The Long Range ASW Weapon (LRAW) effector solution will be a ‘missile/rocket’ delivered system that can be launched from surface ship combatants fitted with the Strike-length Mk41 Vertical Launcher System (VLS). Both of the RN’s new frigate classes – the Type 26 and the Type 31 – are receiving Strike-length MK 41 VLS modules.
Publishing a Long Range ASW Weapon request for information (RFI) on 13 June, the Royal Navy’s Develop directorate said it was asking the industry to provide details on suitable components, sub-systems or end-to-end system solutions, including concepts involving or repurposing existing booster designs. Respondents have until 1 September to submit white papers: interested parties have been notified that there will be an opportunity to present potential solutions at the Navy League Sea-Air-Space conference in April next year.
The Royal Navy says it has issued the RFI to serve three purposes. Firstly, to inform and align the LRAW requirement with industry capability and processes in iterating the developing requirement ahead of future approaches to market. Second, to inform an acquisition strategy that enables the implementation of an enduring long-term solution. Third, to receive very rough order of magnitude (VROM) costings for end-to-end and partial LRAW solutions.
According to the RFI, the LRAW solution requires an interchangeable, stand-off, quick-reaction, all-weather ASW weapon delivery capability that enables a UK lightweight torpedo to reach a water-entry point for a targeted submarine from any Mk41 VLS-fitted platform. Cued by organic or third-party sensor detection, LRAW will also need to integrate with Royal Navy combat or sonar systems and must be ‘secure by design’. Engagement range should “comfortably overmatch those of current and forecast threat heavyweight torpedoes”.
Alongside technical and performance data, the RFI also requests the industry to provide a schedule for the expected fielding of a minimum deployable capability provide, and VROM costings for a stockpile of 500 weapons. These costings are to specifically exclude the torpedo effector.
Interested parties may wish to note that there is an opportunity for the industry to present potential solutions at the Sea Air Space Conference (6-9 Apr 25, Virginia, USA) which will be advertised at a later date.
The Lockheed Martin RUM-139 Vertical Launch ASROC (VLA) missile represents one candidate solution for LRAW. In US Navy service since 1993, VLA is a rocket-propelled, three-stage weapon which, following launch and turnover, follows a guided ballistic path to the target area before deploying a lightweight torpedo. Both the MK 46 Mod 5 and MK 54 torpedoes have been integrated with VLA.
