Denel (Pty) Ltd2009-02-21 04:00:12
Air-to-air missile achieves important milestone
The A-Darter 5th generation air-to-air missile developed by an integrated South African-Brazilian team achieved an important milestone last week. This first series of programmed flight tests at Denel's OTB test range successfully evaluated the missile's manoeuvrability and high G-force characteristics, whilst parallel tests of its seeker head's ability to track targets were equally successful.
Both Brazil's and South Africa's governments are jointly funding the development of the A-Darter. Designed as an agile missile (hence the designation "A� in the name), the A-Darter's key technologies had been established by 2006. Full-scale development has been on going since 2007.
The critical milestone achieved last week is a step in the process to prove the missile's performance specification towards completion of the development programme. "The flight tests were a successful first in the series to prove the specifications and simulation models, which bodes well for the missile's eventual integration on the South African Air Force's Gripen fighter jets, the Brazilian Air Force's F5M aircraft, as well as the latter's possible FX programme for a future frontline fighter,� said Mr Jan Wessels, CEO of Denel Dynamics.
The A-Darter 5th generation air-to-air missile developed by an integrated South African-Brazilian team achieved an important milestone last week. This first series of programmed flight tests at Denel's OTB test range successfully evaluated the missile's manoeuvrability and high G-force characteristics, whilst parallel tests of its seeker head's ability to track targets were equally successful.
Both Brazil's and South Africa's governments are jointly funding the development of the A-Darter. Designed as an agile missile (hence the designation "A� in the name), the A-Darter's key technologies had been established by 2006. Full-scale development has been on going since 2007.
The critical milestone achieved last week is a step in the process to prove the missile's performance specification towards completion of the development programme. "The flight tests were a successful first in the series to prove the specifications and simulation models, which bodes well for the missile's eventual integration on the South African Air Force's Gripen fighter jets, the Brazilian Air Force's F5M aircraft, as well as the latter's possible FX programme for a future frontline fighter,� said Mr Jan Wessels, CEO of Denel Dynamics.
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