Next-generation Starstreak provides enhanced force protection
11 September 2007
Improvements to the missile - to be called Starstreak II - include an extended range to beyond 7km, with increased coverage and altitude and improved guidance precision to provide a much sought after small target capability.
As military commanders around the world become increasingly concerned about the serious threat posed to their forces and civilians from low-level unmanned air vehicles (UAVs), attack helicopters and light-armoured vehicles, the very real need for a missile to be able to defeat this wide variety of threats becomes a military reality. Starstreak II has been designed to specifically address these threats.
Starstreak II is a truly versatile missile, capable of being launched from lightweight land, sea and air platforms, from either automatic-fire control systems, such as the Thales Multi-Mission System or the Lightweight Multiple Launcher). The laser beam riding guidance, which enables precision engagement of small targets, is immune to all known countermeasures. Once in flight, the hittiles cannot be decoyed by even the latest flares or electronic countermeasures, and can defeat both armoured and light-skin targets.
The Starstreak II capability enhancements remain based on the proven principle of high velocity to defeat targets with short exposure times. The three hittile payload maximises levels of lethality, and accurate line-of-sight laser-beam riding guidance enables engagement of the smallest signature targets, which are extremely difficult to lock onto and defeat by ‘fire-and-forget missiles.
Steve Hill, Managing Director of Thales Air Systems activities in the UK says: "The performance enhancements these design changes offer are significant and provide a real step-change in capability to the customer. The fact that Starstreak II can now defeat an increased array of threats is key in an environment where force protection is vital."
About Thales
Thales is a leading international electronics and systems group, addressing defence, aerospace and security markets worldwide. Thales' leading-edge technology is supported by 22,000 R&D engineers who offer a capability unmatched in Europe to develop and deploy field-proven mission-critical information systems. To this end, the group's civil and military businesses develop in parallel and share a common base of technologies to serve a single objective: the security of people, property and nations. The group builds its growth on its unique multi-domestic strategy based on trusted partnerships with national customers and market players, while leveraging its global expertise to support local technology and industrial development. Thales employs 68,000 people in 50 countries with forecast 2007 revenues in excess of €12 billion.
Thales UK is a major electronics and systems group serving defence, aerospace, security and services markets. Thales employs 9,000 staff in the UK, based at more than 50 locations. In 2006 Thales UK's revenues were over £1 bn.
Press contacts:
Thales UK
Kathryn Bell
Mob: +44 (0)7813 903274
Email: kathryn.bell@thalesgroup.com
Thales Air Systems UK Communications
Denise Clarke
Mob: +44 (0)7711 428434
Email: denise.clarke@uk.thalesgroup.com
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