Small Ships, Advanced Technology and Warfighting Performance

ABSTRACTChanging threat requirements and radical budget shifts imply that Navy operational needs will broaden and engineering solutions will face tougher constraints. Existing and emerging technology promise increased combat capability in smaller packages; space‐based assets will allow operator orchestration of widely dispersed naval units via connectivity attributes previously unavailable. Tactical data relay by downlink may permit reallocation of responsibilities among several platforms, space, air, or seaborne, so ships can be outfitted for custom‐use (sensing, unique data processing, high‐firepower) and optimized to meet specific mission needs. These evolving capabilities demand a fresh look at ship concepts and prospective force structures consistent with global and fiscal realities. Warfighting performance formerly unknown in small ship design may offer a very effective solution to the intricate, interacting issues of falling defense budgets, diverse operational requirements and complex national priorities. Multimission ships which take advantage of new or current technology to reduce ship size, manning and cost could be affordable in sufficient numbers to meet our continuing worldwide obligations, complement our larger ships' force structure, and produce a balanced fleet. These same ships could satisfy U.S. maritime needs beyond the Navy and improve export trade through foreign military sales (FMS).