DEFEXPO INDIA 2008

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 MICA (EM) RF I MICA IR

MBDA has developed MICA, the multi-mission air-to-air missile system for the Rafale and the latest versions of the Mirage 2000-5 combat aircraft. It is a multi-mission missile system with a high level of tactical flexibility to suit the latest generation of multi­role I swing role aircraft.
Breaking away from established doctrines, the very high technical standards set by MICA are the result of an innovative operational concept. These evolved from the global understanding of the air-to-air battles pace and the appreciation of the need for a weapon system that would ensure asymmetry to win in aerial combat.
MICA stands for "Missile d'interception, de Combat et d'Autodefense". A clear statement that this single missile system had to cover all facets of the air-to-air battle ­BVR (Beyond Visual Range) intercept, dogfight and self-defence.
The MICA system comprises 2 versions: RF MICA with an active radio frequency seeker and IR MICA with a passive imaging infrared seeker. Both missiles are fully qualified and in mass production.
A "full MICA" configuration on an aircraft such as RAFALE gives a very flexible and high BVR fire power for Air Superiority and Air to Surface missions. MICA missile in BVR mode introduces a new way of waging air combat by offering multi-target capability at extended ranges with the two interoperable versions (RF or IR). All MICA firing stations are fully BVR, operating Mica in both versions IR or RF with or without data link target updating.
MICA consistency provides the necessary asymmetry to give the combat pilot the critical tactical advantage that makes the difference between success or failure of a mission.
In short range (SR) combat, a MICA configuration on an aircraft offers a full "new generation" capability thanks to the outstanding performance of the missile (extreme agility and manoeuvrability). An additional advantage lies in the possibility of launching MICA with its seeker (namely IR) either locked-on to the target or not, while still featuring all BVR qualities.

The same MICA missile also features in MBDA vertically launched VL MICA naval and ground based air defence systems

 MILAN ADT - ER
MILAN ADT-ER is a new generation infantry weapon for tactical fire support and precision close combat operations. It is an evolution of the combat-proven and exceptionally reliable MILAN already in use in over 40 countries worldwide and is ideally suited for incorporation into future Network Centric Warfare (NCW) systems.
 
MILAN ADT-ER maintains all the performance and operational features of the MILAN family (ergonomics, reliability, accuracy, robustness and flexibility of tactical use) but also features the next generation technologies necessary to meet the new requirements in combat while keeping total life cycle costs compatible with the budgetary constraints of the armed forces. These new technologies feature in a new ER (Extended Response) ammunition with enhanced warhead, propulsion system, in­flight manoeuvrability and operating range (now up to 3,000m as opposed to the 2,000m of the previous generation MILAN weapon).
 
The system also features a new, fully digitized day/night ADT (Advanced Technologies) firing post which has resulted in additional operating benefits: video inputs/outputs for remote operation; remote vision; new instruction and training tools; built-in-test; maintenance tools and geo-positioning tools. Importantly, for existing MILAN customers, the new firing post will also accept earlier generations of MILAN missiles.
 
Much of the thinking behind the development of the new system derives from the experiences gained in recent conflicts. As such, MILAN ADT-ER is suitable for both urban and open terrain operations. Importantly, this SACLOS system (Semi-Automatic Command to Line Of Sight) is wire-guided for anti jamming efficiency in clutter, keeping the man-in-the-Ioop facility for the precise identification of targets, the permanent control of the mission and to avoid collateral damage in complex conditions.
 
 EXOCET
 
MBDA's family of EXOCET missiles comprises a range of easy to use, stand-off "fire and forget" stealthy missiles with skimming flight for engaging high value naval targets with the flexibility to be fired from all maritime platforms - surface ships, submarines, fixed wing aircraft, helicopters and coastal batteries.
 
EXOCET, in production since 1972, was the West's first long range anti-ship missile with "fire and forget" and skimming flight capabilities.
 
EXOCET is a complete family of all-weather heavy anti-ship missiles suitable for all types of carriers. It is available in several versions:
 
  • surface to surface (MM) for ships
  • air-to-sea (AM 39) for aircraft and helicopters
  • submarine-surface (SM 39) for submerged submarines
  • land-sea (BC) for coastal batteries.
 
