There are many emerging technologies that could be placed in or on a submarine. One technology is Submarine Launched Airflight Missile (SLAMs) or Submarine SAMs. These may normally be intended for SSK use but they may also be on Russian SSNs.
Unlike torpedos SLAMs have generally not been seen as essential equipment. Projects to develop SLAMs have risen and fallen for at least 45 years. In 1972 the UK tested a Blowpipe SLAM system on HMS Aeneas (P427) in 1972. This consisted of a cluster of four missiles on a mast that could be raised from a submarine's sail/fin. This system was then installed on an Israeli Gal class (modified UK built HDW 206) submarine.
Reasons why SLAMs have not been adopted may include difficult and slow operation making for low effectiveness and need for the submarine to expose itself to the attacking helicopters or maritime patrol aircraft (MPAs). However advances in SLAM technology may be making them a more worthwhile inclusion in a submarine.
Factors that may encourage submarine captain to use a SLAM include:
- whether it is a wartime emergency situation where the submarine has been detected, or detection is imminent, by a helicopter/MPA? Detection might be by helicopter dipping-active sonar or fixed wing maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) dropped sonobouy.
- whether the SLAM can be deployed in such a way that minimises submarine exposure?
- could increasing long range, or stealthier, SLAMs be arguments for greater use?
Unlike torpedos SLAMs have generally not been seen as essential equipment. Projects to develop SLAMs have risen and fallen for at least 45 years. In 1972 the UK tested a Blowpipe SLAM system on HMS Aeneas (P427) in 1972. This consisted of a cluster of four missiles on a mast that could be raised from a submarine's sail/fin. This system was then installed on an Israeli Gal class (modified UK built HDW 206) submarine.
Reasons why SLAMs have not been adopted may include difficult and slow operation making for low effectiveness and need for the submarine to expose itself to the attacking helicopters or maritime patrol aircraft (MPAs). However advances in SLAM technology may be making them a more worthwhile inclusion in a submarine.
Factors that may encourage submarine captain to use a SLAM include:
- whether it is a wartime emergency situation where the submarine has been detected, or detection is imminent, by a helicopter/MPA? Detection might be by helicopter dipping-active sonar or fixed wing maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) dropped sonobouy.
- whether the SLAM can be deployed in such a way that minimises submarine exposure?
- could increasing long range, or stealthier, SLAMs be arguments for greater use?
- by what mode is the missile deployed?
: from a mast or the sail (likely to lead to detection of sub)
: float-up container or
: float-up container or
: by missile carried by torpedo (may be quickest method and less likely to lead to sub's detection)
- how quick is that mode? (the quicker the better to defeat the helicopter/MPA's actions or countermeasures).
- does the SLAM armed submarine (eg. a Kilo) have a major anti-aircraft role in support of other higher value submarines (eg. SSBNs)?
- does the missile carry added benefits/fuctions like anti-missile, anti-shipping or light land attack capabilities?
France and Germany have been marketing SLAM solutions. Russia is thought to have developed Strela-3 and Igla SLAMs and no doubt US companies have developed SLAM ideas at times. It is difficult to gauge how mature the technologies are.
DCNS has been marketing a mast launched Mistral SLAM concept known as A3SM (above). The Mast version comprises a missile housing (that remains watertight throughout the submarine’s operating range and diving depth) mounted on a hoistable mast and containing several short-range Mistral missiles that can be fired from periscope depth.
---
DCNS is also marketing aunderwater vehicle version above. It comprises a torpedo like capsule containing a medium-range (20 km) Mica missile that is torpedo tube launchable at any depth. The capsule is similar to the type developed for submarine launched Exocet anti-ship missiles.
---
Germany's TKMS has been developing the Interactive Defence and Attack System for Submarines (IDAS) SLAM system for Type 212 subs. It is described as 4 missiles housed in a launch canister in the torpedo tube using a IR seeker, fiber-optic data link between the control console and a single-stage, rocket motor providing a range of 20km. The operator on board the submarine may alter the course of the mission at any time. In addition, reconnaissance results and target images obtained by means of the seeker can be evaluated in the submarine.
Alternatively, the IDAS could, in theory, be fired from the Gabler Maschinenbau TRIPLE-M mast system. However the TRIPLE-M mainly features the "Muraena" RMK 30mm recoiless "autocannon" as the preferred solution for nosey helicopters or MPAs. The Muraena can also be used against small pirate boats (eg. trawler sized) that are not worth a torpedo.
These French and German concepts can only be fully assessed and compared when they are mature, tested technologies.
Meanwhile Russia may have developed a more mature SLAM system. Kilo submarines as well as Akula or Yasen SSNs can be fitted with launchers for missiles from the broad Igla family (perhaps "Strelets Igla-S" SA-N-24) missiles. They come in 1 to 3 shot containers for sail-surface firing. There are also 8 shot containers that may be torpedo tube mounted. Their range may be up to 6km.
The US, with its all nuclear sub force and only nuclear sub production, may value maintaining submarine stealth more highly - to the exclusion of developing SLAM systems.
Pete