Arotech Offers Affrodable Protection with TIGER LPV

Dec 7, 2009

Arotech Corporation has unveiled a new version of the Tiger armored, Mine and Blast protected light vehicle, first unveiled at the AUSA 2009 exhibition in Washington in October. The Tiger is based on a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS), the current version employs a commercial Dodge RAM 5500 platform, applied with highly protected monocoque armored capsule accommodating 6-9 soldiers with their equipment.

tiger_mdt — The Tiger is targeted to provide a competitive alternative to much heavier and expensive MRAP and MATV vehicles, providing uncompromized protection at significantly lower life cycle cost. Such vehicles could become attractive to NATO members contributing to expeditionary operations, for example, supporting ISAF in Afghanistan.

The vehicle is protected against large caliber small-arms, as well as roadside IEDs and mines. Its sides and floor are designed with blast mitigating elements and all crew and passenger seats are designed to reduce the exposure of the crew to blast effect.

The vehicle is powered by a Cummins 350 HP diesel engine, and equipped with large, military standard tires and 127” wheel base, offering high all terrain performance. The vehicle designers applied an advanced suspension system to ensure comfortable ride for the crew off-road, without utilizing independent suspension. Rated for a 8.8 ton Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) the fully armored and equipped vehicle has a payload capacity of 1.5 tons – for example, supporting 6 passengers plus 900 kg of equipment. An enhanced version can be upgraded to support up to 10.4 ton GVW allowing for additional armor protection. The vehicle uses standard attachments for application of add-on armor. Its payload capacity is significantly large enabling users to including appliqué armor that can defeat Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), Explosively Formed Projectiles (EFP) and Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG). The vehicle is designed with two doors at each side, a rear access door and roof hatch that can employ a gunner protected position or remotely operated weapon station. The cabin capsule can be removed and remounted in the field, allowing its installation on a new platform, enabling users to support missions with armored vehicles, by removing armored capsules from damaged vehicles or those sent for overhauled and repair, and mounting them to newly arrived platforms. According to the manufacturer, The MDT Tiger LPV was designed to be cost effective. The COTS Dodge platform ensures widespread support and cost effective maintenance.

At Milipol MDT presented the lighter variant, designed for police and para-military roles involving high risk. It is designed for SWAT units, anti terror units, drug enforcement units and other government agencies requiring exceptional all train capabilities coupled with extreme survivability. The cabin has a flat floor throughout and vertical walls, all-round windows and optional gun ports on all four directions, allowing flexible seating and equipment mission-dependent arrangements. The front row has three-in-a-row seats for driver, navigator and commander. In the rear, 3, 4 or 5 passengers can ride facing forward. The rear cabin can also accommodate 6 passengers in two side-facing rows. A 2 or 4 liter MedVac configuration is also supported.

Army Awards GDLS $42 Million to Build a Modernized Stryker

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Dec 7, 2009

General Dynamics Land Systems will design a modernization of the Stryker infantry armored vehicle under a $203 million modernization contract awarded by the U.S. Army has awarded TACOM Lifecycle Management Command. to design the Stryker of the future. The current increment phase of $42.6 million was awarded November 25, 2009. The award continues the Stryker modernization program, initiated last year.

The Army is interested in enhancements that include crew-protection technologies, increased power, mobility, agility and information connectivity. The current funding will pay for the development of a demonstrator testbed, evaluating new technologies.

For example, the integration of a new diesel engine rated at 450 horsepower and upgraded suspension will demonstrate how the total power, on-board available power and off-road mobility can be enhanced. The suspension, driveline larger tires and a new braking system will also be upgraded to carry up to 60,000 lbs gross vehicle weight. GDLS will also introduce a digital architecture system that connects new command, control, communication, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance technologies, to ensure soldiers continue to have access to the best available situational-awareness and mission systems.

The Army has seven Stryker Brigade Combat Teams, three of which are deployed in combat zones: two in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. To date, General Dynamics has delivered nearly 3,000 vehicles and trained more than 19,000 soldiers in their use. Stryker Brigade Combat Teams have operated with historically high mission availability rates in Iraq since October 2003, demonstrating the value of a force that can move rapidly as a cohesive and networked combined-arms combat team.

