HYPERVELOCITY PROJECTILE: EFFECTS OF A COMMON MUNITION IN MULTI-MISSION OPERATIONS

This project explored how a common hypervelocity projectile (HVP) munition could support Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW), and Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) missions by comparing the legacy munitions to the HVP fired from U.S. legacy weapon systems. This study examined the effects of HVPs in mission planning, logistics and use in multiple mission areas. The main objective question for the study was, “Will the use of HVP in legacy weapon systems provide equivalent offensive and defensive capability and improve logistic operations in mission planning?” Using model-based systems engineering and architecting, the project formalized the criteria needed to perform a quantitative systems analysis for the operational, or mission, flexibility inherent in the HVP system. An in-depth model was created that analyzes the performance of multiple variables in the scenario for both the inclusion and exclusion of the HVP munition, which provides information of the overall effectiveness. The results provide evidence of the benefit of incorporating the HVPs into the weapon systems load out. There are benefits in cost, resupply, and munitions available, while maintaining performance. Based upon the results of this modeling, the initial hypothesis was confirmed that the effectiveness of HVP munitions improve the overall mission success, as well as deliver a cost effective alternative to using only legacy weapon systems.Naval Research ProgramCivilian, Department of the NavyCivilian, Department of the NavyCivilian, Department of the NavyCivilian, Department of the NavyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited