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To: Jeff Head
They have Marek 41 VLS tubes. They can fire TLACMs. However, I imagine that these will have Evolves Sea Sparrows.
Personally, I would prefer another attack sub or cruiser.
34 posted on 09/08/2003 4:34:56 PM PDT by rmlew ("Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute.")
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To: rmlew
Actually, the launchers for for ESS will not be on board...only space for a future addition if necessary. They have been scaled back in that regard. They will carry two Mark 31 Mod 0 launchers for launching Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) RIM 116. From the Naval Technology, LPD 17 Project site.
WEAPON SYSTEMS

Two Mark 31 Mod 0 launchers are capable of launching the fire-and-forget Raytheon Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM). The RAM (RIM 116) surface-to-air missile has dual-mode radio frequency/infra-red guidance and is designed to engage anti-ship missiles. It has a range of 8km. Space and weight provision has been made for the future fitting of a vertical launcher for the Evolved Seasparrow Missile (ESSM) if required.

The ship is equipped with two Mk 46 Mod 1 30mm guns for close-in surface self-defence. The Mk 46 is a dual-axis stabilised chain gun with a firing rate of up to 250 rounds/min. The fire director includes a thermal imager, low light TV camera and laser rangefinder, with a closed-loop tracking system. The gun can be operated locally at the gun turret or remotely in the Combat Information Centre. Additional armament includes two Mark 26 Mod 18 50-calibre machine guns.
... and from the Naval Fact Sheet for the LPD 17:
Artist concept drawing of San Antonio Class ship

General Characteristics, San Antonio class

Builders: Northrop Grumman Ships Systems, with Raytheon Systems Corporation and Intergraph Corporation.
Power plant: four sequentially turbocharged marine Colt-Pielstick Diesels, two shafts
Length: 684 feet (208.5 meters)
Beam: 105 feet (31.9 meters)
Displacement: Approximately 24,900 tons (25,300 metric tons) full load
Speed: in excess of 22 knots (24.2 mph, 38.7 kph)
Aircraft: Launch or land up to four CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters; or up to two MV-22 Osprey tilt rotor aircraft simultaneously with room to spot four MV-22s on deck and one in the hangar.
Armament: Two Bushmaster II 30 mm Close in Guns, fore and aft; two Rolling Airframe Missile launchers, fore and aft.
Landing Craft/Assault Vehicles: Two LCACs or one LCU; and 14 Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicles.
The Mark 41 VLS will not be onboard so they will not be able to launch the Tomahawks.
38 posted on 09/08/2003 5:47:12 PM PDT by Jeff Head
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