VMAQ-3 ”Moondogs”

As part of the redeployment from Afghanistan, the U.S. Marine Corps is shifting Electronic Attack (EA) assets from Bagram to Qatar, where VMAQ-3 ”Moondogs” has deployed to last week.

In recent years Prowler detachments were regularly operating from Bagram in Afghanistan, tasked primarily in providing electronic support for ground operations, assisting ground forces in Afghanistan and Iraq with counter IED jamming, signals intelligence and selective jamming. Photo: US Air Force Capt. Raymond Geoffroy

In recent years Prowler detachments were regularly operating from Bagram in Afghanistan, tasked primarily in providing electronic support for ground operations, assisting ground forces in Afghanistan and Iraq with counter IED jamming, signals intelligence and selective jamming. Supporting traditional marine corps missions, such as amphibious operations, and other high intensity warfare operations require different techniques, tactics and procedures the units currently deployed to Japan can practice. Such activities are regularly performed in exercises they deploy to in Korea, Japan and other parts of the Pacific theatre.

The Prowlers who were previously deployed to Afghanistan have been moved to Al Udeid and are currently being supported by more than 200 Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.

The EA-6B Prowler is a four-seat, twin-engine tactical electronic attack aircraft capable of attacking and jamming enemy radio, communications and radar operations. In service for 37 years the Grumman EA-6B Prowler is one of the Marine Corps’ oldest combat aircraft serving today, yet it carries out one of the most challenging and sophisticated missions – electronic attack. “Electronic warfare is always changing by its nature,” Whitten said.

The Prowlers who were previously deployed to Afghanistan have been moved to AUAB and are currently being supported by more than 200 Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jared Trimarchi)

“The airframe was capable of being updated over the years and that’s why it was able to stay around for so long. Thirty-five years later, they’re still doing another evolution to keep up with the threat.” said Retired Col. Wayne Whitten who flew as a crew member with the first Prowlers.

Prowlers have been supporting ground troops during Operation Enduring Freedom for more than 10 years. Photo: USMC

The aircraft was designed to suppress enemy air defense so Marine aircraft could traverse hostile airspace in relative safety. However, in the past 10 years, the Prowler has flown almost exclusively in support of ground forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Whitten said it is unique for an aircraft to fulfil completely different roles as the Prowler has.
The Prowler may be the last Marine aircraft dedicated solely to electronic warfare. The Marine Corps still plans to cycle the Prowler out of service for the stealthy F-35B, which will perform some electronic warfare roles using its powerful radar’s Active Electronic Scanned Array as a directional jammer.

“There is a huge shift in the mindset, going away from kinetic fires and dropping bombs… Sometimes the targets are easier to attack electronically than they are kinetically.” Maj. Bart Macmanus, VMAQ-4 XO

The F-35B will not replace each of the specific function the Prowler has today, it will provide the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Electronic Warfare with the same capabilities the Prowler has today as a dedicated EA platform. The US Navy is maintaining the dedicated EA role with the EA-18G Growler, which is also geared to fire guided missiles against radars and other targets that can be identified by their electronic signature.uses
One of the new rotations announced this week is the deployment of Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3 (VMAQ-3) “Moondogs” at Al Udeid Air Base (AUAB), Qatar. The squadron arrived here with its EA-6Bs, on February 17, 2014, to support the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The Prowlers were previously deployed to Afghanistan have been moved to AUAB and are currently being supported by more than 200 Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.
Though the Prowlers will continue to fly missions to Afghanistan, their main mission is to be ready to support any contingencies or operations which may need electronic attack in the Central Command (CENTCOM) Area Of Responsibility (AOR). ”We are excited to be back at Al Udeid Air Base and look forward to providing electronic attack for U.S. and coalition forces in the area,” said Marine Capt. Keith Hibbert, a Moondog pilot who hails from Ithaca, N.Y. “Prowlers have been supporting ground troops during Operation Enduring Freedom for more than 10 years, and we look forward to continuing that support.”

