Enduring Shield SAM testing continues
IFPC launcher from the Enduring Shield SAM system. Photo by Leidos
Leidos and the Pentagon continue to work on the creation of a promising anti-aircraft rocket Enduring Shield complex. Recently, further tests were conducted, during which the prototype successfully hit various types of air targets and confirmed its effectiveness.
Latest tests
The promising Enduring Shield air defense system is in the development and demonstration phase, and the developer company regularly conducts test firings at the proving ground. The next tests of this kind were reported on September 17.
The new test firings were conducted under the supervision of several Pentagon organizations responsible for the development of advanced weapons and the development of DefenseThese tests were aimed at demonstrating the capabilities of the complex in its current version.
The tests involved the "Strong Shield" in its current form. The latest Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 (IFPC Inc. 2) launcher with AIM-9X guided missiles served as a fire weapon. The serial AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar was responsible for air situation illumination, target search and target designation. The combined operation of all these systems was provided by the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS).
The test program involved intercepting air targets typical of modern armed conflicts. Unmanned aerial vehicles of an unnamed type and cruise missile simulators were used as targets.
IFPC mounted on a vehicle chassis. Photo by US Department of Defense
It is reported that the promising air defense system successfully detected and destroyed targets. The Enduring Shield product demonstrated its ability to counter modern threats. However, the exact results of the firing, such as the intensity of the conventional raid, the number and proportion of targets destroyed, etc., have not yet been disclosed.
Recent tests will allow Leidos to continue working on a promising project. The complex and its key components are already approaching the stage of military tests. The positive result of recent firings will allow to proceed to them faster and without losing time on any improvements.
Air Defense Prospects
Several years ago, the Pentagon recognized the need to modernize its air defense forces. To this end, several new programs were launched, including Enduring Shield.
The goal of the Durable Shield project is to develop a new short-range air defense system that can combat UAVs, high-precision weapons and other current threats. At the same time, the complex is subject to strict requirements for complexity and cost. In fact, it was required to be built only from ready-made components and products.
In 2021, the Pentagon announced a competition to develop the Enduring Shield and IFPC projects. The best project was presented by Leidos. It was awarded a contract to continue developing the two projects, build experimental air defense systems, and conduct tests. Two and a half years and almost $240 million were allocated for all these activities.
IFPC testing. Photo by US Department of Defense
In 2022-23, Leidos successfully completed the design and brought the new complex to the first field tests. Based on the results of the tests, the components were modified. In particular, after this, the IFPC Inc. 2 launcher appeared.
Recently, Leidos received an order to produce a batch of Enduring Shield air defense systems for military testing. The volume and cost of this batch have not yet been specified. It can be expected that not many SAMs are required for initial military development.
If the next tests go smoothly, the Pentagon could decide to launch full-scale serial production of the Enduring Shield air defense system. The initial contract, signed in 2021, indicated the possibility of producing 400 launchers and a host of other related equipment.
A full-fledged complex
Enduring Shield — a SAM designed for long-term operation in one place and continuous protection of the area from various air attack weapons. It must detect and intercept aircraft and helicopters, cruise missiles, guided weapons and UAVs.
The prospective air defense missile system is equipped with the serial Sentinel radar modification AN/MPQ-64A3. This is a pulse-Doppler X-band radar built on a wheeled trailer. The maximum viewing range reaches 120 km; detection altitude is 12 km. The radar can operate both against air targets and in counter-battery mode, detecting flying ammunition or their explosions.
The IBCS combat control system includes a command post, communications equipment and other systems. It ensures communication between the SAM components, collects, processes and issues data. With the help of the IBCS system, the battery of the complex can interact with other units.
AN/MPQ-64A3 radar. Photo by Kongsberg
The IFPC launcher was developed as part of the Enduring Shield program. It is designed as a platform for placement on the ground or a car chassis. It has a launcher, its own control system and energy components. The installation is connected to the command post and operates in remote control mode.
The IFPC platform is equipped with a package-type launcher compatible with different types of anti-aircraft missiles. Transport and launch containers with missiles are mounted on the mobile part of the installation. Depending on the type of missile, the installation can carry up to 10-15 TPKs.
The IFPC system is currently testing the AIM-9X missile, borrowed from the fighter jet. aviation. These missiles do not have folding planes and have a large diameter, which makes it difficult to place them on the installation. Only 9 missiles could be fitted into the existing dimensions.
The AIM-9X is a short-range air-to-air missile. It has a length of 2,9 m, a body diameter of 127 mm and a wingspan of up to 445 mm. The launch weight of the product is 85 kg, of which 9,4 kg is the warhead.
The missile is equipped with an infrared seeker and has a fragmentation warhead with a proximity fuse. The solid-fuel engine provides acceleration to speeds of over 2 M. The flight range when launched from an aircraft reaches 20 km. When launched from a ground platform, the range is reduced.
Launch of an AIM-9X anti-aircraft missile from a NASAMS launcher. Photo by Kongsberg
Plans for the future
The Enduring Shield project is aimed at creating the simplest and cheapest, but most effective air defense system. In the future, this complex will have to strengthen the air defense of the American army. It is assumed that it can be produced in large quantities and deployed at various sites to protect against current threats.
Some of the tasks of the current program have already been successfully completed. Leidos, together with subcontractors, has developed a new air defense missile system and is successfully testing it. As the customer wanted, only some components were developed from scratch, while others already existed on the market or were used in the army.
The Enduring Shield complex and the IFPC version 2 installation successfully pass tests and demonstrate the calculated characteristics. They successfully cope with typical air targets of various types. The customer is generally satisfied with the results and is preparing to launch a new stage of work.
Experimental military operation of the prospective air defense missile system may begin in the coming months. This process will take some time, but the exact completion dates are still unknown. Probably, their results will be summed up in the second half of the current decade. At the same time, an order for full-scale serial production will appear.
After that, Leidos and its subcontractors will have to build a large number of new SAM systems. The Pentagon plans to receive and deploy hundreds of such systems, and thereby strengthen the air defense. Time will tell whether these plans will be fulfilled in the required volumes, within a reasonable time frame and with acceptable costs. For now, we are only talking about testing at the proving ground.
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