Testing close-in weapons without risking a ship

How could a close-in weapon system be tested without damaging a warship?

Use a test barge, such as the Type 45 program's missile and radar barge, to conduct a full moving-platform trial.

Longbow, the Type 45 missile-and-radar test barge, offers a safer way to run a weapon trial. A representative close-in system can be mounted on a moving, towed platform and exercised through a complete engagement sequence without exposing a frontline hull. Some equipment had been removed from the barge by the time of the talk, though the trial concept remained applicable. Dedicated facilities reduce risk during naval integration testing.