marktigger wrote:they really should look again at the distribution of SHORAD weapons in the fleet platforms like the CVF/LPD/LPH and the the large RFA's should all have viable missile fits as well as the CIWS
I do not think so. Precisely, I agree it is better, but not good in view of manpower impact.
CAMM is different class from SeaWolf. If the ship has a good 3D radar and hi-end CMS, it is a local-area air defense SAM, opposed to point defense of SeaWolf. Manpower and resource wise, adding a VLS to the escorts who already has it will be more "effective". Because of its, "so so" long range, the escort can cover multiple vessels. I think this is the new trend.
So the only case we need to think about arming RFA vessels are, when it shall be isolated. In this case, we also need to think about, at what level we shall arm them, because increased manpower and operation cost will directly impact the decrease in hull number. In other words, CAMM can virtually "sink" a few RFA even before you fight.
I am not strongly offending you idea. I am just proposing other option, and want to compare them. And, I am for "no CAMM on RFA BUT increase VLS cells on escorts, in place".
But, if the escort number become only 14, yes, maybe we shall start thinking of arming SSS and LPD (maybe not AOR). I agree.