An EA-6B Prowler aircraft sits ready to conduct training missions at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4 is supporting these deployments out its base at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Photo: USMC by Sgt. Charles McKelvey

Another Marine Corps electronic attack squadron, VMAQ-4 “Seahawks” has deployed to Marine Corps Air Station, (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan in November, replacing VMAQ-2 “Death Jesters” that were deployed here since August. The squadron was returning to the Pacific Area of Operation after six year of absence, when all electronic attack were directed at the ongoing conflicts in Southwest Asia and the Middle East. VMAQ-1 is based in the SUA and is responsible for operational training of air crews and personnel for the EA-6B fleet.
”There is a generation who has done nothing but (Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom) and they never got the chance to do UDP [Unit Deployment Plan]” said Maj. Bart Macmanus, VMAQ-4 executive officer. “We are trying to do a lot of training,” said Macmanus. “This is the first time Prowlers have been out here in a while, so we are trying to reeducate people, mainly on the capabilities that we bring to the fight.”

”There is a generation who has done nothing but OIF and OEF… With the vacuum that’s been here since the Prowlers have been gone, there’s a lot of resident knowledge that has been lost” Maj. Bart Macmanus, VMAQ-4 XO

Although now fully employed, the unit’s mission in OEF and OIF varied from what the Marine Corps now expects of its electronic experts. “Being back out here is a totally different mindset and it’s good to get us back out here,” said Macmanus. “It is more dynamic out here and it requires a lot more work to understand your mission set.” Macmanus also said one of the unique opportunities of this UDP is the ability to work with other military branches, such as the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea.
“With the vacuum that’s been here since the Prowlers have been gone, there’s a lot of resident knowledge that has been lost,” said Macmanus. “So, we’re just trying to reeducate the masses on what are our capabilities and what we bring out here, not just with the Air Force, but the Marines as well.” Last year the squadron deployed to Iwakuni’s for a short introductory exercise with Marine Corps Hornets and Harriers, plus joint operations with U.S. Air Force and Naval units.
On their current deployment the Seahawks focus again on training. While it’s not putting rounds down range, their presence in the combat arena is certainly felt. “There is a huge shift in the mindset, going away from kinetic fires and dropping bombs,” Macmanus said. “Sometimes the targets are easier to attack electronically than they are kinetically.”
While absent in the Pacific, the Prowler’s reputation became comparable to an old novel with a bookmark. The Seahawks now re-open that book and prepare to write new chapters, almost 45 years in the making.

ARMY'S LATEST - HAMMER Precision Targeting System

BAE Systems HAMMER precision targeting system successfully completes Critical Design Review for the U.S. Army’s JETS program. Photo: BAE Systems

BAE Systems has completed the U.S. Army’s Critical Design Review for its HAMMER precision targeting system, one of two candidates for the Army’s the Joint Effects Targeting System (JETS) program’s Target Location Designation System (TLDS) system. JETS is an Army-led, joint-interest program with the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps.

Current systems are too heavy, lack the capability to deliver precision fire support in day and at night and do not interface easily with modern, digital radios.

Systems delivered as part of the JETS program will provide the dismounted Forward Observer and Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) the ability to acquire, locate and mark for precision Global Positioning System-guided and laser-guided munitions. The TLDS component of this system will provide the dismounted Forward Observer with a common and light-weight handheld precision targeting capability.
Current systems are too heavy or lack the capability to deliver precision fire support in day and at night. Current systems are also lacking efficient interface with modern digital communications, to receive, transmit, store, display, plan, and coordinate targeting data.
The system enables dismounted observers to rapidly identify, precisely locate, and accurately mark targets for precision strike. It works in all weather and lighting conditions, and transmits targeting data to existing forward entry systems. The new targeting system will help soldiers distinguish friends from foes with satellite positioning and surveillance information, and allow them to rapidly receive, transmit, and coordinate targeting data.
In April 2013 the Army awarded two contracts to BAE Systems and DRS. Each company received about $15 million cost-plus-fixed-fee for a three-year engineering and manufacturing development (E&MD) contract to supply prototypes that will meet the JETS TLDS requirements. In the next phase the systems will go through the program’s qualification phase, in which several systems will be manufactured and tested against JETS technical requirements throughout 2014 and early 2015. The program remains on schedule for initial JETS TLDS fielding in 2016.

