Strike Warfare Questions PDF

ESWS Notes by FCC Soeung 204 STRIKE WARFARE (STW) MISSION AREA What is Strike Warfare? For the scope of ESWS it is deliberate & dynamic engagements. That is... OFFENSIVE attacks. On a DDGs TLAM (tomahawk land missile) strikes are the only purely offensive mission. Surface to land attacks. It’s in i...

ESWS Notes by FCC Soeung 204 STRIKE WARFARE (STW) MISSION AREA What is Strike Warfare? For the scope of ESWS it is deliberate & dynamic engagements. That is... OFFENSIVE attacks. On a DDGs TLAM (tomahawk land missile) strikes are the only purely offensive mission. Surface to land attacks. It’s in its name. The main part of strike warfare are air assets such as air planes and rocket pods from helo(s). 204.1.1 Direction systems: DSMAC: Part of DTED (Digital Terrain Elevation Data). It's an image (kinda looks like a QR-CODE) that is loaded into the missile for pre-planned missions. The TLAM has a camera that takes pictures every so often and compares it to DSMAC on its way to the target. This is during the land portion. TERCOM: ALSO, part of DTEDs (see above). TERCOM periodically measures the land height or contour that the missiles fly over using a radar altimeter and compares it to maps. At each update the missile corrects its flight path. Think of it as a X by X box with a bunch of squares in it. Light to dark grey determines how high or deep the contour is. GPS & NAVSSI: Similar to what your car or phones uses. X amount of satellites in the air that the tomahawk uses. Most missions require GPS. We get our GPS Almanac Data from Navigation Sensor System Interface (NAVSSI) to TTWCS interface..2 MK41 VLS: Where we store our missiles. (TLAMs, SMs, ESSMs, VLAs) Two LCUs LCU#1 (CSER1) LCU#2 (CSER3) LCUs interface directly with TTWCS RT processors in TEC(s) in TER. This is how we communicate with the missiles. Each LCU reports VLS and missile status to TTWCS. Half a launcher FWD. 4-modules Full launcher AFT. 8-modules On DDGs 96 cells Total 12 modules. 8 cells per module. Max initial Salvo is 24 missiles due to half module constraints. Half module constraint means we can power up 1 missile per half module. If you look on the missile deck you can see blocks of 8 of each module. (4 top and 4 bottom) In order to launch a tomahawk you will need keys/switches to enable launch at the Remote Launch Enable Panel (RLEP) located CIC at the CSC/TAO console and have the Fire Inhibit Switch (FIS) at the TAO/CO consoles. These are physical keys the CO has and can delegate to the TAO. After that, the missile managers launch the missiles at the ATDCs Missile Manager consoles. (Near GCCS-M consoles in CIC).3 Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM): What do we have onboard? BLK-4E & BLK-5Es. Range: 1000+ nm 1000 lbf explosive unitary warhead. Post launch execution capable- Aimpoint Update, Retarget, Flex (Multiple out come mission) Meaning once the missiles in the air and passes the FPPWP. TSC, LAC, or authorized FRU can change missile tasking while in the air with an IMMM on TSN- UHF SATCOM. Possible ESWS questions from 204.1: Q: Name a direction system used by a tomahawk to find its target. A: DSMAC, TERCOM, and/or GPS. Q: What type of guidance system does a TLAM use? A: Inertial (GPS) or terrain following. Q: What kind of missiles can be launched from VLS? A: TLAMs, SMs, ESSMs, VLAs Q: How does TTWCS communicate with our TLAMs in VLS? A: LCUs through the RT processors. Q: What is the initial max salvo for TLAM strikes on a DDG? A: 24 Q: What variant of TLAMs are currently onboard USS Ralph Johnson? A: BLK4-Es and BLK5-Es. Q: For VLS, what does half module constraints mean? A: Can only have 1 missile per half module powered up at a given time. Q: What physical keys are required for a TLAM launch and where are the switches located? A: RLEP and FIS keys. At the TAO console in CIC. 204.2.1 State the steps of Strike Warfare (STW) engagements using direction, delivery, and destruction system to include the following: a. Tasking – Indigo, LSP, ESP-E, ESP-E, Verbal. b. Data Base Management (DBM) – Usually an OS who is part of the strike