The United States Navy in the Cold War Era: What ifs.

[chico20854]

Thanks for these Dragoon! Keep them coming!

Have you looked at Norman Friedman's Illustrated Design History series of books? They are excellent and have tons of details on these programs.

[dragoon500ly]

Originally Posted by chico20854

Thanks for these Dragoon! Keep them coming!

Have you looked at Norman Friedman's Illustrated Design History series of books? They are excellent and have tons of details on these programs.

working on acquiring the series, but I do favor Polmar's works, bit more balanced.

[JHart]

I saw the model or photo of the model for the Strike Cruiser mkII in the '80s and thought it was f'in awesome! A self defending CV. Would love to see a modern version for carrying F-35s. Impractical, but cool.

[dragoon500ly]

A large number of destroyer designs were developed by the USN from the 1950s onwards. The current Aegis program (manifested in the CG-47/DDG-51 designs) originated in 1963 with the Advanced Surface Missile System (ASMS). As the development of the large Typhon missile frigate (DLGN) began to encounter difficulties, the ASMS effort was undertaken, partially based on the expectations of new solid-state electronics.

The development was protracted and in 1971 the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Zumwalt, directed a design effort to provide the smallest possible ship that could carry the new air-defense weapons/electronics system. The initial goal was a displacement of 5,000 tons, but that was soon raised to 6,000 tons. Several designs were put forward, with the more austere versions having a single Mk26 Mod 1 missile launcher for surface-to surface missiles as well as ASROC, a small sonar and a helicopter landing deck but no hanger. By early 1973, the design had been recast, with two Mk13 launchers (a total of 80 missiles but no ASROC capability), plus a full LAMPS facility for one helicopter. The desire for longer-range as well as nuclear SAMS led to still another recasting, this time to provide the Mk26 Mod 2 launcher (with 64 missiles).

However, congressional confusion, the change of the CNO in mid-1974, and advocacy of an all-nuclear Aegis by Admiral Rickover led to the demise of the DG(Aegis) in favor of various DLGN-type designs as well as the CSGN strike cruiser.

The ARLEIGH BURKE-class represents a return to the DG(Aegis) concept. The availability of the vertical-launch missile system (90 weapons) and improvements in the SPY-1 radar coupled with the deletion of the LAMPS helicopter facilities as well as one 5-inch gun permit the construction of a smaller Aegis ship, as envisioned in the early 1970s.

[dragoon500ly]

During the late 1970s, the Navy proposed the construction of a class of small frigates (FFX) for use by the Naval Reserve Force. These ships were intended to augment the Olive Hazard Perry-class ships in the ASW role in low-threat areas. A class of approximately twelve ships was planned with the lead ship intended for authorization in FY 1984. For reasons not fully clear, although such ships would have had marginally effective ASW capabilities, the FFX class was not started. Subsequently, the Naval Reserve Force has been provided with frigates of the Knox and Perry-classes to replace their current aging Gearing-class ships.

Known characteristics include a full load displacement or 2,000---2,400 tons; a speed of 25 knots; a range of 5,000nm at 16---18knts; a crew of 120 men; facilities for one SH-2F LAMPS I; provisions for two triple Mk32 324mmTT w/Mk46 ASW torps; gun armament included a single Mk42 5in/54 gun and a Mk15 Phalanx CIWS.

[dragoon500ly]

During the late 1970s, the Navy planned to construct a class of Surface Effect Ship (SES) frigates in the mid-1980s. These ships were to be based on a 3,000-ton SES prototype that was to be constructed in 1980-1984. This ship was to have been capable of speeds as high as 80 to 100 knots with a trans-ocean design and to have carried frigate-type weapons, including two LAMPS helicopters.

The Secretary of Defense decided in May 1976 to proceed with the design and construction of a 3,000-ton, “weaponized” prototype SES. This followed 10 years of extensive conceptual and technical development. A contract for design with an option to construct was awarded in December 1976 to Rohr Marine, Inc. of San Diego. The ship was to be completed during FY 1983. Subsequently, the Carter Administration cancelled the SES program in its entirety.

In addition to high speed, the SES program offered a large amount of usable space which would have provided flexibility in the installation of weapons and sensors, with ample space to hangar and operate two helicopters. Also, the design provided considerable stability in heavy seas.

Displacement: 3,000 tons full load Length: 270ft (82.3m) oa Beam: 108ft (32.9m) Draft: 14ft (4.3m) on cushion; 31ft (9.5m) off cushion Propulsion: (4) Pratt & Whitney FT9 gas turbines; (4) waterjet propulsion units; (2) General Electric LM2500 gas turbines; (6) lift fans Speed: 80+kts on cushion Crew: 125 Helicopters: 2 SH-2 Sea Sprite LAMPS III Weapons: “FF/FFG weapons suite”

[dragoon500ly]

The USN built one ship and converted another specifically for use as major command ships, while a third such ship was planned for conversion.

The heavy cruiser NORTHAMPTON (CA-125), cancelled in 1945 while under construction , was subsequently in 1948 as a tactical light command ship (CLC-1) and completed in that configuration in 1953. After operating as a fleet flagship, she was reconfiguration to serve as a National Emergency Command Post Afloat (NECPA) in 1961 and re-classified as CC-1. She was decommissioned in 1970 and laid up in reserve until stricken in 1977.

The light carriers WRIGHT (originally CVL-49) and SAIPAN (CVL-48) were similarly designated for conversion to the NECPA role. The WRIGHT, also designated AVT-7 while in reserve, was converted in 1962-1963 and became CC-2; she operated in the NECPA role until 1970 when she was laid up in reserve. She was stricken in 1977.

The SAIPAN, designated as AVT-6 while in reserve after World War Two, began conversion too CC-3 in 1964, but was instead completed as a major communications relay ship in 1966 (renamed ARLINGTON and classified AGMR-2).

In the NEPCA role these ships were to provide afloat facilities for the President in the event of a national emergency or war.