MEADS fire control radar completes 6-week test
The Multifunction Fire Control Radar (MFCR) for the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) has completed a six-week performance test at Pratica di Mare Air Force Base near Rome, Italy, and at MBDA Germany’s air defence centre in Freinhausen.
The testing, which is the first time the MFCR has been operated in Germany, saw the system successfully demonstrate advanced critical capabilities, including tracking and cancelling jamming signals; searching, cueing and tracking in ground clutter; and successfully classifying target data using kinematic information.
MEADS radars are designed to provide360-degree protection for troops and assets against aerial threats, including missile attacks. Using plug-and-fight capability, the MFCR acts as a node on the MEADS network, and can be dynamically added or removed as missions dictate without shutting down the system.
Siegfried Bücheler, director programs and supply chain, MBDA Germany, and chairman of the Board of Directors, MEADS International, said: ‘The latest test gives again evidence of the maturity of the MEADS development results. They form an excellent basis for Germany’s TLVS future air defence system. A future air defence system based on MEADS technologies is designed to fulfil requirements for an advanced tactical air and missile defence system that anticipates future threats. Competing systems would require further development for achieving the advanced MEADS capabilities.’
The X-band MFCR employs active phased array technology using transmit/receive components developed in Germany. It provides precision tracking and wideband discrimination and classification capabilities. An advanced Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe subsystem allows for improved threat identification. If required, the radar can provide full fire control and limited surveillance capabilities.
Marco Riccetti, technical director, MEADS International, added: ‘We are thrilled with the maturity of this radar. The MFCR has an extraordinary capability to detect and track ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles. Its 360-degree capabilities provide added protection against next-generation threats for military sites and civilian populations.’
More from Land Warfare
-
![British Army defeats swarm with Thales radio frequency anti-drone system]()
British Army defeats swarm with Thales radio frequency anti-drone system
Developed by a Thales UK-led industry consortium, the demonstrator has been designed to explore the potential of radiofrequency weapons for the UK Armed Forces and is being trialled by the British Army.
-
![US approves $825 million sale of Stinger Block I missiles to Morocco]()
US approves $825 million sale of Stinger Block I missiles to Morocco
The 600-missiles will be used to expand the Moroccan armed forces’ short range air defence capabilities.
-
![Hanwha Aerospace to jointly produce guided missiles in Poland]()
Hanwha Aerospace to jointly produce guided missiles in Poland
The joint venture between Hanwha Aerospace and Poland’s WB Group will see them locally produce CGR80 missiles for the Homar-K multiple rocket launch system, with the first batch produced by 2028.
-
![BAE Systems takes another step towards restarting M777 howitzer production]()
BAE Systems takes another step towards restarting M777 howitzer production
The M777 155mm lightweight howitzer is in service with more than six countries and has been heavily used in Ukraine. The latest contract is part of an effort to restart the manufacture of M777 towed howitzers.
-
![British Army’s commitment to L118 105mm light gun may be death knell for Light Fires Platform]()
British Army’s commitment to L118 105mm light gun may be death knell for Light Fires Platform
The UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) was running the programme for the Light Fires Platform (LFP) which was touted as the replacement for the 105mm L118 Light Gun used by the Royal Artillery (RA) regular and reserve units.
-
![Lockheed Martin successfully fires latest Precision Strike Missile as programme progresses]()
Lockheed Martin successfully fires latest Precision Strike Missile as programme progresses
Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is a next-generation surface-to-surface missile system designed as a replacement and significant upgrade over legacy systems. A key role for PrSM will be for operations from M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) M270A2 launcher.