“HAMMER will provide forward observers and JTACs with the lightweight, compact, and highly advanced system with the precision required for GPS-guided and laser-guided munitions” Dr. Mark Hutchins

BAE Systems developed the Handheld Azimuth Measuring, Marking, Electro-optic imaging, and Ranging (HAMMER) addressing the army requirement for a lightweight precision targeting solution. As such, HAMMER weighs less than one-half the weight and cost about half the cost of the targeting systems currently in the Department of Defense inventory.
The system employs the company’s Target Reconnaissance Infrared Geolocating Rangefinder (TRIGR) system which has already been fielded. HAMMER architecture enhances precision targeting capabilities by adding a compact laser marker and a non-magnetic compass. For the laser designator BAE Systems teamed with Elbit Systems of America, to provide a laser marker based on laser target designators they have developed and fielded with the U.S. Marine Corps.
BAE Systems and DRS Technologies, Inc., are required to deliver between five and 20 prototypes for testing, between 2014 and 2016. DRS, the U.S. based member of the Italian Finmeccanica group said it will design and produce their TLDS prototypes at DRS facilities in Dallas, Texas and Melbourne, Florida.

HAMMER Precision Targeting System. Photo: BAE Systems

Piranha based LAV 8×8 Vehicle!

General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) Canada has won a major arms procurement contract from Saudi Arabia, for the procurement of armored vehicles worth over $10 billion. The vehicles will follow a new design to be built at GDLS Canada plant at London, Ontario.

GDLS Canada is currently producing at London, Ontario the Ocelot light armored vehicle and the Piranha based LAV 8×8 vehicle. Photo: DLS Canada.

Two vehicle families are currently built at the plant – the Piranha based Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) and Ocelot originally designed by Force Protection Inc. The first vehicles will roll off the production line in 2016. The number of vehicles included in the deal has not been disclosed. The package includes training in Canada and Saudi Arabia, as well as logistical support.
The Saudi government has been shopping for light, fast and off-road maneuverable armored vehicles from different manufacturers since 2009.
Responding to criticism about selling arms to a country that have systematically violated human rights, the Canadian Government defended the deal saying that the Saudi deal will create and sustain more than 3,000 jobs a year for 14 years and will benefit 500 Canadian companies. “Canada won these jobs over rival bids from our western allies Germany and France. We supported this agreement to bring these jobs to Canada.” Trade Minister Ed Fast said, adding that the value of the deal could climb to nearly $14 billion if all options are exercised.
The contract with the Saudis follows an agreement last year that saw General Dynamics win a $65.3-million US contract with the Colombian government for the acquisition of 24 light armored vehicles. General Dynamics continues to bid for other international orders, including one from Morocco.
In contrast, last December the Canadian Ministry of Defense cancelled the procurement of 108 ‘Close Combat Vehicles’ (CCV) in a deal that would have worth $2 billions. GDLS Canada, the French Nexter and KMW of Germany were all competing for this program.

GDLS is currently producing the upgrade kits for the Canadian LAV III vehicles (LAV UP) for the Canadian Army. Photo: GDLS Canada

TARANIS UCAV

Last week the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) and BAE Systems confirmed that the Taranis stealthy Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) demonstrator surpassed all expectations during its first flight trials last year. Since the first flight, conducted August 10th, 2013 the UCAV has been expanding the flight envelope in preparation for the follow-on operational demonstration phase.

A side view of the Taranis UCAV in flight. Photo: BAE Systems/MOD

Taranis is designed to demonstrate the UK’s ability to create an unmanned air system which, under the control of a human operator, is capable of undertaking sustained surveillance, marking targets, gathering intelligence, deterring adversaries and carrying out strikes in hostile territory.
Taranis made its maiden flight at the Woomera test range in South Australia on Saturday 10th August 2013, under the command of BAE Systems’ test pilot Bob Fraser. The first flight lasted only 15 minutes, in which the demonstrator aircraft took off, rotation, ‘climb-out’ and returned for landing. In a number of follow-on flights that took place last year, Taranis extended flight duration to one hour, operating at a variety of altitudes and speeds, as part of the envelope testing.

