VL SEAWOLF
VL SEAWOLF is highly effective against both aircraft and missile threats with a combat proven record.
Operational requirement
Onboard, fully automatic, fast reaction, defence missiles with an effective engagement capacity against multiple attacks by anti-ship missiles, are necessary for ship protection.
The MBDA solution
SEAWOLF was the first operational anti-missile ship defence weapon system. It has proved its efficiency against fast sea skimming and high angle supersonic missiles. Vertical Launch SEAWOLF is a fully automatic, fast reaction, high speed, point defence missile system offering an effective counter to multiple missile attack.
VL SEAWOLF (VL = Vertical Launch) is accurate enough to intercept 4.5 inch (114 mm) shells.
Once the surveillance radar has detected targets, the ship’s command system evaluates them and prioritises the threat. Designated high threat targets are then automatically passed to the SEAWOLF tracker subsystem which then searches for and locks onto the target. The system automatically decides upon missile launch and guides the SEAWOLF missile up to intercept using highly accurate Command to Line of Sight (CLOS) guidance.
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The missile
Vertically launched, the missile is turned over quickly using thrust vector control. Once the boost motor has separated, the missile is controlled by its rear fins, giving it high manoeuvrability. The rear-facing command aerials, mounted on the missile wings, make it extremely resistant to electronic countermeasures.
The launch canister
Vertical Launch SEAWOLF missiles are stored and transported in sealed launch canisters and require no maintenance on-board ship. The canister has its own integral ducts for efflux management, making installation on board ship simple and flexible.
The tracker
Vertical Launch SEAWOLF operates with one or two lightweight radar trackers.
MAIN FEATURES and ADVANTAGES
Flexibility
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All weather, day/night system, |
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Flexible defence capability, as it can engage both incoming missiles and aircraft with its rapid fire ability and automatic re-engagement, |
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Full 360° azimuth coverage without any launcher blind arcs, |
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Maximum engagement window due to its 360° coverage, speed, accuracy and agility, |
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Does not restrict the ship's manoeuvrability. |
Efficiency
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Resistant to ECM due to the use of Command to Line of Sight (CLOS) guidance system, |
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Fast reaction time due to its fully automatic launch sequence, |
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Optimised lethality with blast fragmentation warhead and proximity fuze, |
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Combat proven, |
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Low risk of combat damage unavailability, due to built-in redundancy. |
Customer support
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Simple retrofit option due to its modular design and self contained launch canister, |
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Low cost of ownership due to its simple operation and low maintenance requirement, |
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Long term support is guaranteed as the weapon system will remain in Royal Navy service for at least another 20 years. |
Ship installation
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Vertical Launch SEAWOLF has been designed as a modular system suitable for installation in a number of configurations on new and existing ships. |
Status of programme
VL SEAWOLF Block 2 is the third generation of the SEAWOLF air defence weapon system and is in service with the UK Royal Navy on board their Type 23 frigates, with 32 missiles installed in vertical sealed canisters ready for firing. It is also in service with the Royal Malaysian Navy for the new light frigates built by BAE SYSTEMS and with several other foreign navies.
The UK MoD has recently contracted a further tranche of the Block 2 standard of SEAWOLF missiles as well as updates to the ship’s equipment.
The initial version of the SEAWOLF was successfully deployed in the Falklands war (1982). |
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Mass 140 kg |
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Length 3 m |
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Diameter 0.18 m |
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Speed Mach 2 |
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Warhead
explosive and fragmenting |
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Guidance
Automatic Command to Line Sight (ACLOS) |
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Control
Thrust vector during launch, rear fins during flight |
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Propulsion Solid propellant | |
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