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The SAMP/T ‘Mamba’ – History, Design, Performance & Discussion
Summary
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Combat Weight: 32-80 tons
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Number of Crew: 3 People (20 people for an Entire System)
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Size: Mounted on Renault Kerax 8x8
- Vertical Launch Module
- Length: 10 m
- Width: 3 m
- Height: 3.3 m
- Radar Module
- Length: 10.9 m
- Width: 3 m
- Height: 4.2 m
- Vertical Launch Module
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Main Armament: Aster 30 Block 1 Missile
- Characteristics
- Measurements
- Weight: 450 kg
- Length: 2.9 m
- Diameter: 180 mm, 380mm (with Booster)
- Propulsion: Solid Propellant, Two-stage motor
- Burn Time: 3.5 seconds (First Stage)
- Second Stage uses a Sustainer Motor
- Warhead: 15kg HE-blast fragmentation with calculated delay proximity fuzing
- Seeker: Utilising MICA’s AD4A Active Radar
- Active Radar Terminal Phase
- Multi-target simultaneous attack
- Up to 10 different targets simultaneously
- Fire and Forget
- High resistance to countermeasures and jamming
- Accuracy in the ≤ 4-metre class (Direct Impact)
- Proximity Fuze: 2 m with high sensitivity at 30 degrees
- Measurements
- Capabilities
- Maneuverability:
- 60G Overload
- Thrust Vectoring (PIF-PAF)
- Interception of Targets performing ≤15G maneuvers
- Guidance:
- Active Radar Homing (ARH) + Inertial Ordnance Guidance (IOG) + Inertia Navigation System (INS) + Data Link (DL) + Mid-Course Update + Lock-on Before Launch (LOBL) + Lock-on After Launch (LOAL)
- Able to track “stealthy” targets
- Range: 3 to 100+ km
- Altitude: 20km
- Speed: Mach 4.5
- Maximum Speed: 1.4 km per second
- Independent Operation or Integrated with Family of Systems
- High Rate of Fire: Back-to-Back Launch capability of missiles within 0.5 seconds
- High Responsiveness: Reacts to alterations of targets within 0.1 seconds of change in pursuit trajectory
- Maneuverability:
- Characteristics
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Driving Characteristics
- Top Speed: 110 km/h
- Turning Diameter: 12.31m
- Engine Power: 460 hp at 1400 rpm
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Radar: Thomson-CSF’s Arabel
- Passive Electronically Scanned Array (PESA)
- Frequency: X-band
- Coverage:
- 360 degrees
- Elevation: -10 to +75 degrees
- Range: 70 km (Surveillance Aircraft), 45+ km (Attacking Aircraft), 30 km (Medium and High-Altitude Missiles), 12 km (Sea-skimming Missiles)
- Rotation Rate: 60 rpm
- Datalink Channels: 16
- Refresh Rate: 1 second (Priority Targets) 4 seconds (Non-priority Targets)
- Traceable Targets: 50+
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Family of Systems:
- Multi-Function Radar Module (MRI)
- Fire Distribution and Control Center (ME)
- Generator Module (MGE)
- Vertical Missile Launcher Module (MLT)
- Missile Loader Module (MRT)
- Repair and Maintenance Modules (SAE and SAM)
History & General Information
The Sol-Air Moyenne-Portée/Terrestre (SAMP/T), or “Surface-to-Air Medium-Range/Land-based,” is a development of Eurosam. Predominantly using short-range systems such as the Crotale (France), Selenia Aspide (Italy), or Sea Sparrow (USA), a joint venture between France and Italy was founded to develop a domestic medium/long-range system comparable in range but superior in interception to the Standard (USA) or Sea Dart (UK).
In May 1989, France and Italy established an understanding for a missile able to intercept next generation supersonic anti-ship missiles, like the Soviet-Indian-made Brahmos. In June 1989, the Franco-Italian joint venture of “Eurosam” was founded. A collaborative effort between Aérospatiale (now the French component of MBDA), Thompson-CSF (now Thales), and Alenia (now the Italian component of MBDA), Eurosam was dedicated to the development of Famille de missiles Sol-Air Futurs (FSAF), or “Future Surface-to-Air-Family of missiles.
