Chapter 1080 Stimulated person: We want to build a bigger and more advanced one!

 In previous eras, three to four thousand tons was a destroyer, and six to seven thousand tons was a cruiser. However, in recent years, the trend of larger warships has become more and more obvious.

In the 1980s, the U.S. Navy also decided to expand its naval construction and implement the "Sea Plan 2000" offensive theory. In conjunction with the Reagan administration's Star Wars plan, the Navy also ushered in a period of great development and decided to build 600 modern warships.

In this context, the Burke-class destroyer was born. Although it is called a destroyer, its displacement is limited to 8,500 tons. It not only has a maximum speed of 30 knots, but also has an advanced Aegis system. It also had to have good habitability and sufficient scalability. After several modifications, in 1985, the entire project officially started construction and was named the Arleigh Burke-class. It has continued to be constructed since then.

However, this kind of construction was also done in batches. Initially, the Burke 1 was built, and after improvement, it became the Burke 1A. A total of 21 ships were built, and only 7 Burke 2s were built, followed by the Burke 2A. After these were built, It's Burke's turn 3.

Previous batches used passive phased array radars, and it was not until Burke 3 that active phased array radars were installed.

But now, the U.S. Navy can no longer wait for the continued construction of Burke 2. In order to compete with the 055 that appears in the East, they must quickly improve their fleet level, and they must have a model that can compete with the 055 destroyers in the East!

  DDG-1000 is indeed advanced enough and has a large displacement, but it is too expensive.

 It is more realistic to modify the Burke class.

 After hearing Swift's words, everyone thought about it and then nodded: "Yes, we need to improve the performance of the Burke class immediately and call the people from NAVSEA!"

  NAVSEA, the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command, is the unit responsible for warship design, and the Ali Burke class is operated by them.

Soon, the conference room was filled with people, and designer Lucas said with great interest: "Everyone, we have completed all the design tasks for the Burke 3-class destroyer. As long as the Navy needs it, we can authorize the shipyard to start construction at any time. This destroyer will be the most advanced Aegis warship in the world!"

They didn’t just sit in the office drinking tea and chatting all day long. After the construction of the Burke 2A destroyer started, they were working non-stop to design a brand new warship, and the Burke 3 was about to be born.

"As the most advanced Aegis warship, it must be equipped with an active phased array radar. We plan to replace it with a newly developed air and missile defense radar, AMDR's new SPY-6 active phased array radar system. The original SPY-1D antenna will have a diameter of 4.27 meters, exceeding the 3.66 meters of the existing SPY-1D antenna. The larger area means it has stronger performance, whether it is to intercept aircraft or ballistic missiles. Good performance. At the same time, in addition to a large number of S-band modules on the front of this AMDR, it will also integrate some X-band modules. In addition to searching for targets, this X-band also has a fire control function, which can perfectly replace modern Some SPG-62s illuminate the radar."

In order to attack the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier formation, Lao Maozi proposed the saturation attack theory. Hundreds of anti-ship missiles were fired over to see if the U.S. aircraft carrier formation would kneel down. According to Lao Maozi's saturation attack theory, the U.S. Navy proposed an anti-saturation attack method. The key to the Aegis system is the four-sided phased array radar and vertical launch system. In theory, as many missiles as there are, it can intercept as many targets.

However, this data is shrinking. The number of missiles that the Aegis system can intercept at the same time is limited by the target illumination radar. Although the SPY-1 radar can search for targets and can also guide missile attacks, it only guides the initial and middle stages. In the final stage, target illumination radar is still needed to allow the standard missile to accurately fly to the target. The fire channel of the Aegis system is limited by the number of target illumination radars.

Even if the Americans have made some preparations in advance, for example, when irradiating a target, the second missile can be launched, fly inertially first, wait until the first missile hits the target, illuminate the radar and then aim at the target. Even so, at most That is to say, it only deals with two targets at once. Even if there are four targets illuminating the radar, it can only fight eight targets at the same time. If nine targets fly in at once, it will be dumbfounded.

Not to mention that these four target illumination radars are arranged in four directions. If the missiles all fly from one direction, only three will be needed to penetrate the defense, so the Aegis system is far from as powerful as imagined.

how to solve this problem?

Active radar guidance is the most suitable solution. Dongfang’s Red Flag 9 comes with active radar guidance, which does not require target illumination radar at all. Although it also requires a small-area C-band radar array, it only provides mid-course guidance instructions.

However, after all, the U.S. Navy has a large inventory of old missiles. Even new warships must be able to launch old missiles. Therefore, their solution is to integrate an X-band radar array on the S-band radar array. The target illumination radar, because it is an active phased array radar, can allocate T/R components as needed, and the number of targets guided at the same time is greatly increased.

 This is the best design solution!

 All the naval leaders nodded.

 “Yes, this design works.”

 “We just need this kind of advanced system!”

“Hmph, the Eastern people’s system is not mature at all, our Aegis system is the strongest!”

