22 Nov 10. Lockheed Martin scored a hit on a main battle tank at six kilometers in a company-funded, multiple-mission firing of its Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM). The complex flight test at White Sands Missile Range, NM, demonstrated the ability of the imaging infrared (I2R) sensor in the missile’s cooled tri-mode seeker to lock on before launch at extended range. The test also demonstrated the ability of the millimeter wave (MMW) radar sensor to simultaneously track a nearby moving tank, as well as the ability of the two sensors to discriminate targets and to hit the target of choice. Other test objectives included characterization of the launch shock environment, free-flight environment characterization and verification of design maturity, including demonstrating the success of corrective actions following minor anomalies in earlier tests.
23 Nov 10. The French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) has received the 1,000th missile d’interception, de Combat et d’autodéfense (MICA) air-to-air missile to equip its fighter jets. The DGA has ordered 1,100 MICA missiles, which will be delivered to the French Air Force and Navy by 2012. The MICA is an air-to-air missile which can be used both for short-range self-defence and interceptions beyond visual range.
The modular design of the missile allows it to be produced in two versions, including radar homing (EM) for all-weather interception or infrared (IR) for self-defence. MICA can engage targets flying behind the launch aircraft due to its target designation by a friendly aircraft by link 16. The infrared version is capable of detecting incoming hostile IR-guided missiles threatening the aircraft to which it is fitted.
MICA is carried by Mirage 2000-5 fighters of the French Air Force, and the Rafale fighters of the air force and navy. (Source: airforcetechnology.com)
18 Nov 10. BAE Systems has delivered the first order of a new helmet-mounted optical sighting system to the Royal Navy, addressing a mission-critical need for increased air door gunner situational awareness on helicopters. BAE Systems, prime contractor for the Lynx PT, earlier this month delivered 12 Q-Sight(tm) Gunner Remote Sighting Systems (GRSS) that are qualified for use on the Lynx Mk8 helicopter.
“We are pleased to announce the first delivery of our Gunner Remote Sighting Systems, the result of partnering closely with BAE Systems. The equipment will now enter a period of testing and operational evaluation with the Royal Navy,” said Lt. Cdr. Ant Laycock, Royal Navy Lynx capability manager. “This advanced mission capability will greatly enhance accuracy and target identification, whilst being affordable and compatible with the current helmet set-up and night vision goggles.”
Using patented holographic technology, BAE Systems’ lightweight Q-Sight
helmet-mounted display a small device that clips onto the helmet providing day-or-night “head-up, eyes-out” capability by projecting flight and mission information in front of the user’s eyes – a capability that previously involved vehicles. The Royal Navy will use the Q-Sight GRSS variation in conjunction with an existing Thermal Weapon Sight (TWS) on its Lynx Mk8 helicopters to enhance targeting accuracy for door gunners. The Q-Sight display will project the image from a machine gun-mounted TWS onto the gunner’s helmet-mounted display, allowing the gunner greater range of movement without losing sight of the image. Compatible with other helmet display drivers and symbol generators, the Q-Sight display’s modular design is easily retrofitted or upgraded and enables the addition of new capabilities at low cost. The system’s increased visibility and lightweight design enhances ergonomics, by minimising eye and neck strain, common problems for aviators managing the demands of longer missions and increasingly complex rules of engagement. BAE Systems’ revolutionary Q-Sight optical technology provides a high compatibility and interoperability benefit with