User:Belfras/SandboxMissile1: Difference between revisions

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<!--{{Region_icon_Ajax}}-->{{infobox weapon
<!--{{Region_icon_Ajax}}-->{{infobox weapon
| name              = Trident Missile System
| name              = Spearfish Missile
| image              = File:LRASM in flight.gif|300pg
| image              = File:Harpoon missile sketch.svg|300pg
| caption            =
| caption            =
| origin            =  
| origin            =  
| type              = Long-range precision-guided {{wpl|Anti-ship missile}}
| type              = Subsonic {{wpl|Anti-ship missile}}
| role              =  
| role              =  
<!-- Type selection -->
<!-- Type selection -->
Line 15: Line 15:
| is_UK              =
| is_UK              =
<!-- Service history -->
<!-- Service history -->
| service            = 2018-Present
| service            = 1978-Present
| used_by            = {{flag|Belfras}}<br>see [[#operators|operators]]
| used_by            = {{flag|Belfras}}<br>see [[#operators|operators]]
| wars              =  
| wars              =  
Line 29: Line 29:
| spec_label        =
| spec_label        =
| weight            =  
| weight            =  
{{convert|1200|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
{{convert|690|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
| length            =  
| length            =  
{{convert|4.3|m|ft|abbr=on}}
{{convert|3.84|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| part_length        =
| part_length        =
| width              =
| width              =
| height            =
| height            =
| diameter          = {{convert|0.55|m|in|abbr=on}}
| diameter          = {{convert|0.34|m|in|abbr=on}}
| crew              =
| crew              =
| passengers        =
| passengers        =
Line 41: Line 41:
| filling            =  
| filling            =  
| filling_weight    =
| filling_weight    =
| detonation        = multi-purpose delayed-action fuse
| detonation        = blast fragmentation
| yield              = {{convert|450|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
| yield              = {{convert|221|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
<!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->
<!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->
| armour            =
| armour            =
| primary_armament    =
| primary_armament    =
| secondary_armament  =
| secondary_armament  =
| engine            = Turbofan engine w/ solid-fuel booster
| engine            = turbojet engine w/ solid-fuel booster
| engine_power      =
| engine_power      =
| pw_ratio          =
| pw_ratio          =
Line 55: Line 55:
| clearance          =
| clearance          =
| fuel_capacity      =
| fuel_capacity      =
| vehicle_range      = {{convert|434|nmi|km|abbr=on}}+
| vehicle_range      = {{convert|67|nmi|km|abbr=on}}+
| speed              = {{convert|575|mph|kph|abbr=on}}
| speed              = {{convert|531|mph|kph|abbr=on}}
| guidance          = GPS, inertial navigation, terrain-following radar, passive RF seeker, infrared homing
| guidance          = inertial navigation, active radar homing
| steering          =
| steering          =
<!-- Missiles only -->
<!-- Missiles only -->
Line 67: Line 67:
| boost              =
| boost              =
| accuracy          =
| accuracy          =
| launch_platform    = Vertical launch systems, torpedo tubes, air-based platforms, ground-based launch systems
| launch_platform    = Ship, submarine, aircraft, ground-based platforms
| transport          =
| transport          =
}}
}}


The '''Trident Missile System (TMS)''' is a long-range, precision-guided cruise missile designed for maritime strike operations. Developed as a versatile and stealthy replacement for the [[Lance Missile]] in anti-ship roles, the Trident entered service with air forces in 2018 and expanded its capabilities to include vertical launch and submarine deployment in 2022. With its advanced targeting systems and survivability enhancements, the TMS is capable of engaging heavily defended naval assets with a high probability of success.
The '''Spearfish Missile''' is a subsonic, precision-guided anti-ship missile designed for versatility and reliability in maritime strike operations. Introduced in 1978, it remains a critical component of naval warfare, capable of engaging a variety of surface targets in contested environments. With its focus on cost-effectiveness and adaptability, the Spearfish has been widely adopted by naval forces for its proven track record and operational flexibility.


