In the midst of developing concerns of rocket stock estimate and also VLS cell number, the U.S. Naval force is set to test a unused surface-launched rocket. Interceptor outlined to maximize capacity in their Check 41 VLS cells. The exertion comes as generation of SM-6 inclines up into the late 2020s. To coordinate stock necessities, nearby expanded generation of RIM-162 ESSM Square II.
The Compact Dexterous Interceptor points to pack different little distances across rockets into one Stamp 41 VLS cell. While keeping high-end execution capability to capture ‘complex raids’ of hypersonic dangers. The expansion of a compact interceptor would include a third rocket to the U.S. Navy’s stock competent in managing hypersonic dangers, also coming in behind the 13.5-inch (0.34 m). SM-6 Double I/II and 21-inch (0.53 m) SM-6 Square IB.
CAI Program
What appeared like a contender for the CAI program was Lockheed Martin’s Patriot Advanced Capability 3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE). Which was detailed by InsideDefense final year. It has seen activity in Ukraine against hypersonic aeroballistic rockets (the Kh-47M2 ‘Kinzhal’ or AS-24 Downer air-launched ballistic rocket). And also allegedly against hypersonic air-breathing rockets (the 3M22 ‘Zircon’ or ‘SS-N-33’ hypersonic voyage rocket).
PAC-3 MSE’s breadth is generally 11.4 inches (29 cm), a small over half the breadth of a common rocket canister utilized in Stamp 41 VLS cells. In spite of the smaller breadth, Lockheed Martin told Maritime News at Sea Air Space 2023 (SAS) that the purposeful was to take off the rocket to a great extent unaltered for integration work, finishing the plausibility of dual-packing rockets for the time being, hence finishing the plausibility of the rocket being a candidate for Compact Spry Interceptor.
PAC-3 MSE
It does not meet program necessities unless Lockheed Martin adjusts the control surfaces to overlay the interior of the Check 41 VLS cell. Doing so would permit the rockets to dual-pack the interior of each Check 41 VLS cell, multiplying the magazine capacity. That included capacity, which could be a basic necessity for rockets within the Compact Spry Interceptor program. With Lockheed Martin picking to maximize proficiency and commonality, for great reason, the probability of PAC-3 MSE being a CAI candidate is thin.
Agreeing to U.S. Naval force budget reports for FY2025, the drive concept for the Compact Spry Interceptor has as of now been chosen. With plans for the “procurement of 2-3 flight test units with [the] chosen impetus concept” this year. A wide extend of impetus alternatives are on the table, extending from exceedingly stacked grain fuels to strong fuel ramjets, which can likely be organized on a first-stage booster.