Teams Prepare JLTVs for 2010 Testing

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Dec 7, 2009

lm_jltv — The three JLTV models prepared for the testing: top - the model developed by GTV, above: the Lockheed Martin and below: the Valanx model, developed by BAE Systems. Photos: Defense Update and Lockheed Martin.

By the end of 2009 the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Program Office expects the three contractors to provide technology development and demonstration vehicles and associated equipment for performance and reliability testing by U.S. army, Marines and Special Operations Command users. According to Kevin Fahey, Army program executive officer, the current evaluation phase is designed to assess the maturity and integrability of the different technologies submitted by the three industry teams selected for the demonstration. Following the 27 month program a production decision is expected by the end of 2014, with full-rate fielding to begin in 2016.

The program has received a lot of international attention, too. Australia and India both signed agreements to provide development support and share the associated costs, and other countries have expressed interest in participating as well. Israel, Canada and the U.K. are also following the program closely.

Earlier in November 09 the models designed by General Tactical Vehicles (GTV), the joint venture between GDLS/AM General has successfully completed the Critical Design Review (CDR). GTV was the first JLTV contractor to meet this milestone, enabling them to proceed to the production and testing of the vehicles and trailers scheduled for delivery for the U.S. government by spring of 2010. Second to pass CDR was the BAE Systems/Navistar team completed this milestone. The BAE Systems-Navistar team has developed two JLTV prototypes for internal testing that have provided valuable information being used in the CDR. Their JLTV design also incorporates lessons learned from the deployment of MaxxPro and RG33 type Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, being produced by the two partners. Next, in line is the Lockheed Martin, expected to complete the process soon.

JLTV will arrive in time to modernize the U.S. military tactical vehicle inventory, which is riding today on the 40 years old HMMWV designs back in the 1970s. The military’s fleet of Humvees, estimated at about 160,000, was developed in the 1970s and delivered in the early 1980s. It was the first example of the ‘family of vehicles’ approach, replacing a number of light and medium vehicles with a common platform designed with high mobility, effective payload capacity and modularity, providing a common platform for utility, liaison, patrol, and mission-specific roles. Although it had the capability to apply light armor for combat missions it was never designed to survive as a direct combat vehicle.

When these vehicles proved vulnerable to roadside bombs in Iraq and, increasingly, in Afghanistan, the military responded by applying armor plating, bulletproof windows, protected weapon stations and electronic defensive equipment that overloaded the vehicle’s engine and electrical supply. This evolution brought the typical Humvee from the original designed maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) of about 12,000 pounds, closer to 18,000 pounds. The vehicle is way overweight, underpowered, lacking the mobility is was designed to provide and does not have the payload to do its missions.

On the other end of the weight scale is the MRAP behemoth, which was bought off the shelf, rapidly fielded and being improved and modified to meet the shortcomings and limitations that evolve through operational use. Currently being deployed to Afghanistan are the lighter weight variants of the MRAP, known as M-ATV. While being more adaptable to the rough terrain, these truck based vehicles are much heavier and limited in their growth capacity, compared to the planned JLTV.

In contrast to the rapid evolution of the Off-The-Shelf MRAP that focused primarily on protection, and left the other aspects for future improvements, the military is taking the time to design its next generation vehicle to meet the user’s current and future expectations in operational use, while focusing on reliability and maintainability and commonality.

Fahey emphasized the benefit of designing the next-generation light tactical vehicles from the ground up for their specific use rather than simply being adapted to meet operational requirements. The biggest challenge in a joint program, Fahey said, is agreeing to a common set of requirements. The Marine Corps puts the highest emphasis on making the vehicles lightweight to meet its mobility requirements. The Army tends to focus more on troop protection.

FRES-SV, Warrior Upgrades Likely to be a ‘Winner Takes All’ Match

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Dec 7, 2009

warrior_mtip2 — The British Warrior tested with the upgraded BAE Systems MTIP2 turret. (photo: BAE Systems)

Two major armored vehicle acquisition programs running in parallel in the UK are nearing critical milestones in the upcoming months. With the Scout Vehicle (SV) become the top priority FRES vehicle, and the imminent selection of prime contractor for the Warrior Upgrade program, it is likely that both programs will select one winner, offering the Army with training and logistical advantages.

