MISSILE WORK
Rafael is developing a new generation of air-to-air missiles optimised for the Israeli air force's uniquely configured Lockheed Martin F-35I Joint Strike Fighters, with work focused on improved seekers, datalinks and warheads. The company had stopped investing directly in next-generation AAMs following the development of its Derby and Python 5 systems.
RANGE SUPPORT
Qinetiq has signed a £951 million ($1.9 billion) deal to manage test, evaluation and training operations at 18 UK Ministry of Defence-owned sites until March 2013. The contract represents the second increment of a 25-year partnering agreement expected to value £5.6 billion until 2028.
IRIS-T TEST
The Italian air force's RSV flight test unit has conducted an assessment of the infrared counter-countermeasures capabilities of the Eurofighter Typhoon's BGT IRIS-T short-range air-to-air missile. Staged from Pratica di Mare air base and totalling over five flight hours, the tests used a Lockheed Martin F-16A fighter from the 37th Wing at Trapani as a target aircraft.
Source: Flight International