Under the outline envisioned for Phase 1, signed in May 1990, the FSAF involved the development of Aster 15 and Aster 30 for use as Naval auto defenses (SAAM) and for a Ground-to-Air Medium Range Missile System (SAMP/T). Système Anti-Air Missile (SAAM) was designed for use of Aster 15 on the “Charles de Gaulle”, French Aircraft Carrier (SAAM-FR) and “Cavour”, Italian Aircraft Carrier (SAAM-IT). Sol-Air Moyenne Portée Terrestre (SAMP/T) was designed for use of Aster 30 in missile batteries and Arabel radar.
Development:
- 1990 - Full-scale development of the Aster 30 and SAMP/T begins.
- 1997- Eurosam commences Production engineering and initial volume production of SAMP/T. In November, an unarmed Aster 30 equipped with its warhead successfully contacted a C22 in a strong countermeasure environment.
- 1999 – Qualification firing trials of SAMP/T begin.
- 2005 – In July, SAMP/T completes its first trail, using the entire system for target acquisition, and tracking using Arabel radar and interception using Aster 30.
- 2008 – In May, SAMP/T begins operational evaluation with the armies of France and Italy, respectively. Test firings are successful for both tests.
- 2010 – The SAMP/T system begins operation in French service.
- 2012 – In June, the SAMP/T system begins operation in Italian service.
- 2013 – In March, The French and Italian armies deployed a NATO-integrated SAMP/T for the first time, successfully intercepting a theater ballistic missile in an interception test.
- 2015 – Completed Development of Aster 30 Block 1
Design & Features:
- Christened as the “Mamba”, SAMP/T is a theatre anti-missile system designed for protection of a battlefield or sensitive tactical strike targets, like airports and seaports
- SAMP/T intercepts all present and future airborne threats, including cruise missiles, manned and unmanned aircraft, anti-radiation missiles, stand-off munitions, and tactical ballistic missiles within the 600km range-class.
- Guidance Systems: Currently, SAMP/T guides Aster 30 utilizing a combination of ARH + IOG + INS + DL + Mid-Course Update + LOBL + LOAL.
- SAMP/T boasts a significant range of 70km track, scan, and guidance, with a more impressive 3 to 100km capability for Aster 30.
- Fire-and-Forget Capability: Once targets are identified by IFF and Radar, Aster 30 is launched, relying on INS for periodic mid-course updates. In terminal phase, the reliance is placed on the active radar seeker to close in and complete the sequence. Minimal operator input is required, as the entire process is autonomous, allowing engagement of multiple targets at the same time.
- All-Weather, Day & Night Capability: SAMP/T and Aster 30 can be employed in various weather conditions, and times of day.
- Aster 30 is capable of tracking and engaging “stealthy” targets.
Operational History:
- The SAMP/T operated during combat in Ukraine and Aster 30 has performed in operations such as the Ukraine War and conflict against Houthis in Yemen.
- The Mamba and Aster 30 have been used in various combat scenarios, including interception of Aircraft, UAVs, Stand-off munitions, and Ballistic targets.
- SAMP/T and the use of Aster 30 are proven, effective weapon systems, with a 98% success rate in combat.
Additional Details:
- SAMP/T is currently in service with France and Italy, with exports to Singapore and Ukraine. Exports to the United Kingdom involve integration of components of the greater FSAF program and Aster missiles; SAMP/T was not exported to the UK.
- SAMP/T’s advanced guidance systems and high responsiveness make it a versatile and adaptable defense system.
Weapon Capabilities and Information
SAMP/T is a complex air defense system designed to provide versatility in engagement of targets and completion of mission objectives.