The British Army Warrior infantry fighting vehicles is being upgraded under the Warrior Capability Sustainment Program (WCSP) worth £1bn. Its goal is to extend the Warrior lifespan at least until 2038. A decision is expected in the first quarter of 2010 with initial deliveries by 2013. MOD expects to upgrade 449 Warrior with the full kit, with additional 200 vehicles to receive partial upgrades. BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin UK – INSYS have submitted two competing proposals.

WCSP features a new turret and weapon system, increasing the vehicle’s firepower and installation of a digital computing and networking system. Warrior Enhanced Electronic Architecture (WEEA) will also be introduced, improving situational awareness and integrating the vehicle into a ‘networked’ battle scene. Another aspect of the upgrade will be the introduction of a modular armor system, enabling more flexible adaptation of the vehicle’s protection against evolving threats, the Warrior Modular Protection System (WMPS). Both proposals are based on the two turrets being offered for the FRES-SV program, and MOD decisions in the two programs are likely to influence each other, at least to maintain logistical commonality.

BAE Systems has released some information about its proposed design. According to BAE Systems, the FRES and Warrior turrets proposed by the company are very similar – the gunner crew-station is identical – and features optimized crew stations and large hatches, designed to accommodate today’s and tomorrow’s soldier, wearing full Osprey body armor. According to BAE designers, soldiers are getting bigger and crew positions in many existing vehicles are becoming too cramped to accommodate them, or allow easy exit from the vehicle in an emergency. This turret is based on the MTIP2 program which saw the BAE Systems CT40 turret, mounted on Warrior, fire-on-the-move test over a period of four months during 2008. The turret is optimized for the CT40 weapon system, mandated by the UK MoD for Warrior and FRES SV. The ammunition is carried low, maximizing crew safety, while best positioned to feed into the system, offering rapid and easy access to the ammunition store, under armor.

warrior_wlip_insys — WLIP Warrior with the new turret built by Lockheed Martin UK - INSYS. (photo: Lockheed Martin)

This weapon enables effective fire on the move, as well as projectiles with time-set fuses, capable of engaging targets behind cover or in defilade. The case-telescopic ammunition is employing projectiles three times more effective than the current Rarden 30 ordnance. The new armor kit is introducing a modular mounting system, fitting into future modular armor elements. This will be produced similar to those developed under the recent Urgent Operational Requirements (UOR), allowing rapid implementation and quick changes to meet new threats. BAE Systems has also developed a new blast-attenuating driver’s seat further improving earlier UOR mine protection measures, such as a new belly plate and stiffer suspension, restoring the vehicle’s riding height.

To further strengthening its local positioning in the UK, Lockheed Martin UK has established a strategic partnering agreement with the British Defence Support Group (DSG). The group has brought together the ABRO and DARA businesses to specialize in maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade services for the through-life support of military equipment in service with the UK Armed Forces. The association with DSG has been at the heart of Lockheed Martin’s WCSP solution and, according to Stephen Ball, Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin UK, if the company wins the WCSP and FRES programs, much of the associated activities will be co-located with DSG at their Donnington facility.

EA-18G Cleared for Full Rate Production

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Dec 7, 2009

Boeing is moving the EA-18G Growler into Full Rate Production (FRP) following approval by the U.S. Navy after the aircraft achieved initial operational capability (IOC) on September 22 this year, operating with U.S. Navy electronic attack squadron VAQ-132, based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash. The first potential deployment of the Growler is slated for 2010, while the Navy expects the Prowler-to-Growler transition to be completed by 2013.

The EA-18G’s was designed to operate either from the deck of an aircraft carrier or from land-based fields. As a fully capable combat aircraft it is capable of delivering a full-spectrum electronic attack capability, including escort jamming, and air defense suppression using precision guided and radar homing weapons. It also has the standard targeting and self-defense capabilities derived from the Navy’s frontline strike fighter, the F/A-18E/F Block II Super Hornet. The EA-18G aircraft combines the two-seat, twin-engine F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Block 2 with the Improved Capability III electronics receiver system from the EA-6B Prowler to provide next-generation electronic attack capability to the warfighter. The AEA package combines the ALQ-218 receiver, ALQ-99 jamming pods, communication countermeasures and satellite communications. Along with the electronic attack suite, the Growler also features the APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a game-changing radar in its own right.