The serrated contour of the weapon’s bay is clearly seen in this photo, where the stealthy Taranis shows its belly and underwing area on a banking turn. Photo: BAE Systems, UK MOD.

“The findings from the aircraft’s flight prove that the UK has developed a significant lead in understanding unmanned aircraft which could strike with precision over a long range whilst remaining undetected.” BAE Sources said, indicating the technological advances made through Taranis will also help the UK MOD and Royal Air Force make decisions on the future mix of manned and unmanned fast jet aircraft and how they will operate together in a safe and effective manner for the UK’s defences. The MOD is considering a yet undefined ‘Future Combat Air System ‘FCAS’ – possibly a UCAV to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon in RAF service as the Typhoon reaches retirement by 2030. As Defense-Update reported two weeks ago, the UK and France announced an agreement to explore collaborate in the development of such platform, at an investment of £120 million. The two countries are expected to sign a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) to launch the two-year program in July 2014.
“The first flight of Taranis represents a major landmark for UK aviation. The demonstrator is the most advanced air system ever conceived, designed and built in the UK. Nigel Whitehead, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems said, commenting on the Taranis flight announcement, ”It truly represents an evolution of everything that has come before it. This milestone confirms the UK’s leading position as a centre for engineering excellence and innovation.”

Taranis awaiting takeoff at Woomera Test Range, South Australia. Photo: BAE Systems/UK MOD

Costing £185 million ($300 million) and funded jointly by the UK MOD and UK industry, the Taranis demonstrator aircraft was formally unveiled in July 2010. The Taranis demonstrator is the result of 1,500,000 man hours of work by the UK’s leading scientists, aerodynamicists and systems engineers from 250 UK companies, but only few scientists and engineers have ever been given full access to the top secret aircraft.
About the size of a BAE Systems Hawk aircraft – Taranis has been designed and built by BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, the Systems division of GE Aviation (formerly Smiths Aerospace) and QinetiQ working alongside UK MOD military staff and scientists. In addition to prime contracting the project, BAE Systems led on many elements of the Taranis technology demonstrator, including the low observability, systems integration, control infrastructure and full autonomy elements (in partnership with QinetiQ).
Ground testing commenced later in 2010 at BAE Systems’ military aircraft factory in Warton, Lancashire in the UK, followed by a comprehensive and highly detailed programme of pre-first flight milestones including unmanned pilot training, radar cross section measurements, ground station system integration. Taxi trials began in April 2013 taxi trials on the runway at Warton. Following those tests the aircraft and its ground station were shipped to Australia where it was re-assembled and prepared for further tests. The aircraft resumed high speed taxi tests in July 2013 before its maiden flight in August.

Taranis is towed to the ground preparation position before flight. Photo: UK MOD/BAE Systems

Taranis on the runway. Photo: BAE Systems/UK MOD

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Elbit Systems’ Treasures – a Network of Unattended Ground Sensors

Elbit Systems’ “Treasures” networked UGS system displayed at the Singapore Airshow 2014. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update

Elbit Systems introduced a new system of unattended ground sensors (UGS) dubbed ‘Treasures’. The system is designed for intelligence gathering, force protection and augmenting border surveillance, by enhancing situational awareness, localising suspected activity and providing early warning for security forces. The system was displayed last week at the DEFEXPO exhibition in New Delhi, India and this week at the Singapore Airshow.

The Treasures system automatically detects, classifies and tracks human and vehicular targets, in real time, on any terrain and in all weather conditions. The system combines a range of small, persistent sensors designed with extremely low power consumption, ensuing the sensors can be emplaced in the area under surveillance and operate unattended for long periods.
While the system is built around sensors provided by Elbit Systems, it is also providing easy integration with third-party sensors, subsystems and C4I systems. The systems’ sensors comprise a wide range of sensing technologies, coupled via a proprietary communications protocol into into a network of sensors employing multi-hop, ad-hoc, self forming and self healing network. Sensor input and alerts are delivered via handheld radio, designed to use the Treasures’ proprietary protocol, enabling operators to access multiple nodes in the system, set and program additional sensors, effectors, relays and hubs.