Seeker Capabilities
Spoiler
The Aster 30’s seeker is derived from Dassault Electronique’s AD4A homing head design, a part of the Matra MICA air-to-air missile. The seeker operates in centimetric J-band, guiding the missile to an optimized, proportional navigation low flight path to the target.
Figure 1: AD4A Guidance assembly and antenna
Guidance Sequence
Spoiler
The operational engagement sequence of SAMP/T is as follows:
- First detection and immediate detection confirmation commences a track initialization.
- Target identification via IFF subsystem and, if hostile, track formation.
- Threat evaluation (and priority assigned if more than one).
- Target designation and missile launch.
- Inertial mid-course missile guidance.
- Active Radar Terminal Missile Guidance.
- Target interception.
Figure 2: Guidance and Engagement Sequence of a SAMP/T system
PIF-PAF
Spoiler
As a response to observed performance of Exocet during the Falklands war, defense against current and next generation tactical missiles from both land and sea became of greatest concern. The challenge posed by future defense systems was the increasing speed and maneuverability of missiles, high level of jamming, and the nature of high saturation attacks.
Interception of hostile targets, such as missiles, and destruction of their warhead in a close proximity, defending the objective, is one of the greatest problems presented at the time. The limiting factor in the design of current and even emerging systems of the time is the area of “reflex” a defense system’s missile can operate.
The principle of classic aerodynamic piloting relies on a control device using a jet deflector to create torque that causes a trim movement, generating the angle-of-attack (AOA) capable of creating a useful force.
Figure 3: Two Vector Control nozzles at the base of an Aster missile
Limitations of classic aerodynamic piloting:
- The speed due to the multiplicity of “intermediate” controls and 3D couplings that arise at high AOAs
- The overall admissible response time of a self-guided missile, under penalty of destabilizing it. An example being the combination of AOA and radar aberrations.
The presence of fast and agile targets deems the reflex under a classic model of aerodynamic piloting insufficient in achieving a significant pass distance. Control through mobile axes have limitations, specifically the capacity of rotors and altitude, preventing achievement of all desirable objectives in a defense system.
Pyrotechnic control acting in immediate vicinity of the center of gravity presents good dynamic performance, but is penalized by excessive powder consumption, limiting the field of application to short times and/or modest maneuvers. The advantages of such a system include its speed, very low AOA, efficiency independent of almost any altitude and speed. However, interest was determined in combining with a conventional system, creating strong aerodynamic piloting.
Figure 4: Movement of PIF Mechanism
“PIF-PAF” is a combination of conventional aerodynamic piloting and pyrotechnic control, creating a homogeneous system benefiting from the advantages of both systems, while mitigating their independent faults. Utilizing four long, rectangular wings, and four moving clipped-tip control fins at the rear for aerodynamic flight control, this is called “Pilotage Aérodynamique Fort,” or “PAF.” Additional maneuverability in the terminal flight phase is provided by a gas generator exhausting through four lateral nozzles close to the missile’s center of gravity, known as “Pilotage en Force,” or “PIF.”
Figure 5: Simplified Diagram of Aster 30’s PIF-PAF Mechanism
MARTHA/MAGICS
Spoiler
The SAMP/T system’s Fire Distribution and Control Center (ME) utilizes two systems to ensure quick decision-making and high responsiveness to emerging threats within a span of 4 seconds. The ME’s computers use Modular Architecture for Graphics and Image Console Systems (MAGICS), and Modular Architecture for Real-time Applications (MARA).
Figure 6: Console within a SAMP/T Command Module using MAGICS and MARA
SYLVER
Spoiler
The vertical launch system of FSAF, dubbed the “SYstème de Lancement VERtical,” or “SYLVER,” contains capacity for eight Aster missiles. SYLVER exists in two variants, a counterpart for naval FSAF systems (SAAM-IT and SAAM-FR), and another for terrestrial use (SAMP/T). SYLVER was adapted to allow for use of Aster 30s during their design, allowing for launch in the SAMP/T and PAAMS systems. Each of the eight cylinders containing Aster containers are topped with eight traps automatically activated when each missile is fired. At the bottom, each cylinder has a gas exhaust system, expelling toxic gas emitted by missile boosters during launch.
