Editing Aegis Combat System (section)

==Overview==
[[File:Aegis Combat System.png|thumb|400px|[[Diagram]] of the Aegis Combat System (Baseline 2-6)]]
The Aegis Combat System (ACS) implements advanced command and control (command and decision, or C&D, in Aegis parlance). It is composed of the Aegis Weapon System (AWS), the fast-reaction component of the Aegis Anti-Aircraft Warfare (AAW) capability, along with the [[Phalanx CIWS|Phalanx Close In Weapon System (CIWS)]], and the [[Mark 41 Vertical Launch System]].<ref>Originally, the first five ships of the United States' Aegis equipped [[Ticonderoga-class cruiser]]s were outfitted with Mark-26 twin-arm missile launchers; however, the ships with this system have been decommissioned and are no longer in service.</ref> Mk 41 VLS is available in different versions that vary in size and weight. There are three lengths: {{convert|209|in|m|abbr=on}} for the self-defense version, {{convert|266|in|m|abbr=on}} for the tactical version, and {{convert|303|in|m|abbr=on}} for the strike version. The empty weight for an 8-cell module is {{convert|26800|lb|kg|abbr=on}} for the self-defense version, {{convert|29800|lb|kg|abbr=on}} for the tactical version, and {{convert|32000|lb|kg|abbr=on}} for the strike version, thus incorporating [[anti-submarine warfare]] (ASW) systems and [[BGM-109 Tomahawk|Tomahawk]] Land Attack Cruise Missiles (TLAM). Shipboard torpedo and naval gunnery systems are also integrated.

AWS, the heart of Aegis, comprises the [[AN/SPY-1]] Radar, MK 99 Fire Control System, Weapon Control System (WCS), the Command and Decision Suite, and Standard Missile family of weapons; these include the basic [[RIM-66 Standard]], the [[RIM-156 Standard ER]] extended range missile, and the newer [[RIM-161 Standard Missile 3]] designed to counter [[ballistic missile]] threats. A further SM-2 based weapon, the [[RIM-174 Standard ERAM]] (Standard Missile 6) was deployed in 2013. Individual ships may not carry all variants. Weapons loads are adjusted to suit assigned mission profile. The Aegis Combat System is controlled by an advanced, automatic detect-and-track, multi-function three-dimensional [[passive electronically scanned array]] [[radar]], the AN/SPY-1. Known as "the Shield of the Fleet", the SPY high-powered (6 [[megawatt]]) radar is able to perform search, tracking, and missile guidance functions simultaneously with a track capacity of well over 100 targets at more than {{convert|100|nmi|km|-1}}.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia | title = Aegis Combat System | encyclopedia = The Warfighter Encyclopedia | publisher = Warfighter Response Center | date = October 8, 2003 | url = https://wrc.navair-rdte.navy.mil/warfighter_enc/weapons/shiplnch/aegis.htm | access-date = August 10, 2006 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20041105105518/https://wrc.navair-rdte.navy.mil/warfighter_enc/weapons/shiplnch/aegis.htm | archive-date = November 5, 2004 }}.</ref> However, the AN/SPY-1 Radar is mounted lower than the [[AN/SPS-49]] radar system and so has a reduced [[radar horizon]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/weaps/an-spy-1.htm|title=AN/SPY-1 Radar|access-date=29 January 2016}}</ref>

The Aegis system communicates with the Standard missiles through a radio frequency (RF) uplink using the AN/SPY-1 radar for [[mid-course update]] [[missile guidance]] during engagements, but still requires the [[AN/SPG-62]] [[fire-control radar]] for terminal guidance. This means that with proper scheduling of intercepts, a large number of targets can be engaged simultaneously.

The [[computer]]-based command-and-decision (C&D) element is the core of the Aegis Combat System and came from the [[Naval Tactical Data System]] (NTDS) threat evaluation and weapons assignment (TEWA) function.<ref>[https://ethw.org/First-Hand:Legacy_of_NTDS_-_Chapter_9_of_the_Story_of_the_Naval_Tactical_Data_System#Building_Aegis First-Hand:Legacy of NTDS - Chapter 9 of the Story of the Naval Tactical Data System] Section 4.3 Building Aegis. [[Engineering and Technology History Wiki]]</ref> This interface makes the ACS capable of simultaneous operation against almost all kinds of threats.

In December 2019, Lockheed Martin released a promotional video heralding the 50th anniversary of the Aegis combat system.<ref>{{cite web |title=20191205_Lockheed_AEGIS_50th_Anniversary_3D_ME_FINAL |url=https://vimeo.com/377587148/64f428add4 |website=Vimeo.com |publisher=Green Buzz Agency |access-date=10 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210152251/https://vimeo.com/377587148/64f428add4 |archive-date=10 December 2019 |date=5 December 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>