‘Pearls of Wisdom’ are a network of miniature, unattended ground sensors that can be inconspicuously deployed by a mounted or dismounted unit, to detect human activity. The system was recently tested by the US Army. The Pearls were part of Elbit Systems’ new ‘Treasures’ UGS system. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update

The sensors comprise the operational proven Smart All-terrain Networked Detectors (SAND) seismic sensors, designed for real time, Beyond-Line-Of-Sight (BLOS) human and vehicular targets detection, for years of continuous operation.
A new sensor unveiled by the company is the OCEAN, seismic-acoustic multi-detector designed to detect and classify human and vehicular activity. Each unit is designed as a sensor array, enabling direction finding (DF) and wind interference reduction, alongside seismic-acoustic fused algorithm which reduces false alarm rate (FAR) and improves target classification and tracking.
The system also comprises a Miniature Imaging Device (MID) using a day/night imager with built-in processing unit providing video motion detection (VMD) and visual recognition. The MID sensor transmits automatically day and thermal images correlated to target track, through the UHF narrowband network. The network can also comprises the Chameleon 2 from Seraphim, a covert, day/night imaging sensor mounted on a panning platform, enabling wide area surveillance and high resolution imaging with no external moving parts. To further secure the communications link the system uses wide band communications for video transmission.
Two radar variants are also supported, providing human and vehicular tracking. The Miniature Tactical Radar (MTR), employing a patented, ultra low-power system relying solely on solar power. The MTR employs a single emitting unit covering both horizontal and vertical sectors considerably larger, compared to the coverage generally provided by UGS. A larger unattended ground radar, the Talos, also operates on solar energy and uses multiple emitting elements to deliver omni-directional coverage, tracking targets at distances of ‘hundreds of meters’.

Another variant of the Treasures system was displayed at DEFEXPO India.

Multi-Purpose Rigid Bombs (MPR) by IMI

IMI is expanding its family of Multi-Purpose Rigid Bombs (MPR) providing a warhead optimized for modern aerial weapons’ guidance kits. The first of the line, which is already operational, is the MPR 500 – fully compatible with the standard MK82 general-purpose bomb. Its improved design and more predictable target penetration significantly improve mission success when using laser, EO or GPS guidance kits.
When these kits are employed with General Purpose (GP) bombs, the warhead, being the least costly element in the system, is often the cause mission failure – either the weapon jitters off the surface, totally missing the target or causing collateral damage. MPR was designed to match the attack profile of guided weapons, enabling four times the penetration, compared to GP bombs of a similar weight class. As a blast fragmentation warhead, the MPR packs 26,000 fragments, sending a dense curtain affecting an area of 2,200 square meters around the impact point for maximum lethality.

Nevertheless, this lethality effect is focused to a small area, limiting collateral damage to 60-100 meters. In fact, the effect of the current MPR 500 is comparable to that of Mk84 general-purpose bomb, whose use in urban setting is limited, due to the large collateral damage radius of the Mk84, which covers hundreds of meters, limiting its use in support close to friendly forces.

With improved, more durable design the MPR can penetrate four walls or floors without loosing direction, as a general purpose warhead will do. The MPR2000 will also be able to penetrate at least two meters of concrete. Photo: IMI

Based on the positive results gained by the MPR500, IMI is expanding these weapons to more weapon types. The company has already conducted testing of MPR1000 (compatible with Mk83 1000 pound warhead) and is proceeding with testing of MPR2000 (compatible with Mk84 / 2000 pound warhead). The MPR 2000 will be able to penetrate at least two meters of concrete, enabling cost-effective, multi-purpose use against a wide target range.
Development is also in progress with the lightweight MPR250, which will offer an SDB alternative at a fraction of the cost of this guided weapon, which comprises an integrated warhead rather than strap-on guidance kit.
To further improve the weapon’s adaptability for modern air forces and naval air arms, IMI is negotiating with a foreign company to deliver the MPR family with Insensitive Munitions (IM) explosive charges. IM has become a prerequisite for ammunition storage, particularly on board naval vessels.

