Meggitt Target Systems, part of Meggitt plc, has announced a double development at the show.
Yesterday it launched what it describes as a new concept in air-to-air and surface-to-air weapon training, the GT-400, and the next-generation aerial target, the Banshee 400.
The new GT-400 should fill a significant gap in the targets market, says managing director Terry Timms.
"It is a unique solution to the need for realistic target training for surface-to-air weapon systems such as the Improved Hawk, Rapier and the Patriot.
"Suitable for use with both radar and IR guided missiles, including the AIM-7 Sparrow, AIM-9 Sidewinder and the R.550 Magic, the GT-400 is likely to prove valuable to customers seeking challenging target simulation for air-to-air combat training or missile systems testing.
"Until now there have been limited options with the only real alternatives being high speed targets costing more than $300,000 or target drones costing over $1million," he adds.
"The GT-400 has a range of up to 45nm (83km)and represents a sophisticated, simple to use target that can be deployed quickly and easily from any aircraft equipped with standard target towing equipment."
Operated from either airborne or ground-based control stations, the target allows for advanced mission planning through a programmable, GPS-based, autonomous flight profile capable of real time update.
Simulation
"This new glide target represents exactly what the industry has been looking for - a realistic threat simulation that is affordable."
The other new product, the Banshee 400, successor to the Banshee 300, is cheaper than its predecessor and yet technologically more advanced says the company.
It has a number of advances to deliver the levels of realistic threat simulation necessary for effective training across a broad range of detection and missile testing applications.
"The most notable invention," says Timms, "is the patented Hot Nose device which accurately simulates the heat signature produced by skin friction of incoming ground attack fighters.
"Previously the only affordable method of simulating such threats was the use of flares. However, current missile systems demand accurate threat simulation if training and testing is to have value.
"This system is the only affordable way to meet this need."
Source: Flight Daily News
