The report footnote defines point defence as a short-range system intended to protect the carrying ship. It describes area air defence as a longer-range capability that also protects other ships, and associates that capability with the G in guided-missile ship designations. The Perry carried Standard missiles through a single-arm launcher without a complete Aegis package. Constellation's VLS and Aegis-derived system involved a different combination of launch capacity, sensors, and fleet participation. Applying that modern definition to the Cold War FFG label is questioned because missile capability and expectations changed over time. The issue is how the designation is interpreted across periods; the Perry's possession of guided missiles is not disputed.
Notable Point · 1:07:55-1:10:12
Point defence, area air warfare, and the meaning of FFG
A report footnote's definition of guided-missile ships is compared with the Perry's Cold War launcher and fire-control arrangements.