The U.S. Navy successfully launched its first GQM-163A Coyote Supersonic Sea Skimming Target (SSST) from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) in Virginia Sept. 12 to meet expanding fleet training requirements on the East Coast. The GQM-163 Coyote is a supersonic aerial target capable of Mach 2-plus sea skimming target built by Orbital Sciences and used by the United States Navy as a successor to the MQM-8 Vandal. The Coyote replicates a family of supersonic sea skimming anti-ship cruise missile threats for fleet training and test and evaluation of ship self-defense systems.
Orbital’s proposal was chosen over the MA-31, a joint venture between Boeing and Zvezda-Strela. Orbital was awarded their contract for the development of the Coyote SSST in June 2000. The Coyote is initially boosted by a Hercules MK-70 booster, of similar design to those used by the now obsolete RIM-67 Standard ER missiles. After the booster stage is expended the missile switches to an Aerojet MARC-R-282 solid-fuel rocket /ramjet engine for sustaining its flight. In July 2018, Orbital Sciences Corp was awarded a US$52m modification to its existing contract, for 18 Lot 12 targets plus some Foreign Military Sales.
The U.S. Navy’s aerial targets program office (PMA-208) worked with multiple stakeholders to launch two GQM-163A targets, demonstrating operational capability and completing the WFF site activation for an East Coast supersonic target capability in support of a fleet missile exercise (MSLEX) training. MSLEX is a live exercise designed to increase fleet lethality and tactical proficiency by providing operators a venue to execute their procedures in real-time. U.S. Fleet Forces Command plans to execute two to three events per year to meet the intent of the Chief of Naval Operation’s directive for all carrier strike groups to complete MSLEX training prior to deployment.
U.S. Navy Completes GQM-163 Coyote Supersonic Target Launch to Support Live Training
Raytheon Company is developing a new medium-range, air-launched weapon called the Peregrine™ missile that is half the size and cost of today’s air-to-air missiles, yet delivers greater range and effect. The new, smaller Peregrine is faster and more maneuverable than legacy medium-range, air-to-air missiles. Its relatively compact airframe, weighing just over 150 pounds and is about 6 feet long, offers greater flexibility and precision.
The Peregrine™ missile is a small, fast, lightweight air-to-air weapon for use against drones, manned aircraft and cruise missiles. Developed to strengthen the capabilities of current fighter aircraft, the new, smaller Peregrine missile is faster and more maneuverable than legacy medium-range, air-to-air missiles, and doubles the weapons loadout on a variety of fighter platforms. Its sophisticated, miniaturized guidance system can detect and track targets at any time of day and in any weather condition.
“Peregrine will allow U.S. and allied fighter pilots to carry more missiles into battle to maintain air dominance,” said Dr. Thomas Bussing, Raytheon Advanced Missile Systems vice president. “With its advanced sensor, guidance and propulsion systems packed into a much smaller airframe, this new weapon represents a significant leap forward in air-to-air missile development.”
The Peregrine missile benefits from military off-the-shelf components, additive manufacturing processes and readily available materials to offer an affordable solution for countering current and emerging airborne threats. The system’s compact airframe doubles the weapons loadout on current aircraft, allowing U.S. and allied fighter pilots to carry more missiles into battle to achieve air dominance. It can be easily integrated on today’s fourth- and fifth-generation fighter jets and is compatible with current launch gear.
About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2018 sales of $27 billion and 67,000 employees, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 97 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5I® products and services, sensing, effects and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Raytheon discloses Peregrine Air to Air Missile development
The Israel Missile Defense Organization in the Israel Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency completed a series of tests of the Arrow-3 Weapon System, which successfully engaged an exo-atmospheric target
The Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO), of the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), in the Israel Ministry of Defense, together with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), completed a successful test campaign of the Arrow 3 weapon system. The campaign was led by the Ministry of Defense and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and conducted in a testing field located in Alaska, U.S. with the participation of the Israeli defense industries and the Israeli Air force.
The Arrow 3 weapon system is designed to intercept exo-atmospheric ballistic missiles. Flight Test Arrow 01 successfully demonstrated hit-to-kill interceptions of high altitude exo-atmospheric targets. During the campaign, the U.S. AN-TPY2 radar was used and operational interoperability was validated successfully. The flight tests were conducted in Alaska in order to test capabilities that may not be tested in Israel.