The Trident represents a significant technological leap over its predecessors, incorporating advanced stealth features, autonomous targeting capabilities, and a powerful warhead designed to neutralize large surface combatants. The missile’s development was driven by the increasing sophistication of modern naval defenses, requiring a weapon capable of operating effectively in highly contested environments. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, the TMS has become a cornerstone of maritime strike operations for the Belfrasian Armed Forces.
The Spearfish missile’s design emphasizes simplicity and effectiveness, utilizing advanced guidance systems and a robust propulsion unit to ensure accuracy and dependability. The missile’s compact size and lightweight construction make it compatible with a wide range of launch platforms, including surface ships, submarines, fixed-wing aircraft, and ground-based systems. This multi-platform capability allows it to integrate seamlessly into diverse naval strategies.


One of the Trident’s standout features is its stealthy design, which includes radar-absorbent materials and a low observable airframe. These features reduce its radar cross-section, allowing it to penetrate dense layers of enemy air defenses. Additionally, the missile’s advanced guidance systems enable it to execute complex flight profiles, including terrain-following and sea-skimming maneuvers, making it extremely difficult to intercept.
One of the key features of the Spearfish is its mid-range capability, designed to engage enemy vessels from a standoff distance. Its sea-skimming flight profile reduces radar visibility, allowing it to approach targets undetected until the final engagement phase. This approach ensures a high probability of mission success even in environments with advanced enemy defenses.


The TMS is powered by a high-efficiency turbofan engine, granting it a range of over 800 kilometers (500 miles) in standard configurations. Its long-range capabilities, combined with its precision guidance systems, allow it to engage targets from standoff distances, minimizing the risk to the launching platform. Furthermore, the missile’s modularity enables the integration of future upgrades, ensuring its continued relevance on the battlefield.
While the missile system has largely been replaced in Federation Naval service with the [[Foreganger Missile]] overtaking it for heavy anti-ship duties and the [[Trident Missile]] being used for air-launched duties, the Spearfish remains a go-to munition for the Federation due to it's reliability, cost and historical production.
 
The missile carries a 450-kilogram (990-pound) multi-purpose warhead, optimized for penetrating the hulls of modern warships. This warhead employs a delayed-action fuse, ensuring maximum damage to internal systems upon detonation. The combination of kinetic and explosive effects makes the Trident a formidable weapon against a wide range of naval targets, from frigates to aircraft carriers.
 
In addition to its offensive capabilities, the Trident boasts sophisticated defensive measures, including electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) and a low-thermal signature to evade infrared-guided defenses. Its onboard systems include advanced jamming and decoy capabilities, further enhancing its survivability against modern air defense systems.
 
Since its induction, the Trident has been integrated into a variety of platforms, including strategic bombers, multi-role fighter aircraft, vertical launch systems on surface combatants, and submarine torpedo tubes. This versatility ensures that the missile can be deployed across multiple domains, providing commanders with a flexible and powerful tool for maritime operations.


== Design and development ==
== Design and development ==
[[File:160707-N-ZZ999-112 (28482438301).jpg|200px|thumbnail|left|Spearfish being launched]]
The Spearfish Missile System features a streamlined design focused on subsonic maritime strike capabilities. Constructed from lightweight, corrosion-resistant materials, the missile is designed to withstand harsh maritime environments. Its aerodynamic shape and low radar cross-section enhance its stealth characteristics, ensuring survivability against advanced detection systems.


The design of the Trident Missile System reflects its dual emphasis on stealth and precision. The missile’s airframe is constructed from advanced composite materials, incorporating radar-absorbent coatings to minimize its radar cross-section. The low-observable design includes angular surfaces and flush-mounted air intakes, reducing the likelihood of detection by enemy radars. This stealth-focused approach ensures that the TMS can approach heavily defended targets with minimal exposure.
At 3.84 meters (12.6 feet) in length and 0.34 meters (13.5 inches) in diameter, the Spearfish is compact enough to be deployed from a variety of platforms. Its folded wingspan of 0.91 meters (3 feet) allows for efficient storage in standard launch canisters, while the unfolded wings provide stability and maneuverability during flight.
 
