MEADS fire control radar completes 6-week test

The Multifunction Fire Control Radar (MFCR) for the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) has completed a six-week performance test at Pratica di Mare Air Force Base near Rome, Italy, and at MBDA Germany’s air defence centre in Freinhausen.

The testing, which is the first time the MFCR has been operated in Germany, saw the system successfully demonstrate advanced critical capabilities, including tracking and cancelling jamming signals; searching, cueing and tracking in ground clutter; and successfully classifying target data using kinematic information.

MEADS radars are designed to provide360-degree protection for troops and assets against aerial threats, including missile attacks. Using plug-and-fight capability, the MFCR acts as a node on the MEADS network, and can be dynamically added or removed as missions dictate without shutting down the system.

Siegfried Bücheler, director programs and supply chain, MBDA Germany, and chairman of the Board of Directors, MEADS International, said: ‘The latest test gives again evidence of the maturity of the MEADS development results. They form an excellent basis for Germany’s TLVS future air defence system. A future air defence system based on MEADS technologies is designed to fulfil requirements for an advanced tactical air and missile defence system that anticipates future threats. Competing systems would require further development for achieving the advanced MEADS capabilities.’

The X-band MFCR employs active phased array technology using transmit/receive components developed in Germany. It provides precision tracking and wideband discrimination and classification capabilities. An advanced Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe subsystem allows for improved threat identification. If required, the radar can provide full fire control and limited surveillance capabilities.

Marco Riccetti, technical director, MEADS International, added: ‘We are thrilled with the maturity of this radar. The MFCR has an extraordinary capability to detect and track ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles. Its 360-degree capabilities provide added protection against next-generation threats for military sites and civilian populations.’