Article Posted on : - Sep 13, 2010

USS Mobile Bay guided-missile cruiser. A US Navy photo

MOORESTOWN (BNS): Two US Navy warships, equipped with upgraded Aegis Combat Systems, have successfully completed Combat System Ship Qualification Trials recently.

The USS Mobile Bay and USS Philippine Sea – both Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers – were tested to validate the combat-readiness of upgraded Aegis systems installed aboard them.

The two modernised warships feature upgraded computer suites with enhanced technical data collection capability and radar data display systems, as well as a new digital fire control interface between the anti-submarine warfare control system and the vertical launch system.

During the trials, the Aegis systems on board the ships were evaluated through comprehensive surface, subsurface and anti-air warfare exercises. These included manned raids and electronic attack scenarios, as well as thorough testing of the systems' tactical data link and air defence capabilities, Lockheed Martin, which has developed the weapon system, said.

The Aegis is an integrated naval weapon system installed on over 70 US Navy cruisers and destroyers.

The Aegis Combat System (ACS) consists of the Aegis Weapon System, fast-reaction component of the Aegis Anti-Aircraft Warfare capability, Phalanx Close -In Weapon System, the MK 41 Vertical Launching System, Anti-Submarine Warfare systems, and Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles.

It is also fitted with shipboard torpedo and naval gunnery systems. The ACS uses powerful computers and radars to track and guide weapons to destroy enemy targets.