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Aviation History
1998
1998 - 1290.PDF
DEFENCE RAM acquires surface ability ANDRZEJ JEZIORSKI/MUNICH GERMANY'S RAM-System is developing a surface-to-sur face mode for its Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM), designed for close- in air defence of ships, which will allow attacks to be made on small surface vessels. According to prime contractor RAM-System - a joint venture between Bodenseewerk Gerate- technik (BGT), its parent Diehl and Daimler-Benz Aerospace (Dasa) - die capability will be avail able in two years' time. The first two prototype missiles featuring die new mode are under construction, and the upgraded system should be fitted to German navy Fl 24 frigates from 2000. "The surface mode will give RAM a capability against the entire range of targets: anti-ship missiles, aircraft, helicopters and small sur face vessels," says RAM-System. The modification requires new software for the launching ship's combat direction system. The RAM is guided by a dual- mode passive radio frequency/ infrared (RF/IR) seeker and has an intercept range of 10km (6 miles). In countering active radar-guided anti-ship missiles, the passive RF seeker locks on to the target fol lowing missile launch after which the IR seeker takes over for termi nal engagement. The manufacturer reports a 95% success rate in about 100 test firings up to the end of last year. RAM-System says it is now developing an improved imaging IR seeker together with US partner Raytheon, This will give the missile an "IR all-the-way" capability against non-radiating targets. The first of the improved seekers should be produced this year, and will be retrofitted on all RAM systems in the German and US navies from the year 2000. The company is also developing an 11-round launcher - which is smaller than the standard 21- round unit - which would be pre ferred on some US Navy vessels because a lighter launcher is required for stability. • Singapore issues letters of request for attack helicopter PAUL LEWIS/SINGAPORE SINGAPORE HAS formally kicked off the tendering process for an attack helicopter by issuing competing European, South African and US manufacturers with letters of request (LoR) for up 20 airframes The LoR has given the three shortlisted bidders until June to submit their offers to the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). The competition has been nar rowed down to a choice between the Boeing AH-64D Apache, Denel CSH-2 Rooivalk and Euro- copter Tiger IIAC helicopters. It is understood the RSAF request specifies pricing on an ini tial order of eight and a further 12 options for deliver - in 2001/2. The package is also likely to include the supply of anti-tank and, air-to-air missiles and an overseas training and logistic support package. Singapore has also asked for the inclusion of the AH-64D's mast- mounted Lockheed Martin/ Northrop Grumman Longbow millimetre wave radar, which has not yet been officially cleared for sale to the region. The US (Jov- ernment is believed to be propos ing a solution similar to that earlier offered to Thailand for the release of the active-guided Ravtheon AIM-120 Advanced Medium- Range Air-to-Air Missile. The Longbow radar initially would be made available on RSAF AI I-64s based in the USA for train ing, before eventually being trans ferred to Singapore. The system could be released earlier in the event of a local conflict. Singapore already maintains a detachment of Boeing CH-47 transport heli copters at Grand Prairie, Texas. Taiwan officials, in the mean time, are indicating that budgeting for a planned replacement of the Bell UH-1II will delayed for at least another 12 mondis. The army had been seeking initial funding in 1999, but fiscal belt tightening and internal disagreements about hold ing an open tender or opting for a single-source bid threatens to delay the procurement. While no formal evaluation process has yet been launched, the Taiwanese army has already unofficially narrowed its selection down to the Bell 412 and Sikorsky S-70 Blackhawk (Flight International, 21-27 January, P23). The Si billion programme promises to be one of the largest military helicopter deals in Asia, involving an requirement for up to 100 new machines. J RTM322-powered Apache gets set for June flight FIRST FLIGHT of the Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322-powered Boeing AH-64 Apache is set for 1 June, say programme officials, who are now 50% through initial ground tests with the Anglo- French engine. The powerplant was selected over the incumbent General Electric T700-701C after a competitive evaluation by the UK Ministry of Defence which has ordered 67 helicopters des ignated as WAH-64s. The first WAH-64 fuselage arrived at Boeing's Mesa, Arizona, site in April and will be handed over to GKN Westland in September. Boeing will build eight aircraft and partially assemble the remaining 59 at Mesa, before shipping them to Yeovil in the UK, where GKN Westland will perform final assembly, flight testing, delivery and support. Flight testing will con tinue through tojune 1999 with production engine qualification due in September 1999 before first deliveries to the British Army in March 2000. 24 FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL 13 - 19 May 1998
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