- Yes
- No
Hello, thanks for taking the time to look at my suggestion.
Today I will be showing off the HMMWV (High Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicle–fancy name for a Humvee!) with the SL-AMRAAM (Surface Launched - Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) system. This system was developed and tested for the US Marines. This weapon system family has 3 Variants, with the difference being the number of SL-AMRAAMs and swapping some for AIM-9Xs. All systems use the AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel Enhanced Target Range and Classification (ETRAC) radar (developed by Raytheon)(Sentinel uses a high scan rate of 30rpm. The range is 75km.), and The Boeing integrated fire control station provides Battle Management Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence (BMC4I). Testing the Vehicle began in August 1997, with the first shot being a direct hit, (but did not detonate due to the warhead being removed). The Marines brought the ground radar system, the Army furnished the dummy MQM-107 targets, the Navy paid for the costs of the firing range, and the Air Force provided the unmodified AMRAAM missiles. The system can also provide as an anti-ballistic missile system.
The US Marine Corps awarded Raytheon a contract to build the System in April 2001. The US Army Aviation and Missile Command then granted Raytheon a contract to build SL-AMRAAM in February 2004. As a side note, the United Arab Emirates purchased an unknown number of SLAMRAAM systems in September 2008. Though the exact number produced does not appear to be known.
The launcher offers 360-degree coverage. The missile is launched in the direction of the target by the System, which is directed towards its designated sector or area of duty. The launch angle can be up to 70 degrees from the target threat’s direction without reducing intercept and kill probability. The system was initially capable of hitting targets at a range of 15 kilometers, but later received an upgrade, with the enhanced SL-AMRAAM ERs capable of reaching a range of 40 kilometers. An alternative Two SL-AMRAAMs were swapped for two AIM-9Xs (Rated for 15km).
System with 4 SL-AMRAAMs and 2 AIM-9Xs:
System with 5 SL-AMRAAMS:
System With 4 SL-AMRAAMS:
Video on the tests:
AMRAAMs work in a few stages (similar to Semi-Active Radar Homing missiles already in game):
Interception course stage:
Prior to launch, the System sends data to the missile on the target’s location, direction, and speed. The missile then uses this information to fly on an intercept course to the target, using its built-in inertial navigation system (INS). This data is usually received via the radar of the launching aircraft, but it can also originate from an infrared search and track system or even a data link from another fighter aircraft/AWACS aircraft.
If the firing aircraft or surrogate continues to track the target after launch, periodic updates—such as changes in the target’s direction and speed—are sent from the launch aircraft to the missile, allowing the missile to adjust its course, allowing the missle to get close enough to “catch” the target aircraft in the basket (the missile’s radar field of view in which it will be able to lock ont).
Terminal stage and impact:
When the missile is within self-homing range, it activates its active radar seeker and looks for the target plane. If the target is at or near the expected location, the missile will locate it and use this information to steer itself to the target. If the missile is launched at close range, within visible range (WVR), or near BVR, it can use its active seeker to guide it to intercept immediately after launch.
Boresight Visual mode:
There is a free guidance option termed “Visual” in addition to the radar-slaved mode.
The missile does not use radar guidance (Prior to launch) in this mode; it just shoots and locks onto the first target it detects.Defensive shots can be taken in this phase.
(This isn’t a good idea because the missile can’t tell if it’s a friend or foe.)
Fun Fact when a missile of this type locks a wrong target it is referred to as bulldogging.
In game this would require the vehicle to Start with a radar lock (or some system providing the above mentioned data), then you could proceed with firing the missile, however once fired the missile can do the rest of the work and radar lock would not be required.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SLAMRAAM
https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/claws.htm
https://www.army-technology.com/projects/surface-launched/
For people interested here is the contract requirements given to Raytheon:
The intent of this program is to leverage industry experience with comparable missile programs, as well as independent research and development accomplished by both industry and government, to deploy a “proof-of-concept” capability (e.g., two systems) within an initial twelve (12) month delivery cycle, capable of meeting (minimally) threshold performance requirements. Concurrent with user evaluations and limited testing (e.g., safety, environmental, operational scenarios), two additional production representative systems shall be produced within the following twelve (12) months that exceed threshold performance in key areas, demonstrate operational and supportability improvements, and establish the production configuration baseline. The combined performance period for both phases shall not exceed twenty-four (24) months. Following completion of operational testing and certification, inclusive of rework of the “proof-of-concept” systems, production options for a minimum of twenty-nine systems shall be exercised. The intent of this program is to rely upon proven Non-Developmental and commercial technologies and engineering expertise to achieve program objectives, while allowing the contractor latitude to structure a program commensurate with the maturity of their product and level of confidence in their management/business approach.
The contractor shall deliver two (2) CLAWS “proof-of-concept” units within twelve (12) months of contract award, and, at a minimum, two (2) additional “production representative” systems during the following twelve (12) month period. Production requirements, inclusive of baseline system configuration and quantities, shall be fully defined prior to completion of the twenty-four (24) month schedule. Rework of the “proof-of concept” units shall be included in the twenty-four (24) month performance period, resulting in a total of four (4) production representative systems. The contractor shall propose and deliver the “proof of concept” missile systems compliant with, at a minimum, the threshold requirements stated in the Performance Specification. The ability of the systems to accomplish anticipated mission requirements and operational scenarios, as well as comply with the overall program schedule shall be supported with empirical evidence. Such evidence (e.g., commercial specifications, performance data, test results, etc.) shall ensure technical compliance of the system to meet performance standards while reducing cost and schedule risk (e.g., reduced testing, improved reliability, etc.). The contractor shall demonstrate that any “value added” capabilities (e.g., demonstrated cost savings or performance/supportability enhancements) exceed threshold performance, reduce total ownership costs, or contribute to improvements in program execution. Similarly, any areas that are non-compliant with performance standards shall also be identified, along with an approach to mitigating impact and achieving operational employment of the system. The scope of this requirement also includes delivery of contractor logistics support and user/maintainer training throughout the pre-production period to assist with initial testing, user validation, and operational capabilities assessments.
