Bharat Rakshak

How can a VLS missile with its radar be LOBL until & unless its radar is already cued to the target (which requires a LoS to the target). By their very nature these missiles will be LOAL, irrespective of who & what provides the initial guidance - onboard or offboard, till the seeker can acquire the target.

The Kolkata has a high hull but low superstructure compared to every other destroyer class in the world, that IMO will result in excellent seakeeping and negligible (even non-existant) top-heaviness that plagues all US cruisers and destroyers. The silouhette is low, only the 2248 mast will be visible on the horizon. From a pure naval architecture perspective, the Kolkata is an award winner hands down.

^^ Dont worry, Indian Naval Architects primarily focus on seekeeping and hydrodynamics more than anything else. They first design good ships and everything else is secondary to that.

Now if Barak8 has a active RF seeker and is VLS launched then how is it LOBL capable (unless target happens to be hovering right over the VLS lids, assuming lids are made of some stuff used for making radomes) ? Feeding target bearings and coordinates alone to a missile does not qualify it as LOBL capable that sequence is true for LOAL mode too.

Isnt Sampson a rotating array? Its weight should be lower than a 4 faced AESA so weight could be a factor.

The seeker has been made less relevant by the missile on-board computer. The computer knows current position and where to go, and when to activate the seeker. If the computer knows when and where to direct the seeker before launch, then it is LOBL.Typically LOBL for cannister launched missiles like Barak-8 or Spyder Derby, the target is within seeker range (~15 km), and after launch and alignment by computer, the seeker activates and locks WITHOUT any further designation from the Search/Track radar. It is missile lock (via computer) and seeker lock, without the seeker activating and painting.

LOBL is defined based on whether further designation is required after launch or not, rather than seeker painting the target. Classic example is CCAAM flip shot, where no further designation happens by HMCS. The missile automatically flips, knows where to look for, and switches on and aligns the seeker.

How can a VLS missile with its radar be LOBL until & unless its radar is already cued to the target (which requires a LoS to the target). By their very nature these missiles will be LOAL, irrespective of who & what provides the initial guidance - onboard or offboard, till the seeker can acquire the target.

No, you're wrong. Your understanding of LOBL is based on air launched ATGM, whose seekers are cued to targets by EO sight, and then launched.

However, LOBL capabilities are significantly considerable than that, and does not require LoS. The target bearing and approach coordinates can be fed into the missile before the missile leaves the VLS. Missiles like Barak-8 can be LOBL if target is designated while still within the launcher.

So, for a target approaching a fighter from the rear, a CCAAM can be cued by HMCS with target bearing before launch, and the missile on launch flips around 180 degrees to the coordinates fed into it before launch.

I checked for examples and found the following AWST article & reporter confirming what I've just explained http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/de ... 0c13dc0bbd

IAF and IA Spyder system Derby and Python missiles too stay inside cannisters without any LoS to target while data is fed into them during LOBL.

The Python 5 is quite revolutionary. New technologies implemented in the Python 5 give it maneuvering and launching skills unimaginable just few years ago. Instead of talking about certain "killing hemisphere" we are talking about an ability to shoot any target at any angle, including backwards launch. This ability is possible by applying LOAL (lock on after launch) technology. As opposed to LOBL (lock on before launch), that is used in all short range air-to-air missiles (excluding the Python 5 of course) in LOAL mode the pilot can launch a missile without being locked on the target, by getting the aircraft's estimated location from an array of sensors deployed on the launching aircraft.

Derby also has a programmable advanced electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) capability. Ben-Hanan said Derby can be operated in two modes. One is a lock-on after launch mode for long-range engagements in which the missile employs inertial guidance immediately after launch until the seeker is activated and homes in on the target. In the lock-on before launch for short-range engagements, Derby's seeker can be slaved to the aircraft's radar or the pilot's helmet mounted cueing system. The seeker is activated before launch and guides the missile all the way to the target.

It is capable of two modes: lock on before or after launch. In the lock-on before launch for short-range engagements, the seeker can be slaved to the aircraft's radar or the pilot's helmet mounted cueing system. The seeker is activated before launch and guides the missile all the way to the target .In lock-on after launch mode, for long-range engagements, the missile employs inertial guidance immediately after launch until the seeker is activated and homes in on the target.

Spike weighs just five pounds, but it’s a formidable weapon. The guidance system is highly original; in one mode it uses an electro-optical seeker, basically a video camera. Lock on before launch and it follows the target — even something agile like a motorbike. In another mode for night operation, the seeker can be set to home in on a laser spot, turning Spike into a laser-guided missile.