team. Responsible to correlate all tracks in the launch area. Maintains the non-real time track picture for strikes. Verify Strike Coordination Overlays. c. Maximum Salvo Size- 24. d. First Preplanned Waypoint (FPPWP)- Over the land route in which the path the missile will take FPPWP to the target aimpoint/location. The FPPWP is actually over the water before landfall and it’s usually planned by a TSMPC (C3F, C7F, C5F, C6F, etc..) and Cruise Missile Support Activity (CMSA). e. Waypoint- Path over the water that our engagement planners chooses to reach the FPPWP created by TTWCS (our weapons control system). f. Time of Arrival (TOA)- Time it takes from firing unit (FRU/Ship) to FPPWP What’s important about this kind of mission or tasking as the all missions we have are pre- planned from FPPWP. IS(s) and Officers do top secret squirrel stuff using all intel and imagery of the targets. So, we know the time length of the mission from FPPWP. This is to put missiles in the air for the fleet commanders on the shore site to control via PLE. Or simultaneously flying are jets bombers right after TLAMs take out SAMs and or other anti-air assets. g. Time on Top (TOT)- You will also hear it as TIME ON TARGET. Same thing. Time it arrives at and hits target. TLAMs are precise and accurate to the seconds. TOT is most common type of mission. h. Time of Launch (TOL)- The time when we actually launch. Why TOL? We don’t care when the target gets hit as long as they get hit. FRU/Ship can launch all missiles and continue onto other missions such as BMD. i. Planned Launch Point (PLP)- The location where we drive our ship to and launch. In 7th fleet this is a 2nm radius circle around the ship. LAC assigns us this PLP. If there is no LAC or carrier strike group then TSC assigns this to us. Ship can also make recommendations based on track picture. j. Launch Platform Mission Planning (LPMP)- GPS only missions, provides QUICK REACTION tomahawk strikes or to plan simple missions to a target from our ship’s TTWCS. We don’t need CMSA or TSMPC to create these missions. Technically I can blow up your house if I just have a lat & long coordinate. k. Call for Fire (CFF)- Same as LPMP in terms of capability. In this case it is use to support On- the-ground-troops. Marines or Army would call in for support. More expensive version of NSFS. l. Multiple Outcome Mission (MOM)- Programmed in the mission, there are multiple targets that we can FLEX the missiles to once they’re in the air. m. Post Launch Control (PLE)- Aimpoint Update, Retarget, Flex. Can only be done after missile passes FPPWP. Utilizes Tomahawk Strike Network (TSN). Tasked by sending an In-flight missile modification message (IMMM) to tell the missile new tasking. Aimpoint Update- Just need coordinates. Not as precise as a retarget. Retarget- …straight forward. Changing target. It’s different from aimpoint update in which we have more specific sets of information other than the coordinates. Flex- See Above..2 Discuss the roles and responsibilities for the following watch stations in regards to Strike Warfare Operations: a. Tomahawk Strike Coordinator (TSC)- Your numbered fleet commanders C3F, C7F, C5F, C6F, USFF. They create and send strike packages and overall responsible for the Strike operations in the fleet Area of Responsibilities (AOR). They are responsible for ensuring FRUs have missions required in theatre. b. Tasking Authority (TA)- Interchangeable with TSC. They are the same nowadays. c. Launch Area Coordinator (LAC)- Usually your carrier strike group. For example, CTF70 LAC is responsible for Strike Coordination Overlays (SCOs) to the TSC. They determine launch area hot or cold. And assigns PLPs and fly-out altitudes. Deconflicting the over-the-water routes. d. Commanding Officer- Has battery release and can delegate to the TAO. Overall responsibilities for strike onboard. Need CO’s approval in the absence of a LAC. e. Officer of the Deck- Verifies transition to cruise and booster drop zones are cleared. f. Tactical Action Officer (TAO)- RLEP and FIS keys delegated from the CO. g. Engagement Control Officer (ECO)- Responsible