New Amphibian Tailored for Homeland Security, Disaster Relief!

Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd (ST Kinetics) and Gibbs Amphibian Ltd. have signed a partnership agreement covering Gibbs’ Humdinga, an amphibious truck, which ST Kinetics intends to use as part of its plan to enhance its offering of smart disaster relief and first responder solutions.

In addition to first responder and humanitarian uses, Humdinga also have the potential to provide military units with specialized capabilities as well as many general transport applications. Photo: Gibbs Amphibians

Equally adept over land and water, the Humdinga is designed to make transitions from land to water modes within seconds, offering almost seamless travel between land and water. Swiftly configurable for cargo and passenger-carrying purposes, the Humdinga is ideal for disaster relief agencies and first responders to bring relief to difficult-to-access areas through both land and water.

“With the Humdinga, we have expanded our stable of unique and versatile solutions for disaster relief and first responder emergency vehicles.” Patrick Choy, EVP & Chief Marketing Officer, ST Kinetics

Designed by Gibbs, the Humdinga integrates more than two decades of experience in amphibious vehicle development for transportation and recreational applications. Featuring Gibbs’ proprietary High Speed Amphibian technology, the Humdinga incorporates innovations in vehicle suspension, water propulsion and wheel-retraction design. Equally capable of off-road driving and water travel, the Humdinga boasts highway-capable speeds on land and in excess of 50km/h on water.

Gibbs’ HSA technology can be applied to amphibians of all sizes – from 800 pounds to 10 tons. It solves the persistent challenges of land-sea borders around the world, such as beachhead landings or crossing waterways and lakes. Photo: Gibbs Amphitrucks

Humdinga complements disaster relief and response vehicles from ST Kinetics, like its ExtremV all-terrain emergency response vehicle based on the ‘Bronco’, to meet the needs for first responder operations, emergency rescue, medical evacuation, emergency personnel transportation and even essential supplies transportation. Specifically, Humdinga fills the gap in the area of mitigating devastating water-related humanitarian emergencies and in gaining access to areas unreachable by land transportation.
“This new partnership signals a significant step for Gibbs, ST Kinetics and the future of transport. After over 15 years development and over US$200m invested, Gibbs has removed the land/water boundary for transport and created a whole new generation of High Speed Amphibians. That boundary between land and water just isn’t there anymore. ST Kinetics has recognised this and they are poised to capitalise on the opportunity.” Neil Jenkins, Chairman and founder of Gibbs Amphibians said.

Rafale F3-R

 

This preliminary work, self-funded by Dassault Aviation’s are conducted in collaboration with the DGA and will eventually lead to a complete clearance of the flight envelope. Photo: Dassault Aviation

Dassault Aviation has begun testing an upgraded variant of the Rafale  configured to carry an expanded configuration of weapons and fuel. This configuration will enable the French strike fighter aircraft to attack more targets and conduct counter-air missions at longer range.
At present, the French military remains the single user of this impressive, but controversial jet fighter, since it failed each and every competition except the largest, most lucrative one – the MMRCA competition in India. But Dassault can’t cash in this win, since even after two years of negotiations the contract with the Indian government hasn’t been signed. The Rafale won that competition after it was selected ‘the lowest bidder’, against the Eurofighter Typhoon. But since its selection its cost escalated sharply and almost doubled, bringing the Indian government, currently heading for election, to develop cold feet about their decision to favor the French fighter.
Nevertheless, Dassault is committed to bring new capabilities to the Rafale, according to plan, upgrading the aircraft to the Rafale F3-R standard by 2018. These initial tst flights were only the first in a long series, additional test flights are planned to a complete the clearance of the flight envelope for this configuration, providing the Rafale full multi-role capability at extended range.

