New product will require integration of GPS and Gripen's terrain referencing system
Saab Bofors Dynamics plans to demonstrate an air- and sea-launched land-attack capability for its RBS15 Mk3 anti-ship missile in 2007 using guidance provided by a combination of GPS and a derivative of the Saab JAS39 Gripen's terrain-referenced navigation system.
Bofors last year received a contract from Sweden's Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to study integration options and commence development work. The Gripen's terrain referencing system uses a combination of radar returns and barometric sensor data as an alternative navigation system in the event of the GPS signal being denied during conflict. The RBS15 Mk3 entered series production this year and will enter service with the Swedish and German defence forces from 2007.
In addition to the terrain referencing system, Bofors is at an advanced stage of development on a new seeker head that combines low probability of intercept (LPI) radar and imaging infrared (IR)seekers. The programme is being jointly conducted with Germany's BGTunder the joint Swedish-German navy RBS15 acquisition programme.
According to Manne Koerfer, an RBS15 programme official with Saab Bofors Dynamics, the dual LPI radar/IR seeker integration effort could result in seeker sensor components being distributed to other parts of the missile airframe. The existing RBS15 Mk3 seeker comprises a nose-mounted Ku-band active radar.
Bofors is also working on a series of alternative warheads for the RBS15 weapon. Priority is being given to an inhibited-blast version to avoid collateral damage around targets, and also to a submunitions capability for area denial.
PETER LA FRANCHI / JARFALLA
Source: Flight International
