29 Aug 13. Chemring Technology Solutions launched PED Mk2, the successor to its world leading PED100 timer-based programmable explosives initiator. PED Mk2, which has a countdown range from 1 minute to 30 days, is a third of the weight of the PED100 system it replaces and now includes an integrated programmer. The integrated programmer allows the timer to be set in the field to allow greater operational flexibility. Its capability is also enhanced as it can now survive immersion to a depth of 30 meters. The PED Mk2 can be used to support operations that include general combat demolitions, ammunition disposal and underwater mine clearance. Despite its reduced size and weight, PED Mk2 has greater firing energy (1.5 joules) and a higher countdown resolution of one second which allows for accurate synchronisation of multiple detonations. The small size and near silent emissions profile of PED Mk2 also reduces the probability that the timer will be discovered. If discovered, removal of the tear-off keypad makes it impossible to re-programme or repurpose the device.
28 Aug 13. A guided test vehicle (GTV) launched as part of the second series of flight tests of the Accelerated Improved Intercept Initiative (AI3) programme successfully intercepted and destroyed a low quadrant elevation (QE) 107mm rocket at the Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, on 19 August. The AI3 system includes a Raytheon Ku-band Radio Frequency System (KRFS) Fire Control Radar, an Avenger-based AI3 launcher capable of firing the AI3, AMRAAM (Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile), and AIM-9 series of missiles, a C-RAM command and control system, and an AI3 interceptor missile based on the AIM-9 Sidewinder. After launch, the AI3 missile was guided by radio frequency (RF) data link updates from the KRFS radar, which was tracking an inbound rocket target. (Source: Jane’s)
29 Aug 13. Aerojet Rocketdyne completed its second Throttling Divert and Attitude Control System (TDACS) fully-integrated flight weight system hot fire test for the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA guided missile program. The SM-3 program is managed by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) with Raytheon Missile Systems as the prime contractor. This second of several SM-3 Block IIA TDACS development and qualification units was altitude tested at Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Sacramento headquarters. The success of this test demonstrates the readiness of the SM-3 Block IIA TDACS design for the upcoming Critical Design Review (CDR). The SM-3 Block IIA TDACS is being developed at Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Sacramento facility, where the SM-3 Block IB TDACS also is produced. SM-3 Block IIA guided missile, developed as a SM-3 Cooperative Development Program with Japan’s MoD, as part of the European Phased Adaptive Approach, uses hit-to-kill technology to destroy targets, and is designed to engage threat ballistic missiles outside of the Earth’s atmosphere during the mid-course phase of an incoming missile. (Source: Yahoo!/GLOBE NEWSWIRE)
23 Aug 13. The U.S. Navy fired two Raytheon Company Standard Missile-6 interceptors from the USS Chancellorsville, successfully engaging two cruise missile targets (BQM-74 drones) in the missile’s first over-the-horizon test scenario at sea. The SM-6 will provide U.S. Navy sailors and their vessels extended range protection against fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles as part of the Naval Integrated Fire Control – Counter Air (NIFC-CA) mission area. In February, Raytheon delivered the first SM-6 from its new $75m, 70,000 square-foot SM-6 and Standard Missile-3 all-up-round production facility at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala. In May, a Defense Acquisition Board approved full-rate production of the SM-6 missile.
24 Aug 13. Wonder Material Ignites Scientific Gold Rush. A substance 200 times stronger than steel yet as thin as an atom has ignited a global scientific gold rush, sending companies and universities racing to understand,