Equipped with this configuration, two Rafale aircraft represent the same potential as six Mirage 2000 class aircraft

This configuration comprise a full increment of six air-to-air and six air-to-ground weapons. The air-to-ground ordnance includes six Sagem/MBDA Hammer guided weapons (AASM), carried on two triple-ejector racks, designed specifically for the weapon. The AASM is deployed with one of three optional guidance methods utilizing a GPS guided, laser homing or thermally guided seekers. To extend its range the Hammer is also equipped with a rocket booster. Four MICA air-to-air missiles and two very long range Meteor missiles will be complementing the fighter’s air-to-air capability. The MICA missiles are operational and can be employed with IR or radar guided. These Meteor missiles are yet to enter service – but they are expected to be fielded with the F3-R variant  by 2018. In addition to that impressive weapons complement, Rafale will retain its Nexter 30M791 30 mm internal cannon, firing 2500 rounds/min. According to the manufacturer, equipped with this configuration, two Rafale aircraft represent the same potential as six Mirage 2000 class aircraft.

Since June 2013 all production aircraft configured to the new F3-04T-standard are equipped with the new radar, along with an improved front sector optronics equipment (also from Thales) and the DDM-NG passive missile approach warning system, produced by MBDA.

The weapons would take less than a third of the fighter’s payload – the rest will be used to carry fuel to sustain the long range missions the fighter is required to perform. The Rafale can carry up to 9.5 tons of payload (21,000 lbs). To support  missions at extended ranges the fighter also carries three 524 gallons (2,000 litre) fuel tanks weighing additional 6.7 tons (14,700 lbs) that will top up the fighter’s internal fuel capacity of 4.7 t (10,300 lbs). These fuel tanks can also be used for ‘buddy refuelling’, further increasing the range and mission endurance of a Rafale-based strike force, a capability particularly important for the naval strike missions.

In the current configuration Rafale carries two Scalp cruise missiles or four direct attack weapons (Hammer/laser guided bombs), with four MICA air-to-air missiles. Photo: French Air Force

In the past the French Rafale could strike deep behind enemy lines utilizing the Scalp cruise missiles, as demonstrated in Libya in 2011. On such missions the Rafales carried two Scalp missiles and three 524 gallon fuel tanks. Other weapons typically carried by the Rafale include GBU-12/24 laser-guided bombs, GBU-49 GPS-guided bombs, AASM and Scalp cruise missiles. On maritime strike missions the Rafale M can also carry the Exocet AM39 Block 2 air-launched anti-ship missile. Since 2010 one of the Air Forces’ Rafale squadrons, EC-1/91 has also assumed the nuclear strike role, carrying ASMP-A missile. By increasing the capabilities of its fourteen hard points, (eight under the wings), with an empty weight of about 10 tons [22000 lbs], the F3 variant is limited to 24.5 tons [54,000 lb.]) thus being capable of carrying 1.5 times its own mass.

Rafale No. 137 was the first to be equipped with Thales’ new RBE2 AESA radar and the new Front Section Optronics Optronic (FSO-IT) suit. Photo: Dassault Aviation

