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 Many armies are currently modernizing
their air defense assets. Current systems are obsolete today, as
they rely on armament systems developed and fielded in the 1960 -
1980s. Modernizations and acquisition of new systems target
various aspects of these air defense weapons by improving their
capabilities against sophisticated threats. This includes enhanced target
detection, tracking and engagement under intensive ECM and
adverse weather conditions, and the use of passive sensors or
introduction of multi-sensors (active/passive). Multi-weapon
(missiles and guns) combinations, on a single platform are favored. The latest
trend is adding networking capability, combining multiple sensors,
firing units as well as interjacent, but different weapon systems.
Networking enables fire units to share and coordinate operations
on a wider scale, while retaining high level of independence,
ensuring continuation of operation, while under attack.
A typical
deployed air defense system utilizes sensors, communications
and mobile or relocateable missile launchers. All the system's
elements can be remotely operated from regional battle management
& control centers and interface with the network via data-links and
wireless communications. The sensors include wide area coverage by
radar, reinforced by active and passive sensors - such as infrared
search & trackers (IRST) and passive radars (detecting and
localizing electronic emissions from aircraft and cruise
missiles).
Missiles dedicated for such network centric systems often
use Lock-On After launch targeting techniques, which enable the
weapons to be launched "blind", or broadly toward a "kill-box" where
the target is expected to be. The final target data and intercept
parameters are sent to the missile via datalink during the flight,
and are further updated before the terminal intercept, to respond to
potential evasive maneuvers and countermeasures dispensed by the
target. Another advantage of networked air defense elements is its
capability to engage a single target by several missiles, from
different directions, therefore gaining high probability of
kill. This capability is especially important when defending
against saturation attacks. When tasked against multiple attacks,
missiles can be retargeted in mid-course toward other airborne
threats, when the primary target has been destroyed by one of the
missiles, utilizing its extended range for mid-course update
capability.
Another common feature for network based air defenses
is the use of the Vertical Launch (VL) system. This capability utilizes
a thrust vector flight control system, that position the missile
quickly after launch, at a medium altitude and in the general
direction of the target. From this position the missile has
superior
acquisition of the target in short range engagements. Typical VL systems
can launch multiple missiles to engage targets at different
sectors, in quick succession. VL capability also eliminates the
need for complex, heavy mechanical traverse and elevation systems,
required for missile positioning. VL is utilized with many modern
missiles including the SAMP/T (Aster 30),
Mica VL,
Umkhonto, Defender
(Barak I), Barak NG and
IRIS-T SL. Non VL systems offer other
advantages, including rapid response rates in short range
engagements, where pop-up targets, missiles and guided weapons are
intercepted. Typical non VL systems are the Raytheon / Kongsberg
SLAMRAAM, RAFAEL/IAI
SPYDER, and
Pantsir S1. In order to provide
full coverage, such systems are commonly assigned specific
defensive sectors of 120 degrees or less.
Further into the future, more revolutionary, directed energy
weapons such as the Mobile Tactical High Energy Laser
(MTHEL) will probably become the first mobile directed energy
weapon to be able to destroy tactical airborne threats in
midair. MTHEL type weapons are expected to provide an air defense
shield for
expeditionary forces and civilians areas which are exposed to a threat of
rocket, mortars or artillery attacks.
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