USS Abraham Lincoln completes CSSQT
US Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln, successfully completed testing of its self-defence system (SSDS) capabilities during Combat Systems Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT) on 7 December.
During trials, the ship demonstrated its ability to safely and effectively operate onboard weapons systems. In addition to the close-in weapons system (CIWS), Abraham Lincoln fired one RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) and one RIM-116 test Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM). Each missile successfully intercepted subsonic, sea-skimming UAS targets.
The ESSM is a semi-active missile requiring a feed from operators to locate a target. The RAM is a passive missile that uses built-in sensors to track down its target. The ship’s ENSSMS holds eight missiles per launcher, and the RAM launchers each hold 21 missiles.
CSQTT also demonstrated the mission-readiness of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12. The Abraham Lincoln CSG is comprised of Carrier Air Wing 7, Destroyer Squadron 2, associated guided-missile destroyers, flagship Abraham Lincoln and the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf.
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