Clearance of this new configuration was initiated and funded by the aircraft maker Dassault Aviation, in collaboration with the Direction Générale de l’Armement (the French Defense Procurement Agency DGA). According to Dassault, the rapid development of the new configuration is attributed to the open architecture of the aircraft, designed from the outset to perform all of the missions previously assigned to seven different types of aircraft in France.
The Rafale entered service with the French Navy in 2004 and with the French Air Force in 2006. Of the 180 aircraft ordered by France to date, 126 have been delivered. India has also selected the Rafale for its Medium Multi Mission Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) requirement, planning to order at least 126 of the jet fighters. However, two years after the selection New Delhi has not finalized the contract with Dassault and, pressed by the upcoming elections, the Indians are considering a limited order of 18 aircraft to be produced in France, as a near-term solution to get the deal in motion.
The defence ministry headed by AK Antony has developed cold feet after the cost doubled compared to the original estimate. With the general elections just months away, Antony is unsure about the fate of the deal, a defence ministry official said. India’s Diligent Media Corporation (DNA) reports. In January 2012, when Rafale was declared the winner, its price was quoted between $60-65 million (Rs373-Rs400 crore). Today, according to the , its price could now soar to $120 million (Rs746 crore). The second bidder, Eurofighter, had quoted $80-85 million (Rs497-Rs528 crore). The price hike would mean that the deal would cost India nothing less than $28-30 billion (Rs1.75 lakh crore-Rs1.86 lakh crore) DNA quoted an anonymous Indian Air Force source close to the negotiation committee. In 2007, when the tender was floated, the cost of the programme was $12 billion (Rs42,000 crore). When the lowest bidder was declared in January 2012, the cost of the deal shot up to $18 billion (Rs90,000 crore).
The Rafale fleet with the French Air Force and Navy currently totals almost 120,000 flight hours, including 16,000 in operations. Since mid-2013, production Rafale aircraft are equipped with an active array RBE2 AESA radar from Thales.
Expected to become operational in 2018, Rafale F3-R will be an evolutionary upgrade of the current F3 variant, a part of an ongoing enhancement of the French fighter. Among the improvements are the introduction of RBE2 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, developed by Thales. This radar has already been fielded with at least 60 of the Rafales. The first to get the new radar was aircraft #137, that rolled of the production line in October 2012.
Since mid 2013 production aircraft are configured to the new F3-04T-standard are equipped with the new radar, along with an improved front sector optronics (FSO-IT) equipment (also from Thales) and the DDM-NG passive missile approach warning system, produced by MBDA. Another new capability to be integrated with the fighter by 2018 will be the PDL-NG new-generation laser designation pod, currently under development at Thales. Other planned sensors upgrades related to air-to-surface capabilities include assisted target recognition and enhanced sensor resolution, enabling the Rafale to attack ever more elusive targets.
According to Dassault, the ongoing effort will ensure more robust detection, tracking and identification of emerging air-to-air threats, and increase the Rafale’s survivability with new low observable modes and with the latest advances in electronic warfare systems.

The Rafale has successfully completed its first test flights in a new heavily-armed configuration, comprising six air-to-ground precision AASM Hammer missiles, four medium and long range air-to-air missiles from the MICA family, two very long range METEOR missiles, as well as three 2,000 liter fuel tanks. Photo: Dassault Aviation

LAU-68 launcher

Raytheon and L-3 Communications successfully demonstrated a vessel self-protection capability employing laser-guided rockets, that can be employed against swarming attacks of small fast boats.

Raytheon’s TALON laser-guided rocket is fired from an L-3 Communications remote weapon station using an LAU-68 launcher demonstrating the system’s small-ship protection capability. Photo: Raytheon

fired Raytheon TALON laser-guided rockets from an L-3 remote weapon station using an LAU-68 launcher. The test demonstrated lightweight remote weapon systems such as L-3s’ Advanced Remote Weapon Station (ARWS) can provide extended range protection for small surface ships, by incorporating the currently fielded launcher, sensor systems and TALON laser guided rockets, that can be fired to an effective range of six kilometers.
The LAU-68D/A launched was designed to support the 2.75″ rockets and is currently used by the US Navy, carried by US Marine Corps and US Navy helicopters and jet fighters. The launcher that connects to the aircraft pylons or hardpoints packs seven rockets stored in launch tubes. It incorporates all safety and electrical initiation controls to enable the crew to control the number and sequence of rocket fire. When carrying the TALON laser guided variant of the Hydra, the LAU-68A/D becomes part of a powerful precision guided weapon system, along with the target acquisition system and laser designation source that can be operated remotely of the launching vehicle.
When employed on board ships the launcher can be operated remotely from the bridge, with rockets aimed at the general direction, followed by precision laser designation employed in the last few seconds before impact. “With the increase in swarming-boat threats, navies worldwide have an urgent need to protect their smaller ships,” said Rick Nelson, vice president of Raytheon’s Naval and Area Mission Defense product line. “Combining our proven TALON LGR with L-3′s Advanced Remote Weapon Station provides an affordable, effective and available solution. It also demonstrates our ability to reach across Raytheon’s wide portfolio of products and team with companies around the globe to develop new solutions.”
In a stand-alone configuration the system would carry up to seven TALONS, and equipped with remote an electro-optical sensor and laser designator mounted on the RWS pedestal. The entire system would weigh approximately 500 pounds (226 kg). According to Raytheon officials, the system requires only a target queue to engage on-mount target tracking and can be integrated on ships ranging in size from riverine to major surface combatants