Old platform with new systems. Modernization of Avenger SAMs (USA)
The AN / TWQ-1 Avenger anti-aircraft missile systems occupy an important place in the structure of the army air defense of the ground forces and the US Marine Corps. Self-propelled vehicles with guided missiles provide protection for troops on the march and in positions in the near zone and are able to cope with various threats. SAM “Evenzher” regularly undergo various updates, and in the next year will begin a new major modernization.
The upcoming modernization of the Avenger air defense system is called SLEP (Service Life Extension Program - “Life Extension Program”). It is expected that the implementation of the planned work will extend the life of the equipment, as well as improve its characteristics, eliminating obsolescence.
In preparation for future modernization of equipment, the Pentagon and its contractors have developed several new devices intended for installation on equipment. Some new products have already found their place on the air defense system, while others will be installed only in the future.
Last year, Boeing and its subcontractors upgraded several air defense systems removed from storage. They restored the technical readiness of the machines, and also equipped them with new devices, and then carried out the necessary tests. The main innovation was the fire control system Avenger Targeting Console, also known as Slew-to-Cue. This device retains the functions of the predecessor, and also receives new ones. Thus, when working with an external target designation, the ATS is now capable of automatically turning the launcher and tracking the target. The operator can only give the command to launch a rocket. Other innovations are envisaged.
In September last year, the management of the Cruise Missile Defense Systems Project Project introduced a new combat unit for the SAM of the portable FIM-92 Stinger SAM system. It differs from a serial warhead by the presence of a proximity fuse. With the help of such a device, the rocket retains sufficient effectiveness in the fight against large aircraft, but acquires the possibility of defeating small-sized UAVs.
New features improved missiles were confirmed during the tests. The test was carried out with the use of portable launchers and self-propelled machines "Evanzher." A new warhead will receive about 5 thousand missiles; some other components will also be installed on them. As a result, the life of the missile will be extended by 10 years. Such a rocket comes into service under the designation FIM-92J Block I.
Last year's work was carried out both in the interests of air defense in general, and in the context of the modernization of the AN / TWQ-1 air defense system. A few days ago, the official publication of the US Army Army News Service revealed the details of the planned SLEP program and clarified the timing of its implementation.
The 1 phase of the new project will be implemented by the beginning of the autumn of next year. As part of SLEP Phase 1, the industry will install a new Slew-to-Cue control system on all Avenger cash machines. It is also possible to carry out these or other repair work. According to the results of such an update, the air defense system will be able to work more effectively within the framework of a developed air defense system comprising various components.
In the last quarter of next year, the “2 Phase” phase will be launched, providing for a more serious equipment upgrade. As part of this work, a large number of onboard systems will go under the replacement, which will allow to increase some of the characteristics. In this part of the components will remain in their places. The second phase of the SLEP will continue until 2023, inclusive.
Modernized Avenger will receive a new fire control system, built on a modern component base. Analog communication systems will replace digital. A new “alien-alien” type 5 type identification system will be installed. Also planned to replace the auxiliary large-caliber machine gun. The operator’s cabin will receive new climate systems.
Upgrading Stinger missiles is not formally part of the SLEP program, but should also have a positive effect on the fighting qualities of the upgraded air defense systems. SAM FIM-92J Block I with the possibility of contactless detonation to destroy UAVs obviously expand the range of solved combat missions.
The published data allow us to present the overall appearance of the Ewenger anti-aircraft complex after the planned modernization. Its overall architecture will not change. The platform for him will remain the car HMMWV, on the back of which the rotary launcher is located. Installing new devices will not have a noticeable effect on mass and, as a result, on mobility.
The combat module will keep two swinging packages with four containers of missiles on each. On board it will be mounted machine gun. At the disposal of the operator-gunner, a set of various optoelectronic equipment is kept, allowing observation and search for targets at any time of the day in all weather conditions. However, the updated devices will improve the basic characteristics and simplify the work of the operator.
The new SLA should process the incoming information faster and provide data for firing. The ability to work on external target designation is retained, and ATC funds will reduce the role of the operator. With their help, the Avenger air defense system will be able to accompany the target under the control of a third-party radar, and the operator will only have to give the command to launch the rocket.
