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Aviation History
1991
1991 - 0034.PDF
Aster size comparison with existing systems 5.08m 584kg A 4.8m V Hawk n 4.48m 420kg 617kg t A 4.2m Aster 30 Standard SM-IMR Aster 15 systems is the cornerstone of the FSAF programme. Eurosam says: "The weapon systems in FSAF consist of building blocks, selected so as best to meet the requirements of specific combat roles". The major build ing block, used in all of the FSAF systems, is Aerospatiale's Aster missile. This verti cally launched SAM is being developed in two variants, Aster 15 (for SAAM) and Aster 30 (for SAMP/T and SAMP/N). Both are two-stage missiles, with the booster motor of the longer-range Aster 30 larger than that of Aster 15. RAPID MANOEUVRING For rapid manoeuvring, Aster uses a com bination of thrust-vector and aerodynamic flight control — quaintly named PIF/PAF (Pilotage en Force/Pilotage Aerodynamique Fort). Selenia's vertical-launch system is used for all FSAF missiles. Flight tests of Aster 15, which is 4.2m long including booster stage (Aster 30 is 4.8m long), should begin in 1991. Ship testing should follow in 1994. SAMP/N and the Italian variant of SAAM will use Selenia's C-band European Multi function Phased-Array Radar. SAMP/T and the French variant of SAAM will use Thom- son-CSF's Arabel X-band multifunction radar. SAMP/N will also use a long-range surveillance radar being developed by Thomson-CSF. All the FSAF systems use Selenia MARA (Modular Architecture for Real-time Appli cations) computers and MAGICS (Modular Architecture for Graphic and Image Console Systems) displays for command and control, using software written in Ada. Eurosam and FSAF can expect to see increasing European industrial and govern ment involvement. Spain, • for example, is understood to be particularly interested in the naval SAAM and land-based SAMP/T programmes. The UK also will soon become involved in a new Eurosam programme to develop a local-area missile system (LAMS), which was conceived under the FAMS feasibility study and was selected by the UK in late 1989 to fulfil its Support Defence Missile System (SDMS) requirement. Announcing the decision, defence under secretary Michael Neubert said "...the UK's requirement for an SDMS is linked to...plans to procure an anti-air-warfare escort ship to come into service at the turn of the century to replace the Type 42 destroyers". LAMS can be seen as the heir-apparent to today's Sea Dart. Spain will also be involved in LAMS, and a contract to initiate the 18-month project definition phase is on schedule for signing at the beginning of 1991. A memoran dum of understand ing, allowing the French DGA to sign the contract with Eu rosam on behalf of the UK, Spanish, French and Italian governments, is also expected to be signed shortly. It is probable that, once LAMS project definition begins, it will be integrated with that of the FSAF SAMP/N. It is likely that LAMS and SAMP/N will have a single programme manager, with separate deputy programme managers for each system. At the end of project definition, it is foreseen that LAMS will join the FSAF programme. The UK and Spain will work on LAMS with the existing industrial members in Eurosam. British Aerospace and GEC Mar coni in the UK and Ibermisil in Spain will work under subcontract to Eurosam. Within LAMS, Ibermisil is to take responsi bility for the command and control system and Marconi for the multifunction radar. Thomson-CSF will be responsible for the long-range radar, as used in SAMP/N, and the system will again use Aerospatiale's Aster missile and Selenia's vertical launcher, MARA computers and MAGICS displays. ANTI-MISSILE DEFENCE LAMS is scheduled to enter service between 1998 and 2000. It will have a range in excess of 10km to provide anti-missile and anti-aircraft defence for the LAMS-equipped vessel and for other ships in the locality. The Aster 30 missile will be used for LAMS, but will differ from the version used for SAMP/N in that the booster will be configured for rapid acceleration to counter supersonic anti-ship missiles. The booster for SAMP/N's Aster 30 missile is to be optimised for range. Further developments for Eurosam and FSAF are expected to include a missile system capable of countering tactical ballis tic missiles. Eurosam says of the land-based SAMP/T: "Its potential to act as an anti- tactical ballistic missile system has also been demonstrated". Eurosam believes that FSAF represents a step forward in European defence rationali sation, standardisation and interoperability, with cost-sharing, industrial teaming, tech nology transfer and larger production runs giving lower unit costs. If the consortium's hopes come to fruition, the dawning of the next century will see the navies of Britain, France, Italy and Spain and the armies and air forces of France, Italy and Spain all operating Future Surface-to-Air Family members. • Title SAAM SAMPH" SAMP/N LAMS Eurosam missile Name Surface-Air Anti-Missile Surface to Air Missile Platform/Terrain Surface to Air Missile Platform/Naval Local Area Missile Systems systems Range 8 km + 25 km + 40 km + 10 km + Service entry 1997-1998 1998 1998-2000 1998-2000 32 FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL 2 - 8 January, 1991
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