Figure 7: SYLVER independent of SAMP/T system
Figure 8: Rear Perspective of SYLVER on a SAMP/T at Eurosatory
Aster 30 Derivatives
Spoiler
Block 0: The initial batch of Aster 30, limited to 50g overload and incapable of engaging in an anti-ballistic missile capacity. This variant was dedicated for use only with Naval Vessels
Figure 9: Aster 30 Block 0 Launch Trial (July 1999)
Block 1 NT: An amendment to Block 1, the new technology (NT) features lower layer capability allowing for enhanced protection against tactical Ballistic Missiles. Installed on the NT is an improved seeker, while maintaining anti-aircraft warfare (AAW) and ballistic missile (BM) capability. NT is still being introduced in limited quantity as production ramps up.
Figure 10: Aster 30 Block 1 NT Display
Block 2: Often denoted as the Theatre Ballistic Missile Defense (TBMD or BMD), the missile is currently in development. The main evolution of Aster 30 in a Block 2 configuration is an imaging infrared seeker (IIR) with a frontal IR-dome and removable shroud, a divert altitude and control system (DACS) based on a unique combustion chamber and 4 (Divert) + 6 air control system (ACS) nozzles, and a lethality enhancer to finalize the effectiveness of the munition on cluster TBM payloads.
Figure 11: Render of a Aster 30 Block 2
SAMP/T NG
Spoiler
The next generation (NG) of SAMP/T systems, they are in service with France and Italy, with more deliveries to arrive later in 2025, and expected completion by 2028. Featuring an increased effective range of up to 150+ km of effectiveness, and tracking capacity of >1000 targets thanks to a newer and more capable multi-function AESA radar.
A multi-function GaN-based 4D radar, Ground Fire 300 replaces Arabel in operations on the SAMP/T NG. GF-300 functions with 400km of Air surveillance coverage with 360 degrees in azimuth and 90 degrees in elevation. The system has track updates up to 1Hz in rotating mode and up to 10 Hz in staring mode. GF-300 is enhanced to be capable against slow moving and very low RCS targets, to fast, hypersonic, or highly maneuvering targets. GF-300 also features Non-cooperative Target Recognition (NCTR).
Figure 12: Promotional Image of SAMP/T NG
The purpose of this thread
War Thunder’s Update “Leviathans,” necessitates a comparable Anti-Air system for the French tech tree. The SAMP/T presents the most practical vehicle with capabilities like contemporaries included in “Leviathans.” This thread exists to help inform and create discussion around one of France’s most modern and successful SPAA.
Photos
References
Spoiler
Videos
Eurosam SAMP/T Systems with Aster Missiles Promotional Reel
MBDA Aster 30 SAMP/T Promotional Reel
MBDA France - The Army of France - Missile ASTER 30
Ministry of the Army Promotional Reel
Documents
AGARD Report 804 - Special Course on Missile Aerodynamics, pg. 1:22, 1:63, 3:3, 3:47, 3:52-3:54
Armada International, 4/2002, August/September, pg. 50-51
Armada International, Issue 3/2012, June/July, pg. 27
Catalogue De Materiels pour les Forces Navales, pg. 424
Jane's Land-Based Air Defence 1992-93, pg. 239-241
Jane's Strategic Weapons Systems, Issue 38, 2003, pg. 281-284
Letter of Information - French Veterans of Texas, April 2013, pg. 2
MBDA Website - Aster 30 - SAMP/T, Januay 6, 2006
Mer et Marine - FOG and INS Technologies, pg. 74
Renault Trucks - Product Knowledge Presentation, September 2015, pg. 25
Patriot Kontra Scud, 1992, pg. 65-66
Theatre BMD - A DACS design for the Aster Block 2 Kill Vehicle, MBDA - Safran