"Next, I will introduce other designs. Because the new radar requires a strong power supply, the power output of the original three LM2500 gas turbines is no longer enough. We decided to add another one to give it sufficient power output, using The integrated power system of the whole ship can meet the power needs of the four-sided phased array radar and propulsion system working at the same time, and can also supply other equipment. Even if the electromagnetic gun is installed in the future, there will be sufficient power reserves."

The whole ship has integrated power and four LM2500 gas turbines. These designs are acceptable. It seems that NAVSEA's work efficiency is still good.

 “Okay, sure, these designs are great!”

"In order to improve the performance of the warship, we decided to increase the displacement to 9,500 tons." Lucas said this and glanced at everyone: "We think this is necessary, after all, the power cabin and so on need Add space.”

 What he is afraid of is that the Navy will not allow the displacement to be expanded. After all, the greater the displacement, the higher the cost of construction! When the Burke-class was first designed, it was limited to 8,000 tons. Later, it was found that it could not be achieved, so it was increased to 8,500 tons.

 Sure enough, he saw dissatisfied expressions on the faces of the naval leaders.

  Could it be that they are dissatisfied with the enlarged displacement, making it the same as the Ticonderoga class?

Just when Lucas wanted to continue explaining, Swift spoke: "No, the displacement of this destroyer is too small!"

Small?

 It’s actually small?

Lucas couldn’t believe his ears. Did he hear it wrong? Are these leaders trying to make fun of themselves? Today is not April Fools' Day!

“In order to surpass the Eastern warships, the displacement of our Burke-class destroyers must be enlarged to more than 13,000 tons.” Swift said.

"A warship that surpasses Dongfang? Dongfang's largest is 052DL, with a displacement of about 7,000 tons." Lucas was very curious.

“No, that was before. Just today, Dongfang launched a new warship, model 055, with a full load displacement of more than 12,000 tons.”

"How is it possible? How can Easterners have the ability to build such warships?" Lucas was stunned.

“Look at the photos taken by our satellite.” Swift threw over a large-scale photo. Lucas took it and took a look, and his eyes suddenly lit up.

"The design of this ship island is very good. There are some holes reserved on it. Is it necessary to install more radars? The mast is also relatively simple, and the design concept is very advanced."

“Four chimneys should have four gas turbines. The most commonly used gas turbines on Dongfang warships are GT25000. If there are four, it will be easy to propel a 10,000-ton warship.”

“There is also a vertical launch unit at the back. This vertical launch unit should be able to place a large launch tube, and there is enough space underneath.”

“The hangar at the back is not small. It can accommodate two helicopters. It should not be Lao Maozi’s Ka-27. It may be the same helicopter as our Seahawk.”

As a warship designer, Lucas found that he could not fault it. This warship was so perfect. If his own side wanted to design it, he could totally follow this plan!

“Mr. Lucas, you are very satisfied with the design of this warship.”

  “Yes, the other party has a first-class warship designer.”

 “What about us?”

"We also have it. We will definitely come up with a qualified design plan and we will never let the Navy down. For us, the larger the displacement, the easier it is to design! As long as the Navy gives us the technical parameters, we can Perfect the detailed design." Lucas looked at the photo again. Based on this appearance, will it be approved by the Navy?

"First of all, the displacement is definitely higher than that of the Easterners. For the time being, the displacement of 13,000 tons is used as the standard, and it may continue to increase." Swift said: "Secondly, in terms of weapons and equipment, this kind of improvement The new active phased array radar is okay, but the vertical launch system is not enough. Our MK41 is outdated, and our MK57 system does not meet the needs. We also need a new large-diameter vertical launch system. The diameter of the vertical launch system of the Orientals has been It has reached 850 millimeters, and ours needs to be larger, at least 900 millimeters!"

 Others present opened their eyes wide.

“Swift, do you need such a big lob?” asked a naval officer.

"It depends on what's inside. If it's just anti-aircraft missiles, of course they won't be needed. But everyone, haven't you noticed that our arsenal has too few types of weapons? In the future, we will have to face the Eastern aircraft carriers, Lao Maozi's aircraft carriers , what weapon do we use to attack their aircraft carrier formation? Is it a tomahawk or a harpoon?"

The U.S. Navy has not developed much anti-ship missiles before. The Harpoon missile with a range of more than 100 kilometers is the main anti-ship missile of the destroyer. If it feels that the range is too close, the Tomahawk will be replaced with a warhead to serve as a temporary anti-ship missile.

 After all, they don’t need it! They have the strongest navy in the world. They don't have to worry about how to deal with the enemy's aircraft carrier formation. The combat goal of their navy is to control the land with the sea, drive to the enemy's doorstep, and use their carrier-based aircraft to carry out crazy attacks on the enemy's land. Indiscriminate bombing.

 But now, times have changed. They also have to consider how to penetrate the enemy's layers of defense and finally attack the enemy's aircraft carrier. Now, they are blind because they do not have suitable weapons in their arsenal!

