The 48 is the cells loaded at any one time.. this could be a combination of Aster 15 or 30 missiles.
8 of these can be launched every 10 seconds so probably as fast as they can designate targets they can launch.
You also have to remember that the only way of attacking the ship is either via old subs or via exocet. There's only a couple of dozen (if all are flyable which reports suggest they're not) of planes capable of launching the exocet (phlanx(if fitted) or aster15 should deal with them if launched) and although they launch below the horizon they have to pop-up to aquire, it's not the missile system which they will be susceptible to but more than likely the Dauntless in that instance will be used as a targetting system for the typhoons to take out. Especially as the subsonic aircraft won't be able to make it back to base before a typhoon shoves a AMRAAM up it's backside..
Daunless is just part of the system and not the only part with teeth
---------- Post added at 10:25 ---------- Previous post was at 10:19 ----------
Quote:
Originally Posted by martyh
I say should because this article suggests that the navy is a bit stingy when allocating missile quantities ,at least for the subs so the chances are that Dauntless is only carrying enough for one salvo  |
Lets for example say that Argentine has just lost a quarter of it's aircraft without getting close.. Dauntless has now exhuasted the cell launcher.. Argies wouldn't know and probably wouldn't let any more aircraft near the ship long before the cell is exhausted
Even then as I said above daultless makes a good command centre for the typhoons from the falklands to provide cover..