Author Topic: Why Warships Cannot Reload Missiles at Sea  (Read 3436 times)

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Offline rangerrebew

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Why Warships Cannot Reload Missiles at Sea
« on: April 01, 2025, 05:50:57 am »
Why Warships Cannot Reload Missiles at Sea

Vertical Launch Systems or VLS are arguably the best thing that have happened to Naval weapon systems since the 1980s, but they have one massive shortcoming: They are extremely tricky to reload. And despite many attempts at addressing this problem, it still remains the single weakest link in the logistics of rearming these systems.

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Offline Canuck Conservative

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Re: Why Warships Cannot Reload Missiles at Sea
« Reply #1 on: April 01, 2025, 08:00:34 am »
Can send men to the Moon, but can't figure out how to reload missiles at sea?
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Online Timber Rattler

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Re: Why Warships Cannot Reload Missiles at Sea
« Reply #2 on: April 01, 2025, 08:04:12 am »
Can send men to the Moon, but can't figure out how to reload missiles at sea?

I actually understand this problem having worked with Navy engineers and scientists earlier in my career.  The sea is always in motion and unforgiving, and the missiles represent a major fire and explosion threat, especially during shipment and transfer.  The way VLS's are designed and built pretty much requires a stable platform with a mounted crane to reload, much like SLBMs, which just can't be done in turbulent, heavy water.  That's why the Navy actually prefers gun-systems over missiles because the ammunition is much cheaper, its easier to transport and reload, and there is much more of it available.  $10,000 shots vs $1,000,000 shots too.
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Offline Canuck Conservative

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Re: Why Warships Cannot Reload Missiles at Sea
« Reply #3 on: April 01, 2025, 08:21:48 am »
That's why the Navy actually prefers gun-systems over missiles because the ammunition is much cheaper, its easier to transport and reload, and there is much more of it available.  $10,000 shots vs $1,000,000 shots too.

Thanks for the interesting details.

Guess that's why the navy is working hard to get laser-based systems in operation, they don't need any reloading.
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Re: Why Warships Cannot Reload Missiles at Sea
« Reply #4 on: April 01, 2025, 10:59:17 am »
Thanks for the interesting details.

Guess that's why the navy is working hard to get laser-based systems in operation, they don't need any reloading.

Exactly, or transport at sea.
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Offline Smokin Joe

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Re: Why Warships Cannot Reload Missiles at Sea
« Reply #5 on: April 01, 2025, 11:01:18 am »
Thanks for the interesting details.

Guess that's why the navy is working hard to get laser-based systems in operation, they don't need any reloading.
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