Strike Warfare and Tomahawk Engagement Quiz

204 Strike Warfare (STW) Mission Area

• Strike warfare is deliberate and dynamic engagements, primarily offensive. Surface-to-land attacks are the primary offensive mission using Tomahawk land missiles. Air assets like airplanes and rocket pods are also used.

204.1.1 Direction Systems

• DSMAC (Digital Terrain Elevation Data) is an image, similar to a QR code, loaded into the missile for pre-planned missions. The missile's camera compares the actual terrain with DSMAC to correct its flight path.
• TERCOM (part of DTED) uses a radar altimeter to measure terrain height and contour. The missile's flight path is adjusted based on the measured contour data.
• GPS and NAVSSI provide satellite data for navigation. This data is used by the Tomahawk to help with navigation. Tomahawks use GPS data from a Navigation Sensor System Interface (NAVSSI) to communicate with the TTWCS interface.

2.2 MK41 VLS

• Missile storage. (TLAMS, SMS, ESSMS, VLAs)
• Two Launch Control Units (LCUs). LCU 1 (CSER1) and LCU 2 (CSER3).
• LCU's interface directly with TTWCS RT processors, relaying VLS and missile status to TTWCS.
• DDGs have a full launcher with 96 cells total, 12 modules, and 8 cells per module. A maximum salvo is 24 missiles due to half-module constraints. Missile launch can be 1 per half module.

.3 Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM)

• BLK-4E and BLK-5Es are onboard.
• 1000+ nm range with a 1000 lbf explosive warhead.
• Missions (e.g., aimpoint update, retargeting, flexible mission changes) can be conducted in flight.

Possible ESWS Questions from 204.1

• Tomahawks use DSMAC, TERCOM, and/or GPS to target.
• Tomahawks use inertial or terrain-following guidance systems.
• Different missile types can be launched from VLS, including TLAMS, SMS, ESSMS, and VLAs.
• TTWCS communicates with TLAMS in VLS through Launch Control Units (LCUs).
• Initial maximum salvo for TLAM strikes on a DDG is 24.
• Specific TLAM variants (BLK4-Es and BLK5-Es) are onboard the USS Ralph Johnson.
• Half-module constraints limit the launch to one missile per half module.
• Launch control keys (RLEP and FIS) are at the TAO console in the CIC.

204.2.1 Strike Warfare (STW) Engagements

• Different tasking formats exist (e.g., Indigo, LSP, ESP-E, Verbal).
• Data Base Management (DBM) maintains the non-real time track picture.
• Maximum salvo size is 24 missiles.
• First Pre-Planned Waypoint (FPPWP) plans missile routes.
• Time of Arrival (TOA) measures travel time from firing unit to FPPWP.
• Time on Target (TOT) is critical for accurate target timing.
• Planned Launch Point (PLP) is the launch location.
• Launch Platform Mission Planning (LPMP) simplifies mission planning from ship coordinates.
• Call for Fire (CFF) is used to support ground troops.
• Multiple Outcome Mission (MOM) targets multiple specific locations.
• Post Launch Control (PLE) modifies flight paths after they've launched.

2. Discuss Watch Station Roles in Strike Warfare

• TSC (Tomahawk Strike Coordinator): Fleet commander (e.g., C3F, C7F, C5F, C6F, USFF) responsible for operations.
• TA (Tasking Authority): Interchangeable with TSC. Ensures missions are appropriate.
• LAC (Launch Area Coordinator): Plans launch areas (hot or cold) and assigns PLPs, ensuring flight paths are clear of conflict.
• CO (Commanding Officer): Approves battery release, overall responsibility in absence of LAC.
• OD (Officer of the Deck): Transition verification to cruise/booster zones.
• TAO (Tactical Action Officer): Activates missile launches and verifies appropriate conditions.
• ECO (Engagement Control Officer)/AECO (Assistant ECO): Manage operations and communication.
• EP (Engagement Planner): Create mission plans and track path coordinates.
• MM (Missile Manager): Launces and controls missiles.
• DBM (Data Base Manager): Updates missile launch status data.

3. Discuss Methods of Tasking and Authorities

• Indigo: Message authorizing TLAM launch missions.
• LSP (Launch Sequence Plan): Message to plan strike.
• ESP-E (Electronic Strike Package – Execute): Electronic format of Indigo.

204.4.1 VLS/Communications/Global Command and Control

• MK 41 Vertical Launcher System: Procedures for how a missile moves through the launcher system.
• TC2S Communications System (TCOMMS): How communications work off-ship
• Global Command and Control System (GCCS-M): Communication system on ship to conduct missions.

204.4.2 Communications Paths During Operations

• Communication methods used in normal operations (e.g., EHF, SIPRNET, Tomahawk Strike Network (TSN).)

204.5 Safety Precautions

• Toxic gas dampers: Auto-open and close around missile launches to prevent fumes.
• Salvo alarms: Warn of upcoming missile launches.
• Booster drop zone clearance: OOD clearance needed.
• Dud/misfire/hangfire procedures: Maintain proper VLS procedures.
• VLS procedures for extreme temperature.

Other Details

• Maximum TLAM range: 1000+ nautical miles
• Rate of fire: approximately 7-10 seconds between missiles.