AI3 control vehicle tests successfully completed
The Accelerated Improved Intercept Initiative (AI3) programme is reported to be on schedule and moving toward fielding following the successful completion of control test vehicle (CTV) flights. Raytheon and the US Army conducted the test flights as part of a company-led effort to demonstrate the effectiveness of the system elements.
The AI3 programme is being conducted in response to a US Army requirement for enhanced warfighter protection through the development of a system capable of destroying a wider array of incoming rockets, artillery and mortars than previously deployed solutions.
The CTV tests saw the Ku-Band Radio Frequency System (KRFS) fire control radar detect the inbound threat, determine that the threat would impact in a defended area, and provide command guidance via datalink to the AI3 missile.
Raytheon said that the AI3 missile then successfully manoeuvred on a calculated trajectory necessary to intercept the 107 mm rocket target. In subsequent missions, an onboard semiactive radar seeker will perform terminal guidance to target intercept.
Steve Bennett, AI3 program director, Raytheon, said: ‘With the completion of the CTV flights, the AI3 programme remains on schedule. Raytheon is committed to providing an affordable and highly effective solution to save warfighter lives.’
Lt. Col. Brett Wilhide, US Army project manager for AI3, added: ‘The AI3 programme has made excellent progress to date. We are now ready to progress to the guided test vehicle flight test phase of the programme. Those tests will demonstrate the full integration of the tactical AI3 battle element system to intercept threat targets.’
More from Land Warfare
-
Australia invests $1.4 billion in additional AMRAAM buy
Some of the missiles ordered can be used on the F/A-18F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler and the F35-A Lightning.
-
Armies turn to armour and self-defence as support vehicles near the frontline
Combat losses of support and logistics vehicles in recent conflicts have highlighted the need for greater protection and even self-defence capabilities. What options are available to turn a basic truck into a survivor on the battlefield?
-
German Army to receive third-generation Dingo protected patrol vehicles this year
More than 1,200 Dingo 1 and Dingo 2 models have been built and deployed by some 10 countries. The latest Dingo 3 pulls through from user inputs and, like earlier versions, is also based on a UNIMOG chassis.
-
Hungary’s Gamma Technical expands vehicle range
The company’s new variants of 4×6 and 6×6 vehicles are designed to be modular for a greater variety of missions and also flexibility at a subsystem level, for example transmission and engine.
-
US Army seeks nearly $900 million to accelerate development and acquisition of CUAS capabilities
The branch plans to speed up the building and procurement of kinetic and non-kinetic systems for fixed, semi-fixed and on-the-move operations.
-
Large 10×10 vehicles go in search of a role
Wheeled vehicles ranging in size from 4×4 to 8×8 provide high-speed at a good level of mobility compared to tracked. However, tracked can be larger and have a higher level of mobility in marginal terrain with a smaller turning circle. What are the possibilities for a 10×10?