SLAMRAAM medium range air defense system

Currently, work is underway in the United States and other foreign countries to create new means Defense, which are designed to combat a wide range of air targets - from cruise missiles to strategic aircraft aviation. The experience of armed conflicts of the 1990s and 2000s clearly demonstrates that air attack weapons are constantly evolving, new ways of using them are emerging, and their combat capabilities are expanding. All this leads to the improvement of air defense systems, including air defense systems of various ranges. At the same time, the development of modern anti-aircraft missile systems is an expensive pleasure. According to Western experts, one of the ways to reduce costs and increase the effectiveness of air defense systems is to use air-to-air missiles in them. One example of this use of aircraft missiles AIM 120 is SAM SLAMRAAM.

The air defense systems using AIM-120 (AMRAAM) aircraft missiles have become a real separate direction for the improvement of the air defense missile system. This trend has brought together dozens of countries around the world who have thought about replacing the American Improved Hawk air defense system. The first such complex in the middle of the 1990-s was adopted by the Norwegian army under the designation NАСАМS. However, more intensive work in this direction began not so long ago - in the second half of the 2000-s.

We are talking about the development of various US air defense systems (HAWK-AMRAAM, CLAWS, SL-AMRAAM). At the same time, design and research work was carried out to improve the design of the rocket itself, including giving it the ability to launch from a variety of launchers. For example, 25 March 2009 of the year in the framework of the development of a single launcher managed to execute successful launches of AMRAAM 2 missiles from the HIMARS salvo fire system. In addition, in the United States, work is underway on a radical modernization of the AIM-120 rocket, in order to increase its range when launched from the ground to 40 kilometers, making it an analogue of the MIM-23В rocket, which is used in the Improved Hawk SAM.

In February, the Pentagon signed 2004 with Raytheon, under this contract it was planned to fully develop the SLAMRAAM (Surface Launched Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile) SAM system, based on the AIM-120 air-to-air missile, for the needs of the land forces. The first tests of the launcher samples took place in November 2005 of the year, and in October 2006 of the year the company announced the completion of work on upgrading the AIM-120 rocket for use in the SLAMRAAM system. The upgraded version of the AIM-120 rocket was equipped with a new self-destruct system, modified software, it is notable for increased efficiency when used against UAVs and cruise missiles.

Testing of the new air defense system began in March 2008. In July of the same year, the US military conducted a series of tests on the interaction of the SLAMRAAM air defense system with other air defense systems - Patriot and Avenger. On June 2, 2009, during tests at the White Sands test site, using AIM-120C7 missiles, it was possible to intercept a low-flying maneuvering drone at the maximum range. Target designation was carried out using 3 spaced AN / MPQ-64 radars, which are part of the SLAMRAAM complex. All of them were combined into one network, the group was controlled from a single fire control point.

The aim of the tests, organized by the ground forces command and Raytheon, was to demonstrate the prospects for the use of the SLAMRAAM complex as part of a single echeloned air defense system that would combine various means of detection and defense against air attack. It is reported that the first battery of the new air defense system should be adopted by the Army in the 2012 year. The US military hopes that in the future, the new air defense system will completely replace the Avenge air defense system.

The composition of the SLAMRAAM

SAM SLAMRAAM is a mobile complex mounted on a wheeled chassis, it is designed to provide air defense of troops and infrastructure from various means of air attack of the enemy in all weather conditions, at any time of the day, including the active use of electronic countermeasures by the enemy. The complex is designed to destroy various aerodynamic targets, including UAVs and cruise missiles, at extremely small and small altitudes at a distance of 25 kilometers.

In order to increase the mobility and combat capabilities of the air defense missile system, the combat assets of the complex are placed on light car chassis, in particular, on the basis of the HMMWV army all-terrain vehicle. Tests of the air defense missile system are also being conducted with placement on the base of FMTV, a family of medium tactical vehicles. At the same time, the FMTV family was chosen because of the very high survival rate in combat conditions, the reinforced design, the presence of additional reservations. Apparently, the US military completely abandoned the HMMWV chassis in favor of the FMTV platform. The mass-dimensional characteristics of the SLAMRAAM air defense system provide for the rapid transfer of the complex to the combat areas with the involvement of standard transport aircraft of the C-130 “Hercules” type.

The structure of the SLAMRAAM air defense system includes:
• radar target detection;
• fire control center;
• AIM-120 anti-aircraft missiles (AMRAAM).

The complex includes a multifunctional AN / MPQ-64 PLC, which was specially developed for the US Army based on the AN / TPQ-36A radar. AN / MPQ-64 is a pulse-Doppler three-coordinate station of circular review, which is designed to detect, track and measure the coordinates of air targets with the subsequent issuance of target designation to the available means of interception. This station operates in the centimeter range of radio waves (operating frequencies 8-10 GHz), the station is able to provide simultaneous tracking of air targets to 60 and simultaneous targeting of them to 3-x anti-aircraft missiles, it also has an integrated interrogator of the friend-foe system.