IMDO Director, Moshe Patel: “Ten challenging years of development and work have culminated in this moment: the Arrow 3 weapon system completed a test campaign, during which an Arrow 3 interceptor completed full interception of the target. This is an extraordinary operational and technological achievement for the State of Israel, made possible by thousands of employees, engineers and officers from the Ministry of Defense, Israeli defense industries, Israeli Air Force, and our U.S. partners. In addition, the fact that the test was conducted in Alaska, tens of thousands of kilometers away from Israel, is another significant achievement that demonstrates the operational capabilities of the Arrow 3 system to successfully face any threat. This impressive and unique cooperation emphasizes the deep strategic partnership between the US and Israel in the field of Missile Defense.”
Successful Experiments in Arrow 3 Weapon System in Alaska
MDA Director, Vice Adm. John Hill: “These successful tests mark a major milestone in the development of the Arrow Weapon System. This unique success in Alaska provides confidence in future Israeli capabilities to defeat the developing threats in the region. My congratulations to the Israel Missile Defense Organization, our MDA team, and our industry partners. We are committed to assisting the Government of Israel in upgrading its national missile defense capability to defend the State of Israel and deployed U.S. forces from emerging threats.”
Boaz Levi, IAI EVP & GM of Systems, Missiles and Space group: “IAI is proud to lead the development of the Arrow 3 weapon system for the security of the State of Israel along with the Israeli Defense Industry, Israel Ministry of Defense, IDF and our US partners. The test campaign that has been conducted has been one of the most complicated tests that have ever been conducted by the State of Israel, out of borders, far away from home, in Alaska. We’ve executed successful multi-system interception tests, overcoming many engineering challenges.”
The primary contractor for the development of the Arrow Weapon System interceptor is MLM of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The Elsira Company, a subsidiary of Elbit systems, developed the BMC system. Boeing, Tomer, and Rafael are the main subcontractors for the development and integration of the interceptor. Rafael is the company responsible for the development of the Sparrow target missile and other components of the weapon system. The complex mission of deploying the Arrow 3 system to Alaska was led by the Department of Production and Procurement and the Director of Security for the Defense Establishment, as well as the Israel Ministry of Defense Mission to New York.
Successful Experiments in Arrow 3 Weapon System in Alaska
The Arrow 3 Weapon System is a major component of Israel’s multi-layered defense array, which is developed by the Israel Missile Defense Organization in the Israel Ministry of Defense. This defense array consists of four layers: the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 weapon systems. The success of this test represents an important milestone in the operational capabilities of the State of Israel in defending itself against current and future threats.
The Ray-Ting 2000 or RT-2000 AMLRS (Artillery Multiple Launch Rocket System) developed by Taiwan-based Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology (CSIST) for the Republic of China (Taiwan) Army. The wheeled multiple launch rocket system replaces the existing Kung Feng VI 117mm rocket system. The RT-2000 is an accurate Artillery Multiple Launch Rocket System designed to fire against amphibious assault and to enhance the firepower of conventional tube artillery. There are three kinds of Ray-Ting 2000 rockets with their maximum range. Ray-Ting 2000 launcher with self-reload crane is mounted on a high mobility 8X8 cargo truck. The design of sealed rocket pod reduces the reloading time and process remarkably. Such design also lowers the maintenance requirement and eases stockpile.
RT2000 Artillery Multiple Launch Rocket System
The Taiwanese Army has a total requirement of about 150 Ray-Ting 2000 systems. It received its first Ray-Ting 2000 AMLRS from CSIST in September 2012. Ray-Ting 2000 launcher is equipped with fully automatic fire control system, elevation and azimuth driven systems, and position and direction determining system. Over 50 RT2000 systems are currently planned for production by the Republic of China Ministry of National Defence (MND) at a cost of $483m. All the units are deployed under the 21st Artillery Command and each artillery group is equipped with three Ray-Ting 200 batteries comprising 18 RT2000 launchers. The main role of the RT2000 is costal defense. It is intended to neutralize enemy amphibious craft with troops and equipment before reaching the beach.