for strike operations and engagements the TLAM team onboard. h. Assistant Engagement Control Officer (AECO)- Responsible for comms and reports going off-ship during a strike. i. Engagement Planner (EP)- Operator responsible for planning and placing up to FIVE way points for the over-the-water route missile path. Creates engagements and process strike packages and missions as received. j. Missile Manager (MM)- Powering and launching actual missiles as well as casualty control and pairing missions to missiles. k. Data Base Manager (DBM)- Ensure the track picture is updated and properly correlated. Also, responsible to send SCOs to LAC or TSC as required..3 Discuss the different methods of tasking and the authorities associated with them. a. Indigo- Message authorizing launch of TLAMs with missions and tasking. Received in Radio via CUDIX. Routed to the TAO to set COND II: Strike. In this message the FRU is authorize to spin up missiles and execute. b. Launch Sequence Plan (LSP)- Message authorizing the planning of a potential strike. Not allowed to power up or spin up missiles. Also comes through Radio or message traffic or even SIPR email. FRUs are required to plan and report total time of flight from TTWCS for first and last missions. c. Electronic Strike Package – Execute (ESP-E)- Electronic version of an INDIGO that is sent directly to TTWCS. d. Electronic Strike Package – Launch (ESP-L)- Electronic version of an LSP that is sent directly to TTWCS. e. Verbal Tasking- Through EHF Secured Voice Networks onboard. TSC can task mission IDs and salvo through voice. Verbatim repeat back is required for execution approval. Possible ESWS questions from 204.2: Q: What is a FPPWP? A: First pre-planned way point, over-the-land portion of a TLAM mission. Q: What are the 3 PLEs? A: Aimpoint update, Flex, and Retarget. Q: How many way points can we utilize in TTWCS? A: Up to 5 way points. Q: Who is the current ECO onboard? A: In this case it is LTJG Grant (whoever is current the Strike Officer) Q: Who is LAC? A: Launch area coordinator. Usually the carrier strike group commander. In our case, usually, CTF70 or the Blue Ridge. Q: Who is in charge of Strike Operations in the entire AOR? A: Tomahawk Strike Coordinator (TSC). Q: Who can authorize TLAM launch? A: The Tasking Authority (TA) or TSC. Q: What are the 5 Type of tasking we can receive onboard? A: Indigo, LSP, ESP-E, ESP-L, and Verbal Tasking Q: What’s an INDIGO message for STW TLAM tasking? A: Execute. Spin up missiles and launch! Q: What’s the difference between an INDIGO and an LSP? A: You cannot launch with LSP message. 204.3 For the items listed, answer the following questions: TLAM C and D are no longer in the fleet. These questions only pertains to BLK 4Es and BLK 5Es: A. What is the maximum range? 1000+ nm B. Where are the parameters monitored? TTWCS Missile manager window. C. What is the rate of fire? In VLS, approx.. 7 to 10 seconds between missiles. E. What is its mode of operational control? Tactical F. What is its transition to cruise? When the missiles’s rocket/thrust booster is dropped and the wings of the TLAM comes out. G. What is its booster drop zone? 2nm radius around the ship is an acceptable answer. 204.4.1 How does STW interface with the following: a. MK 41 Vertical Launcher System (VLS)- TTWCS RT processor to LCU to LSEQ to Missile. LSEQ = Launch Sequencer at each module in the launchers. b. TC2S Communications System (TCOMMS)- Via Tomahawk Communications Interface Protocol/Processor (TCIP). This is how we communicate off-ship. Our TCIP communicate to another unit’s TCIPs via remote network interface (RNI). This is our primary means of receiving and processing missions. Utilizes SHF IP Services as primary and EHF IP services as secondary/back up. c. Global Command and Control Systems – Maritime (GCCS-M)- We currently have GCCS 4.0.x onboard that utilizes a web GUI that relies on SHF IP services as well... Through CST and Network in RADIO to share the common operating picture (COP). All combatant commanders share a COP to view the launch area. Engagement Planners utilize GCCS to plan way points and flight paths. d. Mission Distribution System (MDS)- For distribution of Tomahawk Command Information (TCI) data, Strike Planning and Control, Strike Management. In other words, this is how we store missions and get updates and share it with the fleet. Can also create strike packages for training. 