The AN / MPQ-64 radar antenna is a flat phased array (phased antenna array) that is able to provide an overview of the airspace in azimuth - within 360 °, in range - up to 75 kilometers due to the circular rotation of the antenna at 30 rpm, and the elevation angle is due to electronic scanning of the antenna beam in the range from –10 to + 55 °. The radar of the complex creates a needle-type radiation pattern with a low level of side lobes; it is able to select air targets and compress the pulses, change the type and power of the emitted signal. The deployment time of the radar and its preparation for work takes up to 10 minutes. All the necessary radar equipment can be mounted on the base of the trailer, which is towed by the off-road car M988 "Humvee".

The SCP is a fire control center, also mounted on the base of the same M988 "Humvee" chassis. It allows the reception, display and processing of incoming information about the air situation, the state of the systems of the complex, as well as the transfer of target designation to the PU. Combat operation of the air defense complex is provided by operators who are located at automated workplaces equipped with digital high-performance computers. The fire control center SLAMRAAM was created in accordance with the concept of combat in the air defense / missile defense zone, which integrates reconnaissance, command and fire into a single system (Battle space), providing data exchange in real time. At the same time, the air defense system is able to fight, being in a single information space and receiving information about air targets from external sources. If necessary, SLAMRAAM can interact with the air defense systems "Patriot" PAC-2, PAC-3, as well as promising MEADS air defense systems.

Mobile SLMSRAAM ADMS can carry from 4 to 6 AIM-120 SAM, it is designed for transportation, preliminary guidance and implementation of an inclined launch of rockets. The package of guides was placed on a turntable of circular rotation. At the same time in the vertical plane of the rocket can be aimed at a target to an angle of 70 °. In the stowed position, on the march of the rocket are in a horizontal position. The preparation time of the platform for launching rockets from the traveling position is approximately 1 a minute. To increase the survivability of PU ZRK they can be located at a distance of 25 kilometers from the SCP. In this case, the exchange of information between the PU and the SCP can be established using fiber-optic, cable or digital wireless communication.

SAM AIM-120 - is a solid single-stage rocket, which is made according to the normal aerodynamic configuration. It uses a combined targeting system (command-inertial at the initial and middle trajectory, active radar homing on the target at the final trajectory). Correction commands arrive on board the missile defense system through a special command radio link, the receivers of which are installed in its tail section. The missile warhead can be equipped with both a non-contact and contact radio fuse. The speed of the missile reaches 4 M, it is able to hit targets remote to 25 kilometers. Moreover, in the absence of interference, the estimated probability of hitting a target with one missile is 0,6-0,8. At the moment, the missiles are made in two versions AIM-120B and AIM-120C. The release of missiles is engaged in the company Raytheon in his company in the city of Tucson. According to foreign experts, the cost of one such missile defense is about 390 thousand dollars.

Tactical and technical characteristics of SAMSAM SLAMRAAM:

The maximum firing range is 25 km.

Missile - AIM-120C5
Dimensions: length - 3650 mm, diameter - 178 mm, wingspan - 445 mm, tail span - 447 mm.
Starting weight - 161,5 kg.
Mass of warhead - 20,5 kg.
Maximum speed - 4 M.

Radar AN / TPQ-64:
The detection range of air targets - up to 75 km.
Viewing area: in azimuth - 360 °, in elevation - to 60 °.
The operating frequency range is 8-10 GHz.
Fail time - 300 h.

Information sources:
http://rbase.new-factoria.ru/missile/wobb/slamraam/slamraam.shtml
http://www.military-informant.com/index.php/army/554-sl-amraam.html
http://saidpvo.livejournal.com/277417.html
http://pentagonus.ru/publ/6-1-0-1052
http://old.nationaldefense.ru/1782/1785/index.shtml?id=1789

Comments

[Nayhas]

To me, these attempts by the United States with a close air defense zone (I can’t dare to call it average) remind me of their first tank artifacts of the M-1 and M-3 types. ... "
Having seen the SLAMRAAM air defense missile system, I just want to sing "Katyusha came ashore and shot sausage into the sky ..."
What the hell does the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile do next to the AIM-120 AMRAAM (photo 2)? So that during a hot start (otherwise it is impossible on such a launcher), the hot exhaust of the AIM-120 taking off would burn the "window" of the TGSN and jam the rudders?
Have you seen the pedestal on which the guides stand? How could this have been invented in the 21st century? And the location of the radar two meters above the ground? What low-flying targets will she discover?
Who are they trying to bet this monster on?
Raytheon! Learn from LM or get out of the market!