The Navy has authorized to procure and produce 54 EA-18G aircraft remaining in the current program of record which includes a total of 88 aircraft; Boeing expects to produce about 20 aircraft per year. The rapid pace will enable the navy to begin the replacement of aging EA-6B Prowler electronic attack aircraft, which remained the only airborne electronic attack (AEA) platform in inventory. The Navy’s first electronic airborne attack aircraft to be manufactured in more than 35 years since the Prowler entered service in 1971.

The first Growler test aircraft went into production October 2004 and made its first flight August 2006. Following the delivery to the fleet in June 2008, the Growler conducted sea trials and entered initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E). The major milestone of IOC marks the end of the IOT&E phase for the Growler program. Boeing, acting as the weapon system integrator and prime contractor, leads the EA-18G Growler industry team, which also includes Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and General Electric Aircraft Engines.

New Armored Vehicles for Spain

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Dec 7, 2009

Spain considers a new armored vehicle procurement, eying a wheeled 8×8 armored vehicle to enhance safety and mobility of Spanish troops. At present the Spanish forces are operating the Italian LMV from Iveco and South African BAE Systems RG-31. Spain has further requirements for 4×4 armored vehicles, to support squad and platoons, while a new 8×8 armored vehicle is considered to replace 6×6 vehicles currently in service with armored infantry units.

As with all recent armored vehicle procurements, Spain is considering only off-the-shelf platforms, already proven with other NATO forces. Spain will be buying about 300 8×8 vehicle, configured in several variants, to replace the BMR-600 currently in service with the Spanish Army.

Natural contenders could be the Piranha and Pandur II that could be readily assembled by the General Dynamics Spanish subsidiary Santa Barbara, which is affiliated with the Austrian and Swiss vehicle designers through the parent company General Dynamics Europe. Other teams already gearing up for the competition are the Spanish engineering company GTD that announced a teaming with the French company Nexter to modify the French VBCI for the Spanish program. VBCI is currently operational only with the French Army.

The Italian company Iveco is also present in Spain, through its local truck manufacturing subsidiary Enasa, the original manufacturer of the BMR-600 and is also likely to compete in Spain, offering the heavier Frecia VBM or the lighter SuperAV. While Frecia is currently in service with the Italian Army, the SuperAV has not yet been ordered by a NATO member. The Dutch-German ARTEC could be offering the Boxer, already operated by these two NATO members. Finally, the Finnish company Patria could be offering the AMV, currently operational mostly by the Polish army.

If Spain will consider operational experience as a plus, only the Piranha (LAV/Stryker) and AMV could claim a combat record operating in Iraq and Afghanistan with the U.S, Australian and Polish forces.

U.S. Air Force Operates a Stealth Jet-Powered RQ-170 Sentinel UAV in Afghanistan

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Dec 6, 2009

beastofkanharar — It is believed that the aircraft was operating from remote bases in the Middle East, primarily on night missions, extending its range and mission endurance utilizing aerial refueling. Photo: secretdefense blog, Liberation France

Aviation Week & Space technology Ares blog disclosed Friday that the jet propelled UAV recently spotted at the American airbase in Kandahar, Afghanistan was officially recognized as the RQ-170 Sentinel, built by Lockheed Martin and operated by the U.S. Air Force 30th Reconnaissance Squadron at Tonopah Test Range, Nev., the home of the F-117 squadron, when the project was still classified. It is believed that the Sentinel first flew in 2002-2003. The recent missions at Kandahar were the aircraft was spotted in Afghanistan were not the first in theater. It is believed that the aircraft was operating from remote bases in the Middle East, primarily on night missions, extending its range and mission endurance utilizing aerial refueling.

The type of sensors being used is yet unknown, but likely to be a combination of SAR imaging sensors, probably of a new ‘wing-embedded’ type that could preserve the aircraft stealth characteristics. Such technology is being developed in recent years for the US Air Force SensorCraft program, which has progressing steadily in recent years. Multi-spectral sensor or SIGINT could also be considered for such a platform, primarily for obtaining low-power signals from closer range than possible with larger, non stealthy platforms. Bringing the Sentinel from the Black world to daylight could expand its operational flexibility in theater, paving the way for more extensive operations.

