Naval Weapons Systems

Introduction to Naval Weapons

Book Issue

• Principles of Naval Weapons Systems– CDR J. Hall, USN

• Naval Intelligence– Naval Doctrine Pub. 2

• Law of Armed Conflict booklet

Syllabus

• Attendance is MANDATORY• Presentation• Grades

– Final Exam – 30%– 2 Mid Exams – 30%– Point Paper – 20%– Platform Review – 15%– Participation – 5%

Course Objectives:• The student will comprehend basic applications of

electronics, electromagnetic wave theory, and communications as they relate to maritime and naval applications in radar systems.

• The student will comprehend countermeasures principles including principles of electronic warfare.

• The student will comprehend the physical properties associated with sound travel in water and the application of these properties to sensing and detection systems.

Course Objectives (cont.)• The student will comprehend the concept and

essential elements of command and control in the armed forces.

• The student will comprehend the fundamental chemical and physical principles of conventional and nuclear warheads, including fusing and the principal effects of detonation of such warheads.

• The student will comprehend the basic geometry of the fire control problem and applicable principles of internal and external ballistics, propulsion, launching and guidance.

Course Objectives (cont.)

• The student will know the characteristics and capabilities of the major weapons systems and platforms of United States naval forces.

Basic Definitions

• Weapons: Instruments of offensive or defensive combat...something to fight with.

Basic Definitions

• Ordnance: Military supplies including weapons, ammunition, tools, & equipment.

Basic Definitions

• Weapon Systems: Combination of a weapon (or weapons) and the equipment used to bring the destructive power of the weapon against the enemy.

Weapon Nomenclature & Identification

• AN/SQS-53 Sonar• “AN” means that the

nomenclature complies with the system jointly adopted by U.S. armed forces (Army- Navy).

• First “S” identifies installation type...here, “water surface craft.”

Weapon System Nomenclature & ID

• “Q” identifies equipment type...here, sonar and underwater sound.

• Final “S” indicates the purpose...here, detecting and ranging.

• 53 is the model number. Letter (i.e. - “D”) would indicate the version.

Components of a Weapons System

• Components that detect, locate, and identify the target. (i.e. - radar)

• Components that direct or aim a delivery unit. (i.e. - tracking system)

• Components that deliver or initiate delivery of the weapon to the target. (i.e. - launching system)

• Components that destroy the target when in contact with or near it. (i.e. - missile/warhead)

Detect to Engage Sequence

• 2 kinds:– Own ship– Battle Group

• Detect (radar)

• ID

• Evaluate

• Engage (what weapon and when)

Weapon System Requirements

• Reliability

• Flexibility

• Safety

• Simplicity of Operation

• Maintainability

• Specific Military Requirements

Three Warfare Areas:

• Anti-Air Warfare (AAW)

• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)

• Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW)

• Information Warfare (IW)

Law of Armed Conflict

• aka Law of War

• Derived from Geneva Convention• A part of international public law which establishes

rules for conduct during conflicts

• Prevents unnecessary suffering

• Cares for sick, wounded, shipwrecked, civilians, and POW

Law of Armed Conflict

• Three Principles– Necessity: may attack only those targets

necessary to achieve a specific military objective– Distinction: defenders must separate, to the

maximum extent possible, civilian and military targets

– Proportionality: the force used must be appropriate to the military objective to limit collateral damage

Law of Armed Conflict

• Rules of Engagement– Specific guidance provided to military units to

direct their action against an enemy or potential enemy

– Peacetime vs. Wartime

Neutrality

• Neutral states vs. Belligerent states

• Neutral states also have duties during conflicts– Use force to maintain its neutrality– Maintain established relations with warring

parties– Prohibit the sale or distribution of arms to

either warring party

U.S. Adherence

• WWI

• WWII

• Iraq/Afghanistan– Guerrilla/urban warfare

• Sale of arms

Paper Assignment

• Topic: LOAC and historical/current U.S. actions.• Discuss an armed conflict in which the US has been engaged,

and whether our actions are justified or not relative to the LOAC. The conflict does not have to be after the LOAC was created – i.e. WWII and before OK

• Length – 5 pages, plus bibliography page• Format – As discussed in class• References – 4 or more (at least 3 non-internet)• Due: Outline after Fall Break, Paper after

Thanksgiving

Presentation Assignment

• Become an expert on one of 6 areas• Submarines

• Surface

• Aviation

• Auxiliary/Small boats

• Developmental weapon systems

• Threat Platforms

• 30-40 minute power point presentation

Questions?