Matra BAe Dynamics has completed flight trials of the first Ibis imaging infrared sensor for the Storm Shadow/Scalp cruise missile. The trials were part of a series of subsystem tests under way for the weapon which will be a key part of the French air force and Royal Air Force armoury in the next decade. The Scalp is the French air force version of the weapon while the Storm Shadow will be deployed by the RAF.
The sensor test, carried out on a Eurocopter Puma helicopter, has verified image data process algorithms developed by Matra BAe and tested the performance of the Marconi/Thomson-CSF developed seeker.
The Royal Ordnance Broach warhead has also been tested, with development proceeding into a contractual phase following four recent static firings.
All subsystems have now been developed, Matra BAe says, including the weapon controller, infrared sensor, radio altimeter, inertial navigation unit, and Sextant global positioning system receiver. Compatibility trials of the systems are under way at Velizy.
The first guided test firings of the cruise missile are scheduled for early 2000.
The 1,300kg (2.863lb) cruise missile, powered by a Microturbo TRI60-30 turbojet, will be deployed on RAF Eurofighter EF2000s, British Aerospace Harrier and Panavia Tornados. The French will use the missile on Dassault Rafales and Mirage 2000s.
Source: Flight International