The new aircraft bears some resemblance to the Lockheed Martin Polecat, although it seems to have a single engine and shorter wing span. It has a similar a tailless flying wing design, with sensor and communications pods faired emplaced onto the upper surface of each wing. The Polecat made its first flight in 2005, a year or two after the Q-170. Built by Lockheed Martin with ‘company funding’, the drone, designated P-175 could be an outgrowth of the Sentinel, with longer wing span and two engines, its mission endurance was likely to be around four hours. The single flying Polecat was crashed on a flight test on December 2006. The Polecat was flying while the other two other Joint Unmanned Combat Aircraft System (J-UCAS) being developed for the Navy and Air Force were terminated by the Air Force, just after DARPA delivered the successful and promising program to the Air Force, following an extensive flight testing and weapon delivery demonstrations. The Air Force allegedly was seeking funding for a new stealth bomber, but the service could already have something else in the making.

About two years later the J-UCAS program has been resurrected by the Navy as the X-47D carrier based technology demonstrator, built by Northrop Grumman X-47D. This aircraft could lead the Navy to potentially integrate an unmanned aircraft as part of its carrier Air Groups. By the time the X-47D is flown from a Navy carrier, the U.S. Air Force is also planning to embark on a fast ISR platform known as MQX and a UCAV program of its own. The three aerospace giants, Boeing, Northrop and Lockheed Martin are already preparing for the future UCAV competition. Boeing has launched its Phantom Ray internally funded program, reviving the X-45C technology while Lockheed Martin’s is harnessing several programs, likely to rely on its work on X-47B, Polecat, and Sentinel, to strengthen its stake in the unmanned aircraft world.

Rafael Unveils ‘Non Line of Sight’ Spike Missile Operating at 25 km Range

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Nov 30, 2009

spike_nlos_large — A close-up view of the NLOS Spike launch system, integrating the Toplite stabilized EO sight for independent target acquisition. For maximum range engagement the NLOS Spike relies on remote target acquisition. Photo: Rafael

Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has unveiled a, beyond-line-of-sight version of the Spike fiber-optical guided missile capable of attacking pinpoint targets at ranges of up to 15.5 miles (25 km). The new missile weighing 155 lbs (70 kg) is already operational with the customer believed to be the Israel Defense Forces. It can be launched from land vehicles, airborne platforms or naval surface vessels.

The new version, designated Spike NLOS can carry the entire family of warheads designed for the Spike, including the shaped-charge anti-tank, and penetration blast fragmentation (PBR), enabling the missile to effectively strike targets beyond line of sight. In addition to offering selective targeting, by the use of its integral EO guidance camera, Spike NLOS can also receive target data from remote target acquisition systems, such as airborne UAVs, or remotely operated via networked command and control systems.

The Spike family of missiles is considered as the most mature and versatile multi-platform electro-optical precision attack missile in the market. Spike missiles are currently operating in several countries, including Israel, several Asian and Latin American countries, as well as a number of NATO countries, including Spain, Poland, Italy, Romania, Finland, and Czech Republic. Spike missiles were also selected to equip the German Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicles.

The missile integrates a dual EO seeker, effectively engaging targets in day and night, utilizing ‘fire and forget’ or ‘fire and update’ operating modes, enabling the operator to home in precisely on a pinpoint target as the missile closes-in on the terminal phase of its flight, just prior to the attack, thus maximizing the missile’s effect while minimizing collateral damage, even under highly dynamic battle conditions. The communications between the missile and operator is conducted over an optical fiber, enabling effective, broadband, secure two-way communications.

BAE Systems Guided Rocket Enters Final Testing Phase

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Nov 30, 2009

BAE Systems has entered the final phase of testing on its Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), a technology that increases the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of airborne weapon systems. The tests seek to confirm the production readiness of the APKWS rocket and its ability to meet Navy and Marine Corps requirements, including safely launching from a helicopter, and reliably acquiring, tracking, and hitting laser-designated targets.

In the most recent testing, a laser-guided rocket fired from a U.S. Marine Corps Cobra helicopter hit a stationary target. This test firing initiated a sequence of more than 20 firings that will comprise the program’s final test phase, to be completed by the end of the year. Following this contractor test flight, BAE Systems and the Navy are preparing for the final weapon qualification testing, leading to a production decision in 2010.