[Alex 1977]

They would ask if we would sell them a license.
And the radar is rendered, and there is some kind of reservation.
And the rockets are open on the launcher. Everything as ordered.
And it looks more impressive and verified by many years of operation.
In principle, the same thing, only done with hands, even though fifty years ago.
Speaking of Studebakers. TZM from Cuba.

[tchoni]

I'll allow myself to disagree with you. Americans - anyone, but not suckers. Firstly, the complex is distributed - this automatically increases combat survivability. Secondly, the radar is a trailer, again in addition to combat survivability and maintainability + the first missiles usually get the radar, but here - everything is in order. They demolished the station, but the LS are intact, and the PU were not damaged (unlike the same TOR) and in general several stations can work with each other. So I think that the complex is very serious, although it looks more modest than TOR.

[Nayhas]

Quote: tchoni

So I think that the complex is very serious, although it looks more modest than the torus.

Even at a quick glance, it is clear that everything was created "on the knee". The AIM-120 AMRAAM rocket, of course, has long confirmed its reliability, but no one has ever kept them open on the street under the influence of precipitation and temperature extremes, and even more so, did not carry them through potholes by shaking them. Before being attached to an aircraft, rockets are stored in containers at a certain temperature and humidity. During the flight, it is, of course, subjected to both temperature and physical stress, but this is no more than 1-3 hours. Immediately during the day, the rocket can experience a complex of loads, temperature and humidity changes that can lead to breakdown because it is not designed for this. It is not in vain that the missile defense system is stored in sealed containers on special mounts and in advance by laying in its design resistance to shock loads. What Raytheon has created is just a ridiculous improvisation. In the history of air defense, there was not a single successful air defense system using a missile in-in.

[StolzSS]

Totally agree with you. With the same Norwegians, they stand in shelters and are only airborne for training exercises. As for short-range missiles, they apparently remove them in covers after starting 120 tyh ... of course, the solution is complete slag and was made clearly in order to save money, which means poor relatives will be steamed))) that is, allies like Colombia or Poland ...

[denis02135]

Dear Nayhas, the question is, what do they do with this missile if they return to base with it (there was no target)

Quote: Nayhas

During the flight, it is of course subjected to both thermal and physical stress, but this is not more than 1-3 hours.

shoot in the air or removed from the plane and sent to the warehouse or disposed of?

[tchoni]

You don’t have to come up with a difference in temperature — pressure — vibrations and shock loads between a quietly standing plane and an airplane flying at an altitude of 18 km, such that no seasonal fluctuations can be surpassed. It is clear that this missile will require slightly more maintenance than the container version, but unification with the Air Force is a very attractive thing. Allows you to organize the mass production of missiles, facilitate the disposal of old and generally reduce the cost.
At the same time, the architecture of the complex allows its very flexible use to provide air defense of various command centers, up to the level of the battalion, locations and temporary concentration of units, field depots, and other important facilities.
Given the modularity of the architecture, a solid radius of the radar. (75 km) network orientation of the complex and a solid range of missiles (25 km) it is quite realistic to provide a stable air defense zone with a radius of about 40 km. Which TOR or Shell is capable of this?

[landromat]

Cool! The air defense system on the external support of the helicopter can be delivered very quickly to where the enemy is not waiting. Yes, with a missile shot, forgot. Moreover, the launch range can increase up to 40 km with a new missile made on the basis of ESSM with an active head from the aim-120. By the way, we have a project based on the r-77 missile mounted on a carriage from an anti-aircraft gun.

[StolzSS]

What cool did you see in this that the helicopter itself is already an ideal target, or do you think AWACS and reconnaissance satellites are only for mattresses ??? If they could have done, they would have done it, it will require money, and so they are sucking in so far and then they’ll modernize supposedly ...

[landromat]

Cool only that we have nothing of the kind. The shells are not shot complexes, I forgot they need to shine until the harm arrives, and the beeches are already under 30 tons in weight and can’t be thrown quickly without an airfield.

[rezident]

The idea of ​​a good standard missile to use in ground-based air defense. But without a casing for missiles, this is somehow wrong. And why the hell if they have a hawk for close air defense. Let it be used and developed.

[Sledgehammer]

You look at the photo where the air defense system is installed on the Hamera and remains stable
feeling that this is a photo montage .

The structure of the SLAMRAAM air defense system includes:
• radar target detection;
• fire control center;
• launchers with anti-aircraft guided missiles AIM-120 (AMRAAM)

Where target tracking radar ?
And there is no talk about optoelectronic guidance systems.
The SLAMRAAM complex is more focused on defense, if we take our analogue
it is built on the All-in-One principle and is more mobile.

Attention! You do not have permission to view hidden text.

[landromat]

A targeting radar is located in the bow of the rocket. This is the next generation complex. Like the S-400 is only more compact. He does not need to highlight anything. The active head of the rocket captures the target at a distance of 16 km.

[tchoni]

only very vulnerable ... one shrike - and goodbye dear crew.