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MEADS International brief DSD
June 15th, 1999
Don Lionetti, Lockheed Martin's, VP Air and Missile Defense Systems, briefed DSD on
the multi-national air and missile defence program - MEADS (Medium Extended Air Defence System).
The MEADS International project combines the expertise of Lockheed Martin, DaimlerChrysler Aerospace and Alenia Marconi Systems.
"MEADS is a totally new system, it is not just an improved Patriot PAC-3 system", said Lionetti.
He went on to stress that this collaborative programme is truly a partnership of equals, with an agreed workshare distribution - he calls it "noble workshare".
MEADS is designed to protect manoeuvre forces and critical installations against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and fixed and rotary wing aircraft. To meet the International Technical Requirement Document (ITRD), Lionetti said that "the MEADS system must be capable of defeating multi-threat targets - it is not a one shot, one target weapon system." Its strategic transportability and tactical mobility would enable rapid deployment within the forward
combat zone.
As a fully integrated and mobile weapon system, MEADS is designed to operate under the umbrella of theatre ballistic missiles provided by THAADs, as well as being a step forward from the fixed site protection currently provided by the Patriot system.
Further enhancements are thought possible, particularly in meeting advanced threats, including an anti-missile missile capability.
The project currently has full-scale development funds of some $250 million for the period 2000-2002 - additional funding is likely to follow when a Risk Reduction contract is signed within the next month.
Lionetti told DSD that the MEADS concept has
in-built potential to satisfy the full ITRD target requirement. "The ITRD requirement specifications
are tough to meet....it is an AMD system for the 21st century."
Features
- Flight proven PAC-3 hit to kill missiles
- System radar search - 360 degree for surveillance and fire control
- Missile: advanced seeker