- Yes
- No
History
The Dornier Low Level Air Defence System (LLADS) was designed as a missile defence system that would close the gap between man-pads and self-propelled missile systems Roland and ADATS class. The idea was to use high mobility vehicles that were common use within many armed forces around Europe and install missiles such as the Mistral or the Stinger onto them to have escort air defence capability.
This would allow for fast deployment as well as covering the very short range air defence bubble that couldn’t be covered by the medium range systems. Also prioritised was air transportability for large distance movement.
The project as a whole was dropped seeing as more or less the same capability could be provided with shoulder carried ManPADs with just a bit of tactical information received by the operator. This was the time when Germany and the Bundeswehr were severely cutting down expenses and costs of development were not high on the priority list. This is also why this was a private venture by Dornier.
The overall idea of the Dornier LLADS did not die however, because in 1990 the Wiesel 2 based, LeFlaSys (Ozelot) Air defence system was introduced, effectively the successor of the earlier Dornier LLADS
Extra description
The launchers were computerised and fitted with a variety of sensors, such as
Forward Looking InfraRed (FLIR) sights, Laser Range Finder (LRF), Electro-optical (EO) sights with Heads Up Display (HUD) and Low Light Level TV (LLLTV) sights. The system was on a specially made stabilised mount on a Mercedes Benz 4x4 750kg Light ATV. For situational awareness, the system had access to radio communications and GPS for the use of datalink to better position and aim the LLADS.
Technical Specifications
Chassis: Mercedes-Benz 290GD, 290GDT
Engine: in-line 5-cylinder diesel engine (2.9L)+ turbo charger
Horse power: 125ps
Transmission: 4 speed automatic
Top speed: 137kmph
Crew: 2, 3 (Driver, Gunner/Commander + Optional Commander/Loader) (commander can use the system either remotely or while inside the crew cabin using a remote control panel (which has a wire length of 50m))
Armament: 4 x ATAS (air to air stinger) SAMs
Ammunition: 8 x ATAS (4 loaded + 4 stored beneath pedestal mount)
Elevation: -10 to + 60
Rotation: 360
Sights: FLIR (thermals) OR LLLTV (night vision) + EO sights + Backup mechanical sight
Ranging: Laser
Target tracking: InfraRed Track (no search)
IFF: Integrated with EO sight module (Stingers own IFF)
Fun fact
ATAS (Stingers) maintain shoulder launch capability using the attached grip-stock assembly on the mount.
Visual References
Sources
- Janes land based air defense 1992-1993
- PUCH G / PINZGAUER - Online Shop
- Mercedes-Benz 290 GDT