The missile is powered by a turbofan engine capable of delivering consistent thrust across its operational envelope. This engine is optimized for fuel efficiency, granting the Trident a maximum range of over 800 kilometers (500 miles). The engine’s compact design also contributes to the missile’s low thermal signature, making it more challenging for infrared-guided systems to detect and engage it.
 
Guidance is a key feature of the Trident, with a multi-mode system combining GPS, inertial navigation, and terrain-following radar. This suite ensures accurate mid-course navigation, while a passive radio frequency (RF) seeker and infrared homing system provide precise terminal targeting. These advanced targeting systems allow the missile to engage moving and stationary targets with equal effectiveness, even in electronically contested environments.
 
The Trident’s ability to execute complex flight paths is enabled by its advanced flight control system. The missile can perform sea-skimming maneuvers to evade radar detection and maintain a low-altitude profile, minimizing its exposure to air defense systems. It can also execute rapid course corrections and evasive maneuvers during its terminal approach, increasing its survivability.
 
The warhead of the Trident is a 450-kilogram (990-pound) multi-purpose payload, incorporating a shaped charge and fragmentation components. This design maximizes damage against naval vessels by combining explosive force with focused penetration. The delayed-action fuse ensures the warhead detonates within the target’s internal systems, causing catastrophic damage to key components such as propulsion systems, command centers, and weapons magazines.
 
The missile’s modular design extends beyond its warhead, allowing for future upgrades to its propulsion, guidance, and electronic systems. This adaptability ensures that the Trident remains at the forefront of anti-ship capabilities as technology evolves. Current plans include the integration of AI-driven targeting algorithms and extended-range variants.
 
Defensive systems are integral to the TMS’s survivability. The missile is equipped with advanced electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) to resist jamming and spoofing attempts. Additionally, onboard decoy systems can deploy false signals to mislead enemy air defenses. These features, combined with its stealth and maneuverability, make the Trident highly resilient in contested environments.
 
Deployment versatility is another hallmark of the Trident’s design. It is compatible with vertical launch systems (VLS) on surface ships, torpedo tube launches (TTL) from submarines, and air-based platforms such as bombers and fighters. This multi-platform compatibility ensures seamless integration into existing fleets and broad operational utility.
 
The missile’s compact dimensions enable efficient storage and transport. When deployed from VLS cells, the Trident requires no additional modifications to the launch platform, simplifying integration. Similarly, its compatibility with standard submarine torpedo tubes ensures that underwater platforms can utilize the missile without extensive retrofitting.


Advanced production techniques have reduced the Trident’s maintenance requirements, ensuring high readiness levels and minimizing lifecycle costs. Its robust design and modularity also simplify logistics, enabling efficient upgrades and repairs in the field.
The missile’s propulsion system consists of a turbojet engine paired with a solid-fuel booster for initial launch. This configuration enables the Spearfish to achieve a cruising speed of approximately 855 km/h (531 mph), making it ideal for engaging targets within its operational range of 124 kilometers (67 nautical miles). The solid-fuel booster ensures rapid acceleration upon launch, while the turbojet provides sustained thrust throughout the missile’s flight.


In summary, the Trident’s design embodies a balance of stealth, precision, and adaptability. Its advanced features ensure that it remains a key asset for maritime strike operations, capable of addressing the challenges of modern naval warfare.
Guidance is a critical component of the Spearfish’s design. The missile employs a combination of inertial navigation and active radar homing for mid-course and terminal guidance. The active radar seeker allows the missile to track and engage moving targets with precision, while the inertial navigation system ensures accurate mid-course corrections, even in GPS-denied environments.


=== Ground based launchers ===
The warhead of the Spearfish is a 221-kilogram (487-pound) blast fragmentation design, optimized for maximum damage against naval vessels. The warhead’s delayed-action fuse ensures penetration of the target’s outer hull before detonation, maximizing the destructive force delivered to critical systems such as propulsion, command centers, and weapons magazines.