RT2000 Artillery Multiple Launch Rocket System
Mounted on the rear of the chassis is the powered launcher that can be fitted with pods of unguided surface-to-surface rockets that are aimed and fired with the crew remaining in the forward control cab. The first variant of the RT-2000 was based on the American Oshkosh Defense M977 HEMTT truck. The truck is powered by the Detroit Diesel 8V92TA engine, developing 450 horsepower. The latest production system is mounted on an 8×8 MAN military truck. Three types of launcher units can be mounted to the back side of the chassis, 117 mm with 60 rockets, 180 mm with 27 rockets, and 230 mm with 12 rockets. Mounted in the fully enclosed forward control cab is the fire-control panel which allows the crew to aim and fire the rockets with key elements of the system including the electronic unit, position and attitude determining system, controller box, servo motors, amplifier and the communications processor.
RT2000 Artillery Multiple Launch Rocket System
The RT2000 uses three types of rockets: Mk15, Mk30 and Mk45. The mark number of each rocket type indicates the maximum range in kilometers. The RT-2000 can use 60 Mk15 117-mm rockets. It is the same rocket used with the Kung Feng 6A launcher. The Mk30 180-mm rocket is larger and launcher can hold 27 of them. The Mk45 is a 230-mm rocket and has a range of 45 km. It is claimed that a full salvo of the Mk45 rockets covers area of 200 000 m², destroying all small landing craft and damaging larger ones. The RT-2000 can hold 12 of the Mk45 rockets. The Mk30 and Mk45 can utilize high explosive or cluster warheads. It is worth mentioning that the RT-2000 can fire while moving. The Mk45 can destroy all small landing craft and damage large sized ships. All three rocket-types in the Ray-Ting 2000 are powered by solid propellant motors. They are equipped with four fins for in-flight stabilisation. Each rocket can be equipped with a front-mounted warhead of high-explosive or sub-munition.
The Brazilian Navy (Marinha do Brasil)launched the third prototype of the Antinavio Surface Missile (MANSUP) on July 10, targeting the hull of the former “Tridente” Deep Sea Tugboat. In this third test were made additional checks, recorded by means of telemetry data, also national, installed in the missile and in participating units of the operation. The information obtained will be used as subsidies to proceed with the improvement of the component subsystems. The event took place in the maritime area between Rio de Janeiro and Cabo Frio.
Brazilian Navy Launched 3rd Prototype of MANSUP Anti-ship Missile
The succesful launch, conducted by the “Independence” Frigate, proved that all subsystems performed well and behaved in a harmonic manner. Three ships of the Fleet, the Multipurpose Dock “Bahia” (G 40), the Frigate “Constitution” (F 42), and the launcher were used, which was the “Independence” Frigate (F 44). The results confirmed the progress of the project and the adjustments made after the first tests in November 2018 and March 2019, on board the “Barroso” Corvette and the “Independência” Frigate, respectively.
Brazilian Navy Launched 3rd Prototype of MANSUP Anti-ship Missile
The operation was also supported by the Ocean Patrol Vessel “Apa” and the “Purus” Ocean Support Vessel from the 1st Naval District; Squirrel (UH-12), Super Cougar (UH-15), Seahawk SH-16) and Lynx (AH-11A) helicopters of the Naval Air Force Command, and a P-3AM maritime patrol aircraft of the Brazilian Air Force, as well as a detachment of Combat Divers.
Brazilian Navy Launched 3rd Prototype of MANSUP Anti-ship Missile
National Anti-Ship Missile (Míssil Antinavio Nacional, MANSUP) also named AV-RE40 —previously known as MAN-1—is an $75 USD millions anti-ship missile project under development by Avibras, Mectron, Atech and Omnisys for the Brazilian Navy. The design aims performance similar to MBDA MM40 Exocet Block III. An initial asset of R$50 millions was sponsored by the Brazilian Navy, through the Directorate of Navy Weapons Systems, contracts were signed on 5 and 6 December 2011, with Mectron and Avibras, respectively.
