An analysis of the historical effectiveness of anti-ship cruise missiles in littoral warfare

Abstract : This thesis examines the historical effectiveness of anti-ship cruise missiles used in littoral warfare. Missile in leakage rates, probability of hit on a given target, and small combatant staying power with respect to Exocet missile equivalents are derived from historical data. These parameters are extended to modern U. S. warships displacing 7,000 tons or less, which are expected to operate in littoral waters, to determine the number of missiles needed in a salvo to inflict a combat kill or sink the warship. Littoral warfare, Anti-ship cruise missiles, Warship staying power, Ship vulnerability, Survivability.