Challenge for naval warfare fans

Khanzeer

Banned
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 ?

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.
 
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.

I'm pretty sure that's what happened in 1991, the RN minesweepers clearing a box for the USN battleship were covered by the Sea Darts of a Type 42. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the Sea Dart shooting down a Silkworm missile was part of this general operation.
 
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 ?

Hull size restrictions and at the end of the day, minesweepers are relatively expandable.
 
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 ?
Not much you can fit on a plywood hull
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 sure if its true but I have read that some CW minesweepers where fitted with old surplus Bofors 40 mm guns as it was intended to throw it overboard at the start of WWIII as its a significant part of the magnetic signature?
 
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