The Trident Missile System has been further adapted for ground-based deployment, further enhancing its versatility and strategic utility. Ground-based variants of the Trident leverage the missile’s long-range precision strike capabilities to engage naval targets from coastal installations and execute land-attack missions when required. This adaptation extends the reach of Belfrasian Armed Forces’ coastal defense networks, providing an additional layer of deterrence and operational flexibility.
The Spearfish’s sea-skimming flight profile is a defining feature of its design. By flying at extremely low altitudes, the missile minimizes its radar signature and reduces the likelihood of detection. This approach also allows the Spearfish to exploit gaps in enemy radar coverage, increasing its survivability in contested environments.


Ground-based Trident launch systems utilize modular canisterized launchers, which are compatible with both fixed and mobile platforms. These launchers enable rapid deployment and redeployment, allowing commanders to adjust their defenses based on shifting tactical scenarios. The mobility of the system ensures its survivability against preemptive strikes, while fixed installations offer strategic endurance in critical areas.
One of the missile’s standout features is its modular construction, which allows for easy upgrades and maintenance. The Spearfish’s systems can be updated with minimal logistical overhead, ensuring that the missile remains effective against evolving threats. This modularity also enables operators to tailor the missile’s capabilities to specific mission requirements.


The Trident’s guidance systems have been optimized for land-based operations, integrating seamlessly with ground-based command and control (C2) networks. These networks provide real-time targeting data, mid-course updates, and mission adjustments, ensuring the missile’s effectiveness in dynamic combat environments. The same GPS, inertial navigation, and terminal homing technologies that underpin the maritime and air-launched variants are retained, ensuring consistent performance across platforms.
The Spearfish is compatible with a variety of launch platforms, including quad-launch systems on surface ships, torpedo tubes on submarines, and wing-mounted racks on aircraft. This versatility ensures that the missile can be deployed across multiple domains, enhancing its strategic utility.


Coastal defense roles represent the primary use case for the ground-based Trident. Positioned along strategic coastlines, these systems serve as a deterrent against hostile naval incursions, capable of striking surface ships well beyond visual range. Additionally, the missile’s adaptability allows it to engage land-based infrastructure or mobile targets, broadening its operational applications and making it a key asset in modern warfare.
Maintenance and logistics have been streamlined to support the Spearfish’s operational lifecycle. The missile’s durable construction and modular design minimize the need for frequent repairs, while its compatibility with standard storage and transport systems simplifies logistical operations. This focus on reliability ensures high availability and readiness across all deployment platforms.


The implementation of ground-based Trident launch systems underscores the Belfrasian Armed Forces’ commitment to maintaining a flexible and robust defense posture. By integrating this capability, the military has ensured that the Trident remains a versatile and indispensable component of its arsenal, capable of addressing threats across multiple domains and operating environments.
The Spearfish Missile System’s design reflects a balance of cost-effectiveness, adaptability, and lethality. Its proven performance and ongoing modernization efforts have ensured its place as a key asset in naval operations worldwide, capable of addressing the challenges of modern maritime warfare.


== Operators ==
== Operators ==
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* [[Belfrasian Navy|Federation Navy]]
* [[Belfrasian Navy|Federation Navy]]
* [[Belfrasian Air Force]]
* [[Belfrasian Air Force]]
* [[Belfrasian Army]]


<!-- [[Category:Belfrasian Weapons]] -->
<!-- [[Category:Belfrasian Weapons]] -->

Revision as of 20:13, 19 December 2024

Spearfish Missile
Harpoon missile sketch.svg
TypeSubsonic Anti-ship missile
Service history
In service1978-Present
Used by Belfras
see operators
Specifications
Weight690 kg (1,520 lb)
Length3.84 m (12.6 ft)
Diameter0.34 m (13 in)
Detonation
mechanism
blast fragmentation
Blast yield221 kg (487 lb)

Engineturbojet engine w/ solid-fuel booster
Operational
range
67 nmi (124 km)+
Speed531 mph (855 km/h)
Guidance
system
inertial navigation, active radar homing
Launch
platform
Ship, submarine, aircraft, ground-based platforms

The Spearfish Missile is a subsonic, precision-guided anti-ship missile designed for versatility and reliability in maritime strike operations. Introduced in 1978, it remains a critical component of naval warfare, capable of engaging a variety of surface targets in contested environments. With its focus on cost-effectiveness and adaptability, the Spearfish has been widely adopted by naval forces for its proven track record and operational flexibility.

