Stewart Penney/LONDON
Matra BAe Dynamics (MBD) has offered the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) an improved processor for the Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM).
The new processor, which will be developed by MBD, will enhance the infrared-guided ASRAAM's capability by giving the weapon's seeker head a better field of view and the missile greater manoeuvrability.
The processor has "many times the memory" of the current unit, which the company says will enable it to respond quickly to customer demands for extra capabilities once the missile is fielded. The MoD says: "Because of the benefits, we are considering the option."
The upgraded processor will also feed through to export sales, including that to the Royal Australian Air Force, which ordered the ASRAAM last year, although it is unlikely to be available when the first missile deliveries are made next year.
The MoD said earlier this year that the ASRAAM's in-service date with the Royal Air Force had slipped, because of "operational and technical reasons" (Flight International, 31 March-6 April). It had been due to enter service late last year.
According to an industry source, MBD has been asked to stretch production by a year because of delays which have followed problems in firing trials and a lack of RAF aircraft on which to integrate the missile.
This lack of aircraft is because of operational commitments, along with the slippage of the Eurofighter in-service date.
The ASRAAM is expected to enter service 12 months late. The MoD says that discussions with MBD continue after deferral of both the in-service date and the latest set of firing trials.
It is understood that the RAF would pay for the processor change as part of the deal to slow missile production.
Source: Flight International