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Originally Posted by Swift Sword
Is there any reason why one could not cobble together a simple missle by strapping a lofting charge or booster onto a GBU-39 and putting a bunch of them in vertical launch cells on existing surface warfare platforms?
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Well I doubt it could be an actual charge, the VLS cells aren't designed to handle those types of pressures.
Plus, I doubt the SDB's electronics could either.
And, IIRC, GBU-39's are looking to cost around $50k each right now, so it wouldn't be as cheap as an unguided gun round.
Personally, I'd like to see the development of a small, relatively inexpensive cruise missile that could be packed four or more per VLS cell. Something like the USAF SMACM or Top Cover UAV.
http://www.defense-update.com/products/s/smacm.htm
http://www.flightinternational.com/A...UAV+plans.html
Top Cover is particularly interesting, IMHO. It's meant to be a hybrid UAV and cruise missile with up to 24 hours of endurance and the ability to carry sensors and a warhead.