Initially, the targets for AN / TWQ-1 were front-line planes and helicopters capable of threatening troops on the march or in positions. Now the Avenger will be able to effectively deal with small UAVs and aviation means of attack. The task of detecting such complex targets can be assigned to an external radar that issues data to an air defense system. Their successful defeat will be facilitated by missiles with a modified warhead.
Apparently, despite the use of an improved warhead, the FIM-92J rocket will maintain flight performance at the level of previous products. As a result, the target range will not exceed 8 km, height - 3,8 km. Thus, the area of responsibility of the Avenger ADMS does not change, but the probability of hitting the target, regardless of its type, should increase. When using the FIM-92 products of previous modifications, the combat qualities of the air defense missile systems associated with missiles are not changed.
Work on updating the system of AN / TWQ-1 Avenger US Army should start as soon as possible. In about a year, real results will be obtained for SLEP Phase 1. Then, the implementation of the 2 Phase will begin, the end of which is planned for 2023. All Evengers available in the army are subject to modernization. According to available data, the units have more than 700 combat vehicles of this type. A companion project to upgrade FIM-92J MANPADS will also affect troop defense and will be implemented at about the same time.
The advantages of the SLEP project are obvious. With its help, the US Army will be able to significantly update the cash Avenger SAMs, as well as increase their potential and ensure the effective fight against actual threats. According to the results of SLEP, anti-aircraft complexes will be able to continue their service for a long time, and during this period they will meet the requirements of the army.
However, the proposed approach to the modernization of military air defense has drawbacks. First of all, this is the very idea of the next deep modernization of the air defense system and its zour. The Stinger missile was created in the early eighties, and the Evenger entered service at the end of that decade. Thus, the basis of the two products are not the most new and modern solutions. In addition, there remains a problem in the form of missiles from MANPADS, which has limited flight data.
It can be assumed that the Pentagon understands this and makes the corresponding plans. The SLEP project may be the last upgrade in stories ADMS Avenger. After performing these works, the development of a fundamentally new model for military air defense can begin, taking into account all the advantages and disadvantages of the predecessor. However, when it appears and how it will turn out is unknown.
At the moment, the efforts of the Pentagon and a number of its contractors are focused on updating the existing air defense equipment. In the coming months they will have to re-equip the Avenger with the use of new electronics, and then a larger second phase of the program will start. The issue of upgrading the US Army air defense for several years can be considered closed.
Preparing to upgrade
The upcoming modernization of the Avenger air defense system is called SLEP (Service Life Extension Program - “Life Extension Program”). It is expected that the implementation of the planned work will extend the life of the equipment, as well as improve its characteristics, eliminating obsolescence.
In preparation for future modernization of equipment, the Pentagon and its contractors have developed several new devices intended for installation on equipment. Some new products have already found their place on the air defense system, while others will be installed only in the future.
Last year, Boeing and its subcontractors upgraded several air defense systems removed from storage. They restored the technical readiness of the machines, and also equipped them with new devices, and then carried out the necessary tests. The main innovation was the fire control system Avenger Targeting Console, also known as Slew-to-Cue. This device retains the functions of the predecessor, and also receives new ones. Thus, when working with an external target designation, the ATS is now capable of automatically turning the launcher and tracking the target. The operator can only give the command to launch a rocket. Other innovations are envisaged.
In September last year, the management of the Cruise Missile Defense Systems Project Project introduced a new combat unit for the SAM of the portable FIM-92 Stinger SAM system. It differs from a serial warhead by the presence of a proximity fuse. With the help of such a device, the rocket retains sufficient effectiveness in the fight against large aircraft, but acquires the possibility of defeating small-sized UAVs.
New features improved missiles were confirmed during the tests. The test was carried out with the use of portable launchers and self-propelled machines "Evanzher." A new warhead will receive about 5 thousand missiles; some other components will also be installed on them. As a result, the life of the missile will be extended by 10 years. Such a rocket comes into service under the designation FIM-92J Block I.
SLEP program
Last year's work was carried out both in the interests of air defense in general, and in the context of the modernization of the AN / TWQ-1 air defense system. A few days ago, the official publication of the US Army Army News Service revealed the details of the planned SLEP program and clarified the timing of its implementation.
The 1 phase of the new project will be implemented by the beginning of the autumn of next year. As part of SLEP Phase 1, the industry will install a new Slew-to-Cue control system on all Avenger cash machines. It is also possible to carry out these or other repair work. According to the results of such an update, the air defense system will be able to work more effectively within the framework of a developed air defense system comprising various components.