For successful attacks against ground targets, the Federal Republic of Germany intends to procure TV-guided missiles of the type AN/AGM-65B MAVERICK. This missile is guided by a TV-seeker head with scene magnification. The weapon delivery is based on LOCK-ON-BEFORE-LAUNCH. The time between target recognition and launch is very tight, so that the weapon aiming procedure has to be as efficient as possible. This paper describes investigations to provide basic test data to assess different methods of target acquisition and missile seeker aiming and lock-on. In addition, the pilot workload with different controls and displays is assessed and methods of reduction derived. Different weapon information and Weapon-Video-Display-Systems and their advantages and disadvantages were investigated. The accuracy and speed of weapon aiming should be especially evaluated. Criteria for choice of display system are: pilot's workload, reaction time to lock-on, and possibilities of multiple target combat in the first attack.

The sidebays will each hold one sidewinder, carried on the AIM-9 Trapeze launcher....the trapeze launcher will extend automatically as the F-22 nears the point of achieving launch parameters on the target, allowing the infrared seeker to lock on before launch

RAFAEL has used the Israel Defense Forces’ experience while designing and developing the SPYDER system. SPYDER is a state-of-the-art low-level, quick reaction Surface-to-Air Missile System capable of engaging aircraft, helicopters, UAVs and PGMs. It provides excellent protection to valuable areas, as well as first-class defense for forces located in the combat area.

The SPYDER system incorporates RAFAEL's most advanced, state-of-the-art Air-to-Air Missiles – the Derby, active radar (RF) missile and the Python-5, a dual band Imaging Infra Red (IIR) missile. Both missiles are the outcome of many years of research and development efforts utilizing the most modern technologies. SPYDER missiles have full commonality with the air-to-air missiles version.
The SPYDER launcher system is a 360ºxN electromechanical turret based unit. The system can launch missiles in slant method with two modes of operation: Lock-On-Before Launch (LOBL) and Lock-On-After-Launch (LOAL). This launching method enables the Lock-on-Before-Launch feature that cannot be achieved in vertical launch method. For this reason, many engagements can be carried out with the missile’s seeker locked on the target before launch.

The advantages of LOBL are threefold:
• It allows the Squadron Commander to positively confirm that the missile is locked on the target prior to launch
• It increases the probability of kill (PK) for short range high manoeuvring targets.
• It also enables designated targets engagement by add-on optical sensors.

Modes of operation - Python 5 and Derby missile launcher

The system can launch missiles in two modes of operation: lock on before launch (LOBL) and lock on after launch (LOAL). [b]The slant launching method, unlike vertical launch, allows LOBL so the missile's on-board seeker is locked on to the target before launch.

The LOBL mode allows the Squadron Commander to confirm the missile is locked on to the designated target prior to launch, gives high kill probability against short-range high-manoeuvring targets and enables the engagement of designated targets by add-on optical sensors.

Nag missile, which has a range of four km, would be tested for its full range, two km and a minimum of 500 metres. This time DRDO scientists would demonstrate the lock-on-before launch capability of the missile for a four-km range with an upgraded imaging infrared seeker.

In lock-on-before-launch mode, the missile keeps acquiring the image of the target every 30 milliseconds right from the launch till the impact on target.

The missile would be fired to destroy both moving and stationary targets during the trials.

The shorter the range, the more difficult it would be for the missile to attack a moving target.

Mr. Chander said there was no other anti-tank missile in the world with a lock-on-before launch system for a four-km range.

The U.S. Javelin and the Israeli Spike had lock-on-before launch systems but the range was only 2.5 km.

He said it was also being planned to have the lock-on-before-launch capability for a seven-km range of the missile.

In recent field trials, the lock-on-after-launch capability of the Helina missile (airborne version of Nag) was proved.

In lock-on-before-launch mode, the missile keeps acquiring the image of the target every 30 milliseconds right from the launch till the impact on target.

The ‘lock on before launch' gives a tactical advantage. The missile acquires the image of the target before launch and keeps updating as it seeks and hits the target with precision. The DRDO has also developed the imaging infrared seeker technology. The private sector is integrating this capability into the higher range nag missiles as well.

2. Objectives of Phase IIA

2.1 Project Seabird Phase IIA works will involve construction of a wide range of new facilities and augmentation of certain existing facilities involving an outlay of over Rs 10000 Crs (approx 2.2 Bn USD). Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have been made and the required facilities have been divided into various work packages based on nature of work, expertise required and location. The envisaged facilities are intended to meet the following Project Objectives:-

(a) Provide requisite berthing and operational Fleet Base facilities/complexes for the operation, administration and Command & Control of over 30 capital warships/submarines, associated seaward defence and support/ yard craft at the Naval Base, Karwar.
(b) Augment available facilities for dry berthing of ships and provide Dockyard repair/maintenance facilities (up to level IV) for the warships, submarines/other craft based at Karwar and support (up to level II) for other visiting warships/submarines.
(c) Provide requisite facilities for all the necessary operational and logistic support to ships, submarines and various units based at Karwar including those related to the armament requirements of the units based at Karwar.
(d) Establish a Naval Air Station at Karwar for basing and operation of fixed and rotary wing ship/shore based military aircraft.
(e) Provide residential facilities and associated township infrastructure for the large number of Naval officers, sailors and civilian staff employed at the Naval Base. This includes substantial augmentation of the existing Naval Hospital.
(f) Provide adequate Communication, IT and security facilities required for the efficient operation, management and security of a large and widely spread Naval Base.

