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Looking at various images of the LCS, it looks as if the mission modules housing weapons can be about 3 yards on a side (that's how big the 30 mm. gun pod seems to be). Does it matter how tall the module is? Could it 5 yards tall instead of 3 yards tall? I ask because...

http://www.dcnsgroup.com/wp-content/upl ... 0/6141.pdf

...shows that different Sylver launcher modules include one a bit more than 5 yards tall capable of carrying the shorter-range Aster missiles. Two eight-missile VLS pods with a total of 16 Aster missiles (instead of two 30-mm guns) might make a big difference in how well the LCS can handle threats. But..is this feasible? I honestly don't know, which is why I'm asking...anyone out there with enough technical expertise to make a judgment call on this one? If the module were that tall, is it unstable where it is located on the ship?

Anyway, I'm curious so if anyone has any ideas, I'd be happy to hear them. Thanks.

Hi Mgellis--

That might fit, but I can't see the US Navy using Sylver/Aster, which is a European system. If they went with something similar it would likely be essm instead, which is roughly comparable to the Aster 15.

I think the mk56 VLS essm could be OK space-wise. The Danes have already done that successfully on their Absalon class and Iver Huitfelt class frigates using the StanFlex mission module system.

Google "absalon class essm" and choose images. The ESSM tubes are the skinny ones with the red caps on top. Looks like they don't take up that much space, actually.

The other thing the ship would need is the requisite sensors (that would also be true for Aster). As built, I don't think LCS has the right electronics fit. In particular, it would need targeting radars to illuminate for the essms, which are semi-active homing missiles. Aster is active homing, but the right datalink electronics would still need to be fitted.

Hope this helps