In the last quarter of next year, the “2 Phase” phase will be launched, providing for a more serious equipment upgrade. As part of this work, a large number of onboard systems will go under the replacement, which will allow to increase some of the characteristics. In this part of the components will remain in their places. The second phase of the SLEP will continue until 2023, inclusive.
Modernized Avenger will receive a new fire control system, built on a modern component base. Analog communication systems will replace digital. A new “alien-alien” type 5 type identification system will be installed. Also planned to replace the auxiliary large-caliber machine gun. The operator’s cabin will receive new climate systems.
Upgrading Stinger missiles is not formally part of the SLEP program, but should also have a positive effect on the fighting qualities of the upgraded air defense systems. SAM FIM-92J Block I with the possibility of contactless detonation to destroy UAVs obviously expand the range of solved combat missions.
Old and new features
The published data allow us to present the overall appearance of the Ewenger anti-aircraft complex after the planned modernization. Its overall architecture will not change. The platform for him will remain the car HMMWV, on the back of which the rotary launcher is located. Installing new devices will not have a noticeable effect on mass and, as a result, on mobility.
The combat module will keep two swinging packages with four containers of missiles on each. On board it will be mounted machine gun. At the disposal of the operator-gunner, a set of various optoelectronic equipment is kept, allowing observation and search for targets at any time of the day in all weather conditions. However, the updated devices will improve the basic characteristics and simplify the work of the operator.
The new SLA should process the incoming information faster and provide data for firing. The ability to work on external target designation is retained, and ATC funds will reduce the role of the operator. With their help, the Avenger air defense system will be able to accompany the target under the control of a third-party radar, and the operator will only have to give the command to launch the rocket.
Initially, the targets for AN / TWQ-1 were front-line planes and helicopters capable of threatening troops on the march or in positions. Now the Avenger will be able to effectively deal with small UAVs and aviation means of attack. The task of detecting such complex targets can be assigned to an external radar that issues data to an air defense system. Their successful defeat will be facilitated by missiles with a modified warhead.
Apparently, despite the use of an improved warhead, the FIM-92J rocket will maintain flight performance at the level of previous products. As a result, the target range will not exceed 8 km, height - 3,8 km. Thus, the area of responsibility of the Avenger ADMS does not change, but the probability of hitting the target, regardless of its type, should increase. When using the FIM-92 products of previous modifications, the combat qualities of the air defense missile systems associated with missiles are not changed.
According to the results of modernization
Work on updating the system of AN / TWQ-1 Avenger US Army should start as soon as possible. In about a year, real results will be obtained for SLEP Phase 1. Then, the implementation of the 2 Phase will begin, the end of which is planned for 2023. All Evengers available in the army are subject to modernization. According to available data, the units have more than 700 combat vehicles of this type. A companion project to upgrade FIM-92J MANPADS will also affect troop defense and will be implemented at about the same time.
The advantages of the SLEP project are obvious. With its help, the US Army will be able to significantly update the cash Avenger SAMs, as well as increase their potential and ensure the effective fight against actual threats. According to the results of SLEP, anti-aircraft complexes will be able to continue their service for a long time, and during this period they will meet the requirements of the army.
However, the proposed approach to the modernization of military air defense has drawbacks. First of all, this is the very idea of the next deep modernization of the air defense system and its zour. The Stinger missile was created in the early eighties, and the Evenger entered service at the end of that decade. Thus, the basis of the two products are not the most new and modern solutions. In addition, there remains a problem in the form of missiles from MANPADS, which has limited flight data.
It can be assumed that the Pentagon understands this and makes the corresponding plans. The SLEP project may be the last upgrade in stories ADMS Avenger. After performing these works, the development of a fundamentally new model for military air defense can begin, taking into account all the advantages and disadvantages of the predecessor. However, when it appears and how it will turn out is unknown.
At the moment, the efforts of the Pentagon and a number of its contractors are focused on updating the existing air defense equipment. In the coming months they will have to re-equip the Avenger with the use of new electronics, and then a larger second phase of the program will start. The issue of upgrading the US Army air defense for several years can be considered closed.
- Ryabov Kirill
- US Department of Defense / dvidshub.net
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