That is provided there are E-2Cs around to provide targetting
data? Besides, the target information needs to be entered by the
launching submarines (unless there is now a data-link available for
the harpoon to recieve course updates mid-flight). Otherwise, the
contact bearing is all that there is. Or, the submarine has to do a
risky radar sweep, which is almost certain to give away its exact
location.
As for the sea skimming, well, I think that also requires precise
target information. Meaning exact distance of target. Then can ALSO
insert a series of waypoints and a final point to begin the popup
manuever. If the harpoon is just shooting down a contact bearing
only, pk would be much lower.
Hence the solution to this is, don't use the harpoon. Use
torpedoes. They maybe slower, but if u run the torps a lil slower,
say 30kts, they target's sonar won't detect the torpedo until its
too late. Then kick it into full power and go active. To make sure
the target dies, have the torps come in from 3 different
directions. Unlike the harpoon, u can still communicate with the
torpedo until u cut the wires.
Harpoons may not be able to rip thru a target if its a frigate and
above. Its excellent for smaller boats/frigates, where they lack
sophisticated anti-air systems and are small enuff to be killed by
1 harpoon. Anything bigger, torps are the way to go.
