© TDW TDW GmbH in a series of successful trials demonstrated a new effector technology which can achieve scalable target-adapted explosi...
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| © TDW |
TDW GmbH in a series of successful trials demonstrated a new effector technology which can achieve scalable target-adapted explosion rate, minimising damage to surrounding objects.
The demonstration was held at Bundeswehr Technical Centre 91(WTD 91) in Meppen, Germany, used 100 kg of explosive in a Mk82 shell with a scalable warhead. The effect of the tested warhead was comparable to the effect of 10 kg of high explosive.
The purpose of the test was to significantly reduce the effective radius, i.e. to be able to effectively engage targets while at the same time minimising the damage to nearby buildings and vehicles.
Missions in asymmetrical scenarios call for high precision and a warhead with an effectiveness accurately adapted to the type of target. With present-day effector systems, this is possible either only to a limited extent or not at all.
Scalable means that the type and magnitude of the intended effectiveness in the area of operations is adjustable. In the case of an air-to-ground mission, for example, the desired degree of effectiveness in the target area can be selected by the pilot from the cockpit.
The advantages of the so called “dial-a-yield” capability are that unintentional damage is minimised whilst high flexibility in operational use is guaranteed using just one effector type.
The tested technology is based on a remarkable concept: what is detonated is just a pre-selectable proportion of the explosive, sufficient to meet the requirements and not the entire explosive present in the warhead. The remainder is prevented from detonating and is modified to ensure that no residual explosive remains.
With this successful test, the Schrobenhausen-based company has demonstrated not only the high maturity of the technology, but also the possibility of itsintegration into existing effector systems. This opens the door to capability extension in air-to-ground roles for Air Forces.
The technology can be integrated, for example, into precision guided bombs. The German Air Force’s Eurofighters and Tornados are equipped with such weapon systems. In principle, the effector technology can also be employed in army and navy missiles.
TDW is a subsidiary of MBDA Deutschland and is the European leader in developing, producing and maintaining warheads and warhead systems as well as the associated components.
MBDA Deutschland is the leading missile systems company in Germany and part of the European MBDA Group. MBDA Deutschland develops, manufactures and provides customer and product support for guided missile systems and subsystems to the Air Force, Army and Navy.