204.4.2 How does STW utilize the following communications paths during normal operations? a. Extremely High Frequency (EHF)- Secured voice circuits. Remember, we can get verbal tasking through voice networks. b. SIPRNET- SHF IP Services for chat, emails. This is the primary means of communication. c. Tomahawk Strike Network (TSN)- Utilizes UHF SATCOM and allows FRU to conduct PLE i.e. to talk to the missile in flight. Possible ESWS questions from 204.3 & 204.4: Q: What frequencies or circuits do we utilize for communications for TLAM missions and Strikes? A: EHF voice circuits, SIPRNET, and TSN. Q: How do we communicate with a TLAM in flight to conduct PLE? A: Via Tomahawk Strike Network. Q: Where do we store TLAM Strike missions onboard? A: MDS Q: In reference to STW, what is MDS used for? (Name two things) A: TCI data distribution, Strike Planning and Control, Strike Management. Q: What is its booster drop zone? A: 2nm radius around the ship. Q: What is the rate of fire for a TLAM from VLS? A: Approximately 7 to 10 seconds between missiles. Q: What is the unclassified max range of a TLAM? A: 1000+ nm Q: How do we communicate off-ship with other FRUs? A: TCOMMS processor. 204.5.1 Discuss the following safety precautions that apply to STW: a. Toxic gas dampers 21 onboard RJN throughout the ship to keep fumes and gas from entering the ship during missile launches. RJN is a CPS and Non-CPS configuration. They will automatically open for each missile launch and close for 2 minutes +/- 30 seconds. b. Salvo alarms Low pitch siren to warn personnel topside of an upcoming missile shoot. Missile Manager will sound the salvo warning alarm at 10 mins until first launch, 5 mins, and then 2 mins, and for each missile at launch- using the contacts located in between ATDCs in CIC. There’s also one above the MSS console in CIC. c. Booster drop zone Verified cleared by the OOD to prevent collateral damage. d. Dud/misfire/ hangfire/restrained firing VLS techs will ensure cell hatches and uptake remain open for 30 mins so it won’t go boom inside the launcher. Loss of the module affected. e. VLS Deluge After temperatures in launcher reach over 190 deg. F in the canister, 65 gallons of fresh water under 225 PSI will try to cool the missile in each canister. It is backed up by Firemain. Possible ESWS questions from 204.5: Q: How long do Toxic Gas Vent Dampers open for? A: 2 minutes +/- 30 seconds. Q: Where are the Salvo warning alarms located? A: In CIC between ATDCs and above the MSS console. Q: What is the VLS deluge system? A: 65 gallons of fresh water backed by firemain used to cool missile during overtemp conditions inside the canisters. The Walkthrough: First off, I will ask you 3 questions “What is strike warfare?” “What is a TLAM?” “What is the primary mission of a Tomahawk?” If you get any of these wrong, you will be turned away from my walkthrough and tell you to come back another day. Equipment in CIC: -4 Advance Tactical Display Centers (ATDCs) in CIC- Utilize in combat for all tactical operations. Maintenance Console (MC) in Tomahawk Equipment Room is last resort for actual launch. -GCCS-M. Equipment in TER: Tomahawk Equipment Cabinets: TEC A & TEC B. TEC B is just redundancy and the difference is JOTS-7 & JOTS-8. Each TEC has the following: Router for TTWCS network. JOTS processor TTWCS Rack-mounted processors. TCIP (see previous section notes) MDS (see previous sections notes) MC – Utilize for maintenance and diagnostic checks. Computer training node (CTN)- Stand alone computer that provides SIMULATION VLS and SIMULATION WSNs for training. More important it is the interface to the GCCS-M CWI GUI to receive a track picture for engagement planning. Q: What provides VLS SIM and WSN SIM for training? A: CTN Q: How does TTWCS interface with GCCS? A: Via the CTN. GOOD LUCK!