The Spearfish missile’s design emphasizes simplicity and effectiveness, utilizing advanced guidance systems and a robust propulsion unit to ensure accuracy and dependability. The missile’s compact size and lightweight construction make it compatible with a wide range of launch platforms, including surface ships, submarines, fixed-wing aircraft, and ground-based systems. This multi-platform capability allows it to integrate seamlessly into diverse naval strategies.

One of the key features of the Spearfish is its mid-range capability, designed to engage enemy vessels from a standoff distance. Its sea-skimming flight profile reduces radar visibility, allowing it to approach targets undetected until the final engagement phase. This approach ensures a high probability of mission success even in environments with advanced enemy defenses.

While the missile system has largely been replaced in Federation Naval service with the Foreganger Missile overtaking it for heavy anti-ship duties and the Trident Missile being used for air-launched duties, the Spearfish remains a go-to munition for the Federation due to it's reliability, cost and historical production.

Design and development

Spearfish being launched

The Spearfish Missile System features a streamlined design focused on subsonic maritime strike capabilities. Constructed from lightweight, corrosion-resistant materials, the missile is designed to withstand harsh maritime environments. Its aerodynamic shape and low radar cross-section enhance its stealth characteristics, ensuring survivability against advanced detection systems.

At 3.84 meters (12.6 feet) in length and 0.34 meters (13.5 inches) in diameter, the Spearfish is compact enough to be deployed from a variety of platforms. Its folded wingspan of 0.91 meters (3 feet) allows for efficient storage in standard launch canisters, while the unfolded wings provide stability and maneuverability during flight.

The missile’s propulsion system consists of a turbojet engine paired with a solid-fuel booster for initial launch. This configuration enables the Spearfish to achieve a cruising speed of approximately 855 km/h (531 mph), making it ideal for engaging targets within its operational range of 124 kilometers (67 nautical miles). The solid-fuel booster ensures rapid acceleration upon launch, while the turbojet provides sustained thrust throughout the missile’s flight.

Guidance is a critical component of the Spearfish’s design. The missile employs a combination of inertial navigation and active radar homing for mid-course and terminal guidance. The active radar seeker allows the missile to track and engage moving targets with precision, while the inertial navigation system ensures accurate mid-course corrections, even in GPS-denied environments.

The warhead of the Spearfish is a 221-kilogram (487-pound) blast fragmentation design, optimized for maximum damage against naval vessels. The warhead’s delayed-action fuse ensures penetration of the target’s outer hull before detonation, maximizing the destructive force delivered to critical systems such as propulsion, command centers, and weapons magazines.

The Spearfish’s sea-skimming flight profile is a defining feature of its design. By flying at extremely low altitudes, the missile minimizes its radar signature and reduces the likelihood of detection. This approach also allows the Spearfish to exploit gaps in enemy radar coverage, increasing its survivability in contested environments.

One of the missile’s standout features is its modular construction, which allows for easy upgrades and maintenance. The Spearfish’s systems can be updated with minimal logistical overhead, ensuring that the missile remains effective against evolving threats. This modularity also enables operators to tailor the missile’s capabilities to specific mission requirements.

The Spearfish is compatible with a variety of launch platforms, including quad-launch systems on surface ships, torpedo tubes on submarines, and wing-mounted racks on aircraft. This versatility ensures that the missile can be deployed across multiple domains, enhancing its strategic utility.

Maintenance and logistics have been streamlined to support the Spearfish’s operational lifecycle. The missile’s durable construction and modular design minimize the need for frequent repairs, while its compatibility with standard storage and transport systems simplifies logistical operations. This focus on reliability ensures high availability and readiness across all deployment platforms.

The Spearfish Missile System’s design reflects a balance of cost-effectiveness, adaptability, and lethality. Its proven performance and ongoing modernization efforts have ensured its place as a key asset in naval operations worldwide, capable of addressing the challenges of modern maritime warfare.

Operators

 Belfras