"Look at the East. There are already supersonic anti-ship missiles and hypersonic ballistic missiles, which pose a huge threat to aircraft carrier formations. We also need to develop new anti-ship missiles, whether they are supersonic or hypersonic. , there will definitely be a huge volume, and our vertical launcher must expand in size!"

"If this kind of vertical launch system is to be developed, what launch method should be used?" Lucas frowned: "We are used to using thermal launch, but this launch method requires a smoke exhaust duct, 900 mm caliber vertical launch device, the diameter of the missile inside will definitely exceed 850 millimeters. The tail flame generated when such a missile is launched will be very large, and our exhaust duct may not be able to meet the needs."

Thermal launch can have a faster response speed, but it requires additional exhaust ducts. The larger the missile, the larger the tail flame, and the larger the exhaust duct required. Lucas really cannot imagine that this level can be achieved. How big should the missile launch exhaust duct be?

If thermal emission is not realistic, then cold emission?

Although the surface ships of the U.S. Navy all use thermal launch, it does not mean that they cannot use cold launch. In comparison, cold launch has a lower technical content.

“We use electromagnetic ejection for cold launch, what do you think?” Swift said.

Everyone was shocked again. Launched by electromagnetic ejection? This technology is not ordinary high!

"We already have an electromagnetic catapult. Although it is not yet mature, it is just for the purpose of ejecting carrier-based aircraft. If we eject missiles, the technical content required will be much lower." Swift said: "As long as It’s enough to throw the missile into the sky and ignite it autonomously. Anyway, this kind of vertical launcher has not been developed yet. Let’s just work together and develop this advanced vertical launcher system. Only in this way can we show the technological level of our United States!”

Swift has ideals. This brand-new warship must be a warship built with high technology. It must be eye-catching and must be compared with the warships of the East. What if the East has a hot and cold warship? Let’s build a cold launch device for electromagnetic ejection!

Lucas nodded: "This should be possible, but it will definitely take time. We believe that in our design stage, we can first use the MK41 vertical launch system to assemble it, but we retain the ability to use new vertical launchers until the new vertical launch system is installed. It has been developed and can be changed at any time, what do you think?"

Swift nodded: "Yes, that's it, but when we show it to the outside world, we must show off the new hair hanging device!"

Lucas has understood Swift's psychology. This leader wants to be tall and superior to the warships in the East!

 Not only is the displacement higher than that of Dongfang, but it is also necessary to surpass it in other subsystems!

This is easy to say, let’s upgrade all the tall and high-end ones. As for the price, the shipyard will definitely like it.

"We are currently developing electromagnetic guns. Our bow main gun can also use the existing 127 mm main gun, but we retain the ability to install electromagnetic guns. When needed in the future, we can replace the electromagnetic guns at any time when displaying them to the outside world. , we also show the version of the electromagnetic gun. What do you think?" Lucas suggested.

“Yes, it’s the electromagnetic gun. After so many years of research and development, our electromagnetic gun will soon be mature!” Swift decided immediately.

Dongfang used electromagnetic catapults on aircraft carriers, allowing the whole world to see Dongfang’s technology. Now, the U.S. Navy is also doing its part, and they also have their own unique skills!

"In terms of close-in defense weapons, our current Phalanx and Ram are already outdated. Our navy is currently testing ship-based laser weapons. I think that high-power and high-energy ship-based laser weapons can be installed in the future. If something slips through the net, , you can use laser cannon to destroy it."

laser weapon!

In the Star Wars project, there were many stages for laser weapons to be displayed. Although Star Wars was later considered a hoax, many weapons continued to be developed. For example, the United States began to deploy them, such as Damn and Damn. Laser weapons are also under development, and are involved in the navy, land and air forces. The U.S. Navy is testing the Helios laser weapon, but the power is only 60 kilowatts, so it is dazzling and disruptive at best, and it cannot really directly burn incoming anti-ships. missile.

"We need to carry two laser weapons, with powers of 150 kilowatts and 600 kilowatts, which are enough to directly destroy incoming missiles. In the high-tech field, we are still the most advanced." When talking about this, Lucas Suddenly he realized something: "But if these are equipped, then the power system of our warship will not be enough!"

The four-sided active phased array radar consumes a lot of power. For this purpose, they also added an LM2500 gas turbine, so the power is more than enough and there is still margin. However, that is for the Burke 3 which is less than 10,000 tons. Said.

Now, the Navy requires the displacement to be expanded to 13,000 tons, and the power of four LM2500s is already stretched. What's more, it also needs electromagnetic ejection vertical launch systems, electromagnetic guns, and laser close-in defense weapons. These are all large power consumers. ! It's okay to use them separately, but if they are used at the same time, the warship must not trip due to overpower?

 Four gas turbines are not enough, what should we do next? On Channel 5?

This is not possible. Surface ships can only have four gas turbines at most. It is inconvenient to arrange one more, and the required intake and exhaust systems are also difficult to arrange. It is best to choose the gas turbine with the highest power. However, except for the 40-megawatt gas turbine in the East Except for gas turbines, other countries don't have them at all. The British have not yet successfully developed them!

 (End of this chapter)