Q&A ยท 4:00:39-4:01:46

Vanguard against Falklands bombs and Exocets

Sheltered deployment, armor, and a hypothetical anti-aircraft fit qualify the assessment of Argentine weapons.

Question

Could the bombs and Exocets used in the Falklands have penetrated Vanguard's armor?

Short answer

Her armor is expected to help against unguided bombs, while the proposed sheltered deployment limits Exocet exposure; the reply does not give a firm penetration calculation.

Notes

The scenario puts Vanguard around San Carlos and sheltered waters behind the defensive screen, rather than on an exposed outer picket. Under that assumption, geography reduces the opportunity for an Exocet attack. Her armor is expected to offer much better protection against unguided bombs than the escorts attacked in 1982. Retained 40 mm weapons and a possible Seaslug installation would add danger for aircraft trying to approach closely. Those conclusions depend on the hypothetical deployment and modernization; no quantified penetration assessment is supplied.