Although multiple vendors are offering similar capabilities, BAE Systems expects to become the only fully-qualified laser-guided 2.75-inch rocket in the U.S. inventory, said John Watkins, director of the company’s missile and munitions solutions. Since the beginning of the developmental test series in September 2002, the guided rocket was tested 18 times, including five shots from helicopters involving several air crews and various mission scenarios. APKWS can be fired from any helicopter that can launch 2.75-inch rockets, including the AH-1 Cobra, UH-1 Huey, OH-58 Kiowa Warrior, and AH-64 Apache.

The low-cost, low-yield precision munition system turns a standard 2.75-inch unguided rocket to a smart, highly precise laser-guided missile. Because it uses standard launchers, the system requires no platform integration or aircraft modifications, and the mid-body design of its guidance section enables use of existing warheads, fuses, and rocket motors.

Tomahawk Test Demonstrates Time-Critical Use

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Nov 30, 2009

The U.S. Navy test launched the Tomahawk Block IV cruise missile during an operational test November 5, 2009 evaluating the missile’s new anti-jam GPS system and successful use against time-critical targets. The enhanced capabilities of the ship and submarine launched Tomahawk Block IV increase fleet effectiveness, with network enabled communication, battle damage imaging.

On this test mission the missile flew a land attack mission into San Nicolas Island in support of a Special Operations team, destroying a time-critical target after receiving targeting information from a combined U.S./United Kingdom Special Operations Team on the island. To prepare the mission and link to the missile the team employed the Precision Strike Suite – Special Operations Forces (PSS-SOF) and Joint Strike Planning and Execution Auto Router (JSPEAR) portable units. Live target updating was conducted from the field using these portable units and confirmation was provided by satellite and unmanned systems imagery.

The mission was initiated from JSPEAR and sent to the fleet commander and USS Princeton. Seconds after launch from the ship’s vertical launch system, the Tomahawk missile transitioned to cruise flight. The total flight time was short and the test was conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Tomahawk’s new eight channel anti-jam GPS receiver (AGR-4). The results of this test confirmed the ability of Tomahawk Block IV to be used in time critical strike operations to meet the requirements of U.S. Special Forces.

“This test proves that Tomahawk provides a key enabler for time-critical strike,” said Tomahawk Program Manager Capt. Dave Davison. “As the only network-enabled, land attack weapon, Tomahawk can re-target, loiter, or provide last minute weapons coverage to deployed forces from on-station naval combatants.”

Second Russian Mobile ICBM Regiment to Become Operational

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Nov 30, 2009

By the end of 2009 Russia is planning to strengthen its Strategic Missile Forces (SMF) with a second regiment equipped with mobile Topol-M (SS-27 Stalin) missile systems. Topol-M is the land-based component of the Russian nuclear triad. To date the Russian Topol-M inventory included 50 silo-based and six road-mobile Topol-M missile systems.

According to the new SMF commander, Lt. Gen. Andrei Shvaichenko, Moscow expects to complete the rearmament of the second missile regiment with the 54th Strategic Missile Division near the town of Teikovo, stationed about 150 miles (240 km) northeast of Moscow. The first regiment operating mobile missiles is already operating at the base with a sixth regiment of silo-based Topol-M systems to become operational with the Tatishchevo Missile Division near Saratov in southwestern Russia in 2010.

Russia currently operates six types of silo-based and mobile ICBMs, comprising the heavy Voyevoda (SS-18 Satan), capable of carrying 10 warheads, and the Topol-M systems. SS-18 missiles are being upgraded through life extension programs, increasing their storage life to 31 years while the lifespan of SS-25 Topol and RS-20B missiles are extended to 23 years.

Raytheon Tests RAM Block 2 Upgrades

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Nov 30, 2009

Raytheon successfully completed three instrumented test vehicle flights between of the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Block 2 missiles. The flights conducted between April and October 2009 were designed to demonstrate the system’s upgraded kinematic capabilities.

