Royal Navy seeks long-range anti-submarine weapon for Type 26

The Department of Defense has issued a pre-procurement notice requesting information from industry regarding a future long-range anti-submarine warfare (ASW) weapon (LRAW).

Specifically, the Royal Navy is seeking solutions for a long-range anti-submarine warfare weapon capable of deploying lightweight torpedoes from Type 26 frigates equipped with the Mk41 vertical launch system.

This Request for Information (RFI) is part of the Royal Navy's commitment to developing strategic relationships with the defense and security industries, in line with the Defense and Security Industrial Strategy (DSIS).

“The Royal Navy is seeking information on a future long-range anti-submarine warfare (ASW) weapon (LRAW) that could be launched from surface combatants equipped with the Mk41 Vertical Launcher System (VLS) strike length. The LRAW effector solution will be a “missile/rocket” delivered system – although unmanned systems are being explored as potential future ASW tools.

The LRAW concept provides an extended range launch means for a light (LWT) or very light (VLWT) torpedo effector against underwater contacts, signaled by organic or third-party sensor detection. Engagement ranges must far exceed those of current and planned heavy threat torpedoes.

The solution requires an interchangeable, stand-off, quick-response, all-weather ASW weapon delivery capability that allows a UK LWT to reach a water entry point for a targeted submarine from no any platform equipped with the Mk41 VLS. LRAW must integrate with RN combat or sonar systems and must be “secure by design”.

The RFI is not a tender opportunity but aims to gather information about the industry. Future procurement activities will comply with legislation in force at that time.

The Royal Navy is seeking solutions for a long-range anti-submarine warfare (ASW) weapon (LRAW) that can be launched from surface ships equipped with the strike-length Mk41 Vertical Launch System (VLS), which is being installed on the Type 26 frigates.

The desired system, according to the MOD, should deliver a light torpedo (LWT) or a very light torpedo (VLWT) to engage submarine contacts, using missile or rocket technology. Unmanned systems are also seen as potential enablers.

The main requirements of the LRAW include:

• “Extended range delivery to surpass the current and projected threat of heavy torpedoes.”
• “Interchangeable, remote, fast-response, all-weather capability. »
• “Compatibility with UK LWT for deployment from any Mk41 VLS equipped platform.”
• “Integration with Royal Navy combat or sonar systems and must be “secure by design”. »

The Department of Defense assumes an overall stockpile of 500 missiles for costing purposes. Solutions using existing booster designs for payload delivery are also welcome.

What might this look like?

A possible solution to the Royal Navy's needs could be the ASROC (Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket) (VLA) missile.

According to the United States Naval Maritime Systems Command, “The Vertically Launched Anti-Submarine Rocket (ASROC) (VLA) is a surface ship-launched anti-submarine missile designed to launch the MK 46 Mod 5A (SW) or MK 54 Mod light torpedo at a water entry point close to a targeted submarine.

The VLA provides “surface combatants with a stand-off, rapid-reaction, 360-degree, all-weather anti-submarine weapon.” It is currently deployed on Aegis-equipped ships (cruisers and destroyers) with the MK41 vertical launch system.

The VLA includes “a solid propellant thrust vector control (TVC) and digital autopilot control (DAC) to guide the missile from a vertical orientation through a tilt maneuver to a ballistic trajectory intended to launch the torpedo toward a point sighting on the ocean. surface.”

This type of system could meet the Royal Navy's need for a long-range, rapid-response anti-submarine warfare capability, but we'll see where it leads.