Radar and communications equipment need enough separation to work together, with the Falklands War providing a warning about interference from poor arrangements. Combining powerful radars creates similar constraints on mast spacing. The examples include a rotating SAMPSON array, SMART-L, and the modified SMART-L system identified after a correction as S1850M. The British platform identification is uncertain: Type 45 is named first, with Type 26 mentioned later alongside Horizon. Missile launchers impose a further restriction: hot rocket exhaust can damage nearby masts or sensors. Apparently empty deck space therefore does not guarantee a suitable position for a vertical launch system.
Notable Point · 12:15-14:19
Radar interference and missile exhaust constrain deck layout
Sensor interference and hot missile exhaust make mast spacing and launcher clearance part of the ship's design from the outset.