1999, with more missiles fired against
Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003. Tomahawk has a range of up to
1,700kms.
In February 2006 it was disclosed that
Tomahawk missiles had been purchased as follows: 1997 – 48; 1998 –
17; 1999 – 0; 2000 – 0; 2001 – 20; 2002 – 0; 2003 – 22; 2006 – 64 x
Block IV.
Average cost of a Block IV Missile is believed to be in the region
of £600,000.
Photo US Navy
HARPOON
Harpoon, manufactured by
McDonnell-Douglas of the USA, is an extremely powerful anti-shipping
missile that is fitted to the Type 22 and Type 23 Frigates. The Sub
Harpoon (UGM-84A) is also deployed in Astute, Trafalgar and the
remaining Swiftsure Class submarines.
The latest versions of this
missile have extremely sophisticated electronic counter measures (ECM),
and the ability to fly a sea-skimming course on a dog-leg path
through three pre-programmed way points. The warhead is extremely
powerful and a hit from Harpoon is almost certain to result in the
destruction or disablement of a major surface vessel.
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Harpoon Specifications |
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Length |
3.84m |
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Diameter |
0.343m |
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Total Weight |
526kg |
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Warhead Weight |
225kg |
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Range |
110kms |
Photo US Navy
SEA
VIPER (PAAMS ASTER)
The Sea Viper (PAAMS - Principal Anti Air
Missile System) is the surface to air missile system that is found on
the Type 45 Destroyers. Two versions will be in service, the Aster 15
(short range) and the Aster 30 (long range).
Sea Viper is the only available system that can integrate three
operational naval missions: self-defence, local area defence of nearby
vessels and fleet area defence. The complete system consists of the
missiles, missile launchers, command and control (C2) system and the
associated radars.
Within the figure of £561.6 million overall cost for a Type 45
Destroyer, the cost of the Sea Viper system is approximately one third
or about £187 million.
Sea Viper is also being purchased by France and Italy.
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Sea Viper (PAAMS Aster) Specifications |
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Aster 15 |
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Length |
4.2m |
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Diameter |
0.18m |
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Weight |
310kg |
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Range |
30kms (in excess of) |
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Speed |
Mach 3 |
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Aster 30 |
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Length |
4.9m |
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Diameter |
0.18m |
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Weight |
450kg |
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Range |
100kms (in excess of) |
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Speed |
Mach 4.5 |
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Photo Copyright MBDA
SEA
DART
Sea Dart is a surface-to-air missile system with a long range (probably in
excess of 80kms) and employs a two-stage system with a primary booster rocket
powering the warhead and ramjet on their way to the target.
There is a limited
surface-to-surface capability out to a range of about 28km and the guidance
system is a semi-active homing radar.
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Sea Dart Specifications |
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Length |
4.40m |
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Diameter |
0.42m |
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Total Weight |
549kg |
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Range |
80km + approx |
SEA
WOLF
Sea
Wolf is a ship-based, surface-to-air missile designed for the defence
of point targets.
This is a highly efficient system thought to be capable of dealing
with aircraft, missiles and even artillery rounds.
The guidance system is semi-automatic command to line of sight with
radar and/or infra-red missile and target tracking.
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Sea Wolf Specifications |
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Length |
1.91m |
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Diameter |
0.18m |
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Total Weight |
79.8kg |
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Range |
6/7000m |
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Altitude |
3/4,000m |
Photo Copyright MBDA
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