us navy weapons in use on arleigh burke class pdf

2 min read 22-01-2025

us navy weapons in use on arleigh burke class pdf

I cannot create a PDF document. Creating a PDF requires specialized software and is beyond the capabilities of this text-based AI. However, I can provide you with an article about US Navy weapons in use on Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. Remember that specific weapon deployments can change and are often classified. This information is based on publicly available knowledge.

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is a cornerstone of the US Navy's surface combatant fleet. Its versatility and firepower are largely due to the impressive array of weapons systems it carries. This article explores the key weapons currently in use on these ships.

Offensive Weapons Systems

Guided Missiles:

Standard Missile (SM)-2: The workhorse of the Aegis Combat System, the SM-2 is a medium-range, ship-launched, surface-to-air missile (SAM) used for anti-aircraft warfare. It’s designed to intercept incoming aircraft, helicopters, and anti-ship missiles. Different variants exist, with improvements in range and capabilities over time.
Standard Missile (SM)-3: This is a long-range, ship-launched, anti-ballistic missile (ABM). Designed to intercept ballistic missiles during their boost phase, the SM-3 is a crucial component of the Navy’s ballistic missile defense capabilities.
Standard Missile (SM)-6: A dual-role missile, the SM-6 combines the capabilities of the SM-2 and an anti-ship missile. It can engage both air and surface targets, offering enhanced flexibility in combat scenarios.
Tomahawk Cruise Missile: Launched from vertical launch systems (VLS), the Tomahawk is a long-range, land-attack cruise missile capable of striking targets hundreds or even thousands of miles away. It offers precision strike capability against a wide array of targets.
Harpoon Anti-Ship Missile: A supersonic anti-ship missile designed to target enemy surface vessels. Though older than the SM-6, Harpoon still provides a significant anti-ship capability.

Gun Systems:

Mark 45 5-inch/54-caliber Gun: The primary naval gun aboard the Arleigh Burke, this weapon provides a powerful close-in defense and is capable of engaging a variety of targets, including surface combatants and shore-based installations.

Defensive Weapons Systems

Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS): A rapid-fire, Gatling-style gun designed to defend against incoming anti-ship missiles and other close-range threats.
Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM): A short-range missile defense system designed to intercept anti-ship missiles and other air threats.

Electronic Warfare Systems

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are also equipped with a suite of electronic warfare systems designed to detect, jam, and disrupt enemy radar and communications. These systems contribute significantly to the ship's overall survivability and offensive capabilities. Specific details regarding these systems are often classified.

Future Developments

The Arleigh Burke-class is continually undergoing upgrades and modernization. This includes incorporating new missile variants, enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, and improvements to the Aegis Combat System. The Navy is committed to maintaining the effectiveness of these crucial warships in the face of evolving threats.

This article provides a general overview. For detailed, up-to-the-minute information on specific weapon deployments and capabilities, you may need to consult official Navy sources (which are often limited in detail due to security concerns). You could also search for official Navy publications or defense industry reports. Remember, specific armament can vary between individual ships of the class depending on their mission and deployment.