Paul Lewis/WASHINGTON DC
Shorts and Lockheed Martin have outlined a series of modifications to the Starstreak missile. The changes are intended to improve integration of the helicopter-launched version of the surface-to-air weapon with the Boeing AH-64 Apache, ahead of a planned shoot-off against the competing Raytheon Stinger.
The US Army is soon expected to award contracts to Raytheon and Shorts, together with its US partner Lockheed Martin, for a third phase of demonstration test firings from an AH-64D Apache Longbow. The army is seeking $54.5 million for a 28-month programme, which includes funding for Stinger and Starstreak.
Additionally, Lockheed Martin and Shorts are financing modifications to Starstreak before the start of the next round of firings. The two earlier test phases conducted in 1996 and last year highlighted launch problems with debris ingestion and motor-induced over, and under, pressure. "These will be resolved," says Boyd Curry, Lockheed Martin air-to-air Starstreak programme manager.
The two companies are designing a new discardable sabot to cover Starstreak's three nose-mounted high-energy darts. The packaging of the ground-launched Starstreak missile contains hard plastic material which if ingested could damage the AH-64's twin turboshaft engines.
Attention has also focused on the high velocity missile's rocket motor to reduce its shock wave during launch. Boeing had strengthened the helicopter's skins and doors in the wake of the first phase of testing to prevent cracking, but the pressure from the missile continued to spring latches on access panels during the last round of firings.
Another solution being considered is to install a blast suppressor on the Starstreak launcher at the end of the Apache's weapon's pylon. "We may do both," says Curry. "We're working with Boeing to determine the level of dynamic pressure the helicopter can withstand".
Lockheed Martin is integrating Starstreak's laser guidance system with the AH-64D's target acquisition and designation turret to provide roll stabilisation during post launch manoeuvres.
Starstreak and Stinger firing trials are to start in September.
The US and the British Army are evaluating Starstreak as a possible air-to-air weapon for Apaches.
• The first of 67 WAH-64Ds for the UK Army Air Corps has arrived at the GKN Westland factory for final assembly.
Source: Flight International
