But not only does that require a whole APS tube to be tomahawk, you probably cant mix and match with SM6 and other Mk-41 missiles. Also APS doesn't seem very compact...
Correct. CPS
or Tomahawks in the APS, not both, and they're all cold-launch tubes. So you could do CAMM family, but only Tomahawks and CPS at present.
And no, it's
not particularly compact, as it's a big round tube with smaller tubes inside. I think one APM tube fits into about the same volume as 12x Mk41.
Who was adding strike length Mk-41 to the ASW MUSVs? Wouldn't they go on the bigger LUSV thats acting as a "missile barge"?
Anyone demanding SM6 or SM3s for self defense BMD or counter-hypersonics would require Strike length tubes.
I think VL-ASROCs fit into the self-defense length cells, but SM2s would need tactical-length.
I assume CPS is able to have multiple warheads inside the glider similar to the Chinese. It might be possible to save some VLS cells without lowering number of targets. Though, I see there might be a need for 50 more ships still to get the needed ready launch numbers.
I don't think that the glider is big enough for multiple warheads. Also, remember that the CPS is a kinetic impactor, not even explosives.
To get more CPS then larger ships are necessary. I can see them on Zumwalt and BBGN, but never FF or DDG.
DDGs might be viable, but they'd be
really big DDGs
and IMO you'd need the FVLS instead of Mk41+APM.
For what it's worth, I've been assuming Mk41+APM for all my discussions.
It's time to consider leveraging container ships in wartime or preparing logistic ships for this. More logistic ships are needed regardless and they do steam back and forth anyway. This would kind of save reloading time since they could just fire off their load and return right away.
That would require a whole lot of additional defenses on those logistics ships, IMO.
