Ford-class integrated combat system tested
The integrated combat system for the USS Gerald R Ford has undergone final developmental testing off the coast of California.
Carried out by Raytheon and the US Navy, the test saw the navy’s unmanned self defence test ship simulating a range of real-life scenarios, including a raid scenario exercise. Two anti-ship missile surrogate targets were located, classified, tracked and engaged using the Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) integrated combat system adapted for CVN 78.
SSDS is an open, distributed combat management system in service on US carriers and amphibious ships. SSDS is integrated with Raytheon's Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) for the extraction and distribution of sensor-derived information. This further enhances each ship's anti-air warfare capability through sharing of available data to all participating CEC units, improving situational awareness, increasing range, and enabling cooperative, multiple, or layered engagement strategies.
The SSDS ICS for CVN 78 has now successfully engaged three of three targets over the course of its first two test exercises.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
-
Future of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is still unclear
The Canadian government remains tight-lipped on the timeline and funding required for the next steps of its Canadian Submarine Patrol Project, which should offer improved capabilities for the country’s navy.
-
Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection
With Australia’s selection of the Mogami-class for Project Sea 3000, Mitsubishi is investigating local production in the next decade as potential export opportunities emerge.
-
Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions
The new sonar is designed to equip uncrewed underwater vessels, with the potential to be used by the Royal Navy for its Atlantic Bastion and Atlantic Net missions.