EXOCET has an over the horizon firing capacity and a range of other operational benefits including :
 
  • low radar signature
  • late seeker activation
  • sea-skimming at very low altitude
  • enhanced target selection and ECCM
  • high penetrative power against modern naval air defences.
 
EXOCET MM40 in its Block2 variant is a highly effective surface-to-surface anti-ship missile system with a range in excess of 70km. MBDA is also currently developing the latest generation of this highly successful family of missiles with the EXOCET MM40 Block3 which is compatible with existing MM40 launchers. MM40 Block3 has a significantly extended range out to 180km and will feature open ocean, littoral and coastal land attack capabilities. It is available for surface ships and coastal batteries.
 
EXOCET AM39 can be launched from a range of platforms: fighter aircraft, maritime patrol aircraft and medium or heavy helicopters at stand-off ranges.
 
EXOCET SM39 is launched from a submarine torpedo tubes, enclosed in a VSM (Vehicule So us Marin). The VSM is a self-propelled and guided container that will manreuvre before surfacing so as not to reveal the position of the submarine. Once in the air, the EXOCET missile leaves the VSM and proceeds to the target like a normal surface variant of the missile.
 
 MARTE MK2
 
MARTE MK2 is a helicopter -and ship- launched range of medium-range anti-ship missile weapon systems designed to meet operational requirements in complex littoral environments and blue water scenarios.
 
The weapon is available as MARTE MK2/S for the new generation of naval anti-surface warfare helicopters and as MARTE MK2/N for warships ranging from 30m to 50m+ in length. It can also be mounted on vehicles for deployment as a coastal battery. In each case the same missile is used. Navies operating medium naval helicopters such as the NH90 or the EH101 will therefore be able to maintain a common stock of missiles for deployment from both their helicopters and from their ships.
 
A new missile has been developed for the weapon range and is the latest version of the Marte MK2 that first entered service in the 1980s with the Italian Navy's SH3D helicopter fleet. The MARTE MK2/S and MK2/N missile incorporates several technological enhancements providing increased operational performance.
 
Enhancements include: shorter dimensions, both in length and in width, smaller weight; insensitive ammunition warhead and extended range. Terminal guidance has been optimised with an advanced I-band active seeker with adaptive search patterns, excellent discrimination and resistance to ECM. The helicopter and ship launched weapons rely on a "fire-and-forget" missile with a very fast reaction time and an excellent capability to penetrate and saturate target anti-missile hard and soft defences.
 
Two versions of the Fire Control Unit (FCU) have been developed, an autonomous configuration for the EH101 with dedicated MMCU (Marte Missile Computer Unit) and MIU (Missile Interface Unit) boxes and a fully integrated configuration for the NH90 with the relevant mission software embedded in the SMS (Store Management System). In both configurations, the Mission Planning Software module autonomously defines and proposes the engagement plans to support tactical engagements.
 
MARTE MK2/S final qualification on EH101 and NH90 has been completed and the system is now in production.
 
MARTE MK2/N is available in several launcher options with easy upgrades from a smaller to a larger configuration. With its operational range in excess of 30 km, the system will provide navies with a complementary capability to the longer-range anti­ship missiles such as Exocet and Otomat. It is optimised for operations within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and to deal with low intensity naval warfare against a wide variety of low and high value targets
 
 ATAM
 
AT AM is a lightweight, air-to-air missile system providing helicopters with the capability to intercept both helicopters and fighter aircraft at ranges of up to 6,500 meters even at high altitude. Ground targets such as light armoured vehicles can also be engaged with ATAM
 
Based on the Mistral 2 "fire-and-forget" missile with its advanced infrared seeker, MBDA has developed ATAM, the first helicopter-borne air-to-air missile system to enter service.
 
The system comprises two 'twin launchers' providing the helicopter with four ready to fire missiles that can be fired throughout the flight envelope of the helicopter. Importantly, it can be integrated on any attack, liaison or transport helicopter.
 
Armed with this simple to use and easy to maintain AT AM system, the helicopter has an integrated self-defence capability as well as the ability to carry out escort missions for other helicopters as well as supporting ground forces.