TDA rocket systems have been deployed by Tiger helicopters in recent conflicts, demonstrating the versatility of these advanced weapon systems and their reliability in all operational scenarios and environmental conditions. Two major products of the France-based TDA Armements, part of Thales Group, are Telson 2 digital rocket launcher and Aculeus LG Laser Guided Rocket. In Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012, the weapon system was confronted to the altitude and cold weather conditions, in order to support by fire ground troops operating in the mountains and to protect the convoys between the capital, KABUL, and the Kapisa and Surobi provinces
TDA Armements Aculeus Laser Guided Rocket
Appointed under the Trade Mark TELSON, TDA’s digital rocket launchers are available in a range of sizes including 22, 12, 8 and dual-tube models. They are designed for latest-generation combat aircraft, combat helicopters, light reconnaissance and liaison helicopters, operational light aviation and unmanned air systems. TDA has developed the dual-tube rocket launcher version (TELSON 2) for piston-engined light aircraft such as the CHEELAR from ISSOIRE AVIATION, or fixed winged drones. This solution provides emerging powers as well as established forces with more affordable access to effective, combat-proven technology for a broad spectrum of missions ranging from air patrol to airspace, maritime and territorial surveillance.
TDA Armements Telson Rocket Launcher
The ACULEUS LG warhead, part of TDA’s Induction Laser Guided Rocket system, has been conceived to limit the collateral damages to a 20 meters radius. The projectile is able to destroy light vehicles of the pick-up type (and all the on board fighters) and to damage, or to neutralize, light armoured vehicules, static or on the move. The Aculeus LG has sub-metric precision capability on static and moving target, as well as lock-on after launch capability. The Aculeus LG has total weight of 8,8 kg, making it easily transportable for support troops. Its firing range is comprised between 1,000 m and 5,000 m. TDA’s ILGR rocket system will come into service in the French armed forces in 2019. The first platform to be equipped with will be the Tiger attack helicopter, but the rocket system can also be fitted on every aircraft capable of carrying the Telson rocket launcher.
The German army has finalized its annual training in firing of Rafael’s SPIKE LR ATGM missile. Spike long-range (LR) missile, designated by the Bundeswehr as the Mehrrollenfähige Leichte Lenkflugkörpersystem (Multirole-capable Light Anti-tank Missile System: MELLS). The firing was performed in Germany under adverse weather conditions, and included the firing of as many as 54 live SPIKE LR missiles by German Army gunners from the new SPIKE ICLU launchers (Integrated Control Lunch Unit), which includes a new digital user interface. During the training, German personnel launched SPIKE LR missiles in complex firing scenarios, including engagements in BLOS (Beyond-Line-of-Sight: targets hidden behind cover), retargeting midflight scenarios, firing in total darkness in IR (infrared) mode, as well as firing in day mode under harsh conditions of intense rain and strong winds. Both launchers and gunners performed flawlessly and all 54 missiles hit their targets successfully.
Eurospike SPIKE LR ATGM
The SPIKE LR is a 5th generation precision guided missile system designed for the modern warfare with multiplatform, multipurpose capabilities including F&F / Fire, observe and update capabilities as well as abilities of third party target allocation (launch to grid coordinates in no line of sight) based on an internal IMU. The SPIKE LR2 light weight, enhanced lethality and great standoff of 5.5 (ground) to 10 (air) km makes it the ideal munition for infantry as well as light attack helicopters. The SPIKE LR2 was originally designed to be launched by the existing 29 nations SPIKE LR launchers. SPIKE is in production in Europe by EUROSPIKE, through major EU defence OEM‘s as well as numerous EU SME‘s and is already integrated and qualified to a large variety of terrestrial and aerial EU armed forces platforms, including armored vehicles, attack helicopters and naval vessels. Their lofted trajectories enable the warhead to strike the target at its most vulnerable location with pinpoint precision. All of the SPIKE Family members have a low life-cycle cost, due to high reliability and operational, logistic support and production commonality between members.
Eurospike SPIKE LR ATGM
SPIKE missile family is an Israeli fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile and anti-personnel missile with a tandem-charge HEAT warhead, currently in its fourth-generation. It was developed and designed by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. It is available in man-portable, vehicle-launched, and helicopter-launched variants. As well as engaging and destroying targets within the line-of-sight of the launcher (“fire-and-forget”), some variants of the missile are capable of making a top attack profile through a “fire, observe and update” guidance method (essentially lock-on after launch (LOAL)); the operator tracking the target, or switching to another target, optically through the trailing fiber-optic wire (or RF link in the case of the vehicle-mounted, long-range NLOS variant) while the missile is climbing to altitude after launch. SPIKE missile family sold to 31 countries around the world, with over 30,000 missiles supplied, consists of missiles suited for land, air and naval platforms, multiple ranges and a variety of targets.This is similar to the lofted trajectory flight profile of the US FGM-148 Javelin.
