CHAPTER 4
COMBAT SYSTEMS,
SUBSYSTEMS, AND MAINTENANCE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completing this chapter, you should be able to do the following:
1. Identify the combat systems reference manuals for your class of ship in a combat
systems environment.
2. Describe the subsystems that comprise shipboard combat systems.
3. Identify the objectives of the combat systems test and evaluation program.
4. Describe the functions of the ship’s electronics readiness team.
5. Discuss integrated maintenance as it pertains to combat systems maintenance.
6. Identify maintenance testing required in a combat systems environment.
7. Describe the goals of fault isolation.
INTRODUCTION
The outputs of combat systems equipment into
the combat direction system (CDS) and weapons sys-
Compared to older combatant ships, today’s com-
tem control equipment must be accurate (within as-
batants have more, and increasingly complex, elec-
tronics and weapons equipment and systems. There-
fore, changes must be made to the traditional organi-
zation of division responsibilities. This means com-
bining some of the responsibilities of the combat
systems/weapons department.
In the past, technicians were only concerned with
maintaining their assigned equipment so it would
operate when it was needed. Now, under the combat
systems concept, technicians must also ensure the
accuracy of their equipment and system outputs into
the combat system. Therefore, technicians must cross
traditional boundaries and become familiar with the
operation and capabilities of the overall system.
signed standards): Without accurate signals and data,
the ship may not be able to perform its combat mis-
sion.
Current practice has one officer, the combat
systems/weapons officer, in charge of all weapons
systems (all weapons and electronics subsystems)
maintenance. This integrates the maintenance of all
electronics and makes the ship more capable of ful-
filling its mission.
In some configurations, it is possible that the
engineering department will supply personnel for
supporting systems, such as gyro distribution, cool-
ing systems, primary power, and secondary power.
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