Posted on 06/09/2016 4:45:21 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
The German Navy (Marine) has authorized on 3 June 2016 the use of the surface-to-surface Saab RBS-15 Mk3 missiles aboard the Braunschweig class (K-130) corvette. This type of missiles will give the Marine the capability to engage land targets from the sea.
German Navy Braunschweig class corvettes (K130)
The RBS-15 Mk3 was selected in 2004 through an international tender; with the other two contenders being Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile and Boeing’s Harpoon Block II missiles. However, following technical delays and two failed fire-tests in 2013, the missiles were successfully fire-tested in 2015.
The German Navy is the second one, after the Polish, to induct this weapon system. The RBS-15 Mk3 has a range over 200 km, with improvements over its previous version in its mission computer, digital autopilot, INS/GPS navigation system, allowing it to follow multiple waypoints flight paths, its capability to discriminate targets and conduct manoeuvres, and other sectors.
An RBS15 Mk3 is launched from German Navy Braunschweig class corvette “Magdeburg” during operational test in 2015. Picture: Diehl
Due to its high maneuverability, the long-range, all-weather capable, fire-and-forget RBS15 Mk3 missile can track targets in low-level flight directly above the water surface and fly around or over islands at distances up to and far beyond 200km. It is extremely resistant to electronic countermeasures and characterized by high robustness against air defence sites employing guided and tube weapons, for instance, by unexpected evasive maneuvers during terminal approach.
The German Navy Braunschweig class corvettes (K130) were designed and built by the Class 130 Consortium led by Blohm + Voss. Five built ships have the primary task of surface surveillance, reconnaissance, surface target engagement, humanitarian missions, countering asymmetric threats and operating mainly in the littorals.
Interesting ship design with the diesel exhaust ports near the waterline to reduce infrared signature.
Yeah. Gives it that permanent "I've been struck by a missile" look.
But, the Germans have been using the snorkel for 75 years, so they should be able to make it work.
I wonder how much water comes in during rough seas in the North Atlantic.
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