Why have modern minesweepers not been equipped with more modern and numerous AAW weapons given the biggest hazard these vessels face is likely air attack ?
The best you could probably manage is a Phalanx or other CIWS mount, and you'd probably be sacrificing a good deal of capability on the hull to fit that. It's easier to just park an Oliver Hazard Perry or a Kidd just off the minefield and operate in its SAM envelope, or install a cabinet with four Stinger missile launchers and some reloads.
Why have modern minesweepers not been equipped with more modern and numerous AAW weapons given the biggest hazard these vessels face is likely air attack ?
Why have modern minesweepers not been equipped with more modern and numerous AAW weapons given the biggest hazard these vessels face is likely air attack ?
If you are using a plywood/fibreglass hull (presumably you are intending to get close to mines and not use stand off drones?), then would a AAW system with its electronic/radar/magnetic metal not be a bad idea?Not much you can fit on a plywood hull