The tests focused on the missile’s new rocket motor, airframe, control section and autopilot software. During the current system’s design and development (SDD) phase Raytheon will build 35 missiles, prior to a low rate initial production decision. RAM Block 2 upgrades include a four-axis independent control actuator system and an improved rocket motor with a 30 percent increase in propellant. These and other upgrades increase the missile’s effective range and deliver a significant improvement in maneuverability. The improved missile also incorporates an upgraded passive radio frequency seeker, a digital autopilot and engineering changes in selected infrared seeker components.

making the missile more effective against emerging threats and more maneuverable anti-ship cruise missiles”. RAM is a supersonic, lightweight, quick reaction, fire-and-forget missile providing defense against anti-ship cruise missiles, helicopter and airborne threats, and hostile surface craft. The missile’s autonomous dual-mode, passive radio frequency and infrared guidance design provides a high-firepower capability for engaging multiple threats simultaneously. Produced in partnership by Raytheon and RAMSYS of Germany, RAM has been fielded abroad some 100 ships as an integral self-defense weapon for the navies of the United States, Germany, Greece, Korea, Egypt, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

MATRIX Laser Successfully Downs Small UAVs

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Nov 30, 2009

Boeing has recently announced successful, intercepts of multiple small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by high power mobile laser weapon system. The tests, conducted back in May 2009 demonstrated the ability of mobile laser weapon systems to locate, track and destroy small aerial targets in flight.

The test was sponsored by the U.S. Air Force and conducted at the Naval Air Warfare Center in China Lake, Calif., The Mobile Active Targeting Resource for Integrated eXperiments (MATRIX), developed by Boeing under contract to the Air Force Research Laboratory, used a single, high-brightness laser beam to shoot down five UAVs at various ranges.

According to Gary Fitzmire, vice president and program director of Boeing Missile Defense Systems’ Directed Energy Systems unit, the MATRIX demonstrated unprecedented, ultra-precise and lethal acquisition, in these tests, demonstrating pointing and tracking at long ranges using relatively low laser power.

Boeing Directed Energy Systems, based in Albuquerque, developed MATRIX, a mobile, trailer-mounted test bed that integrates with existing test-range radar. Directed Energy Systems and Boeing Combat Systems in St. Louis cooperatively developed Laser Avenger, which integrates a directed-energy weapon together with the existing kinetic weapons on the proven Avenger air defense system developed by Combat Systems.

GMLRS Demonstrates Extended Range Capability

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Nov 30, 2009

Above: The 45th FIRES Brigade conducts a live fire exercise at Ft. Sill, Okla., on June 11, 2009. Photo: Sgt. 1st Class Kendall James, Oklahoma National Guard

Lockheed Martin successfully fired a U.S. Army Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rocket 92 kilometers in a recent test at White Sands Missile Range, NM. Typically the GMLRS is fired at targets 70 km and beyond. The extended range capability was tested as part of the systems’ product improvement, demonstrating the weapon’s maintains its high accuracy even at maximum extended range. The unitary GMLRS rocket was fired by a crew of the U.S. Army 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery from Fort Lewis, WA.

The GMLRS rocket used in this test was fired from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher, the newest member of the MLRS launcher family. HIMARS can accommodate the entire family of MLRS munitions, including all variants of the Guided MLRS rocket and Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles.

Designed to enable troops to engage and defeat artillery, air defense concentrations, trucks, light armor and personnel carriers, as well as support troop and supply concentrations, HIMARS can launch its missiles and move away from the launch area before enemy forces locate the launch site. HIMARS can be transported by C-130 “Hercules” aircraft, which allows HIMARS to be deployed into areas inaccessible to heavier launchers, and is a force multiplier to the units it supports.

GMLRS is an international cooperative program among the United States, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. Other international customers include the United Arab Emirates and Singapore.

Diehl’s Sky Sphere set to Defeat UAS, OWA Drones Head-On

D. Zeevi - Nov 9, 2024 0

Diehl Defence has teamed up with Skysec to develop a drone interceptor. Diehl works with Skysec’s subsidiary, Skysec Defence, to modify the original civilian-oriented net-arresting interceptor into a hard-kill system suitable for military missions....

Defense Update Weekly News Summary

Tamir Eshel - Oct 13, 2024 0

Welcome to the latest episode of Defense-Update News Summary! In this episode, we dive into this week’s developments in defense technology, military acquisitions, and strategic partnerships worldwide. Some of this week's highlights include: Elbit Systems...

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