3. Purpose

3.1 The DPR for Phase IIA of the Project has identified Marine Works as a critical activity of the Project in order to adhere to the project timeframe desired by the Indian Navy.
3.2 Accordingly, the purpose of this Expression of Interest (EoI) is to enable shortlisting of reputable and capable consulting firms/institutions/consortiums, etc. with proven track record, which could be appointed as a Project Management Consultant
cum Marine Works Design Consultant (PMC & MWC) for Phase IIA of Project Seabird.
3.3. A detailed Request For Proposal (RFP) will be subsequently issued to the short-listed firms and proposals evaluated as per extant Government of India guidelines for the selection/appointment of the PMC & MWC.

4. Technical Details of The Project Phase IIA
4.1 Duration

4.1.1 The Project Seabird Phase IIA facilities are planned to be designed and constructed under various work packages, which are expected to be progressed simultaneously, to ensure the operational availability of all of essential facilities in approximately eight years, with the work on some of the lesser important facilities extending for another two/ three years thereafter.

4.2. Scope of Works

4.2.1. The main work packages are broadly described as follows:-

(a)Marine Works includes:-
(i) Dredging of over 80 million cum in the existing harbour area/approaches, reclamation of over 50 Ha of land and substantial associated revetments.
(ii) Construction of additional piers/jetties to provide approximately 4 km of berthing space for vessels along with associated network of utilities ducts and provision of a variety of shore services (such as fuel, power, fresh/sea/fire fighting water, HP/LP air, chilled water/air, sewage collection and disposal, shore communications/networking etc) to vessels berthed alongside.
(iii) Quarrying for approximately 4 million cum of stone aggregates within the Project area.
(iii) Setting up of navigation aids for safe movement of vessels in the Naval Harbour and its approaches.

(b) Fleet Base Buildings includes:-
(i) Construction of complexes/offices for the operation, management, logistic and maintenance support facilities (up to second line/ I level) to ships/ submarines; Naval Communication Transmission/Receiving stations; centralised monitoring/control of overall security within the Naval Base.
(ii) Provision of civil works and equipment related to the general and specialist facilities detailed above, as required for the operation, command & control/administration of a fully operational Naval Base and the Fleet based therein.

(c) Dockyard includes:-
(i) A comprehensive Dockyard capable of undertaking up to IV level/deep repairs/maintenance of gas turbine and diesel engine propelled ships & submarines
(ii) Various workshops equipped with necessary equipment, jigs, fixtures, tools and facilities to undertake refit of hull, engineering, electrical, weapons and control equipment / systems of various vessels.
(iii) Complexes/facilities for planning, management, administration, logistics, training, security, communication & IT, design/relocation of
some existing facilities.

(d) Dry Berths. A 10,000 Tonne Ship-lift with limited numbers of Dry Berths already exist at Karwar. This is to be augmented with development/construction of additional covered Dry Berths, Transfer Bay and associated equipment/services.

(e) Naval Air Station. This includes:-
(i) Development of a Naval Air Station in a 52 Hectare hitherto virgin area for operations/maintenance and support of fixed/rotary wing aircraft.
(ii) The above includes runways, hangars, ATC tower, navigation aids, MET facilities, equipment, offices, accommodation, logistic support, communication, IT, security, services, roads and flyovers.

(f) Armament Facilities includes:-
(i) Augmentation of specialised facilities for storage/maintenance/testing and inspection of various types of ammunition

Another Vik pic - http://balancer.ru/forum/punbb/attachme ... download=2

The superstructure is massive compared to the deck space. How many Migs can it hold on the deck? 6 max ?

Degaussing also helps against mines.

Vikram underway for de-Gaussing
http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g191/snake65/?action=view&current=detail177097.jpg

What is that light house like structure behind the island, or am I seeing things.

Is this an answer?
http://balancer.ru/forum/punbb/attachme ... download=2

but wouldnt mines be equipped with a propeller noise sensor in addition to a magnetic detector to target even plastic hulled MCMV boats?...esp the vicious bottom moored captor mines that release a light torpedo?
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/dumb/mk60.htm

BTW, will it be fitted with Barak-1 once it arrives in India? I suppose the Barak battery would come from Viraat..??

What is that light house like structure behind the island, or am I seeing things.

Infact the mast is almost as tall as the island. Havent seen anything like it in any other warship. It is visible hear as well:

http://balancer.ru/forum/punbb/attachme ... download=2

She is quite a looker ... aint she

but wouldnt mines be equipped with a propeller noise sensor in addition to a magnetic detector to target even plastic hulled MCMV boats?...esp the vicious bottom moored captor mines that release a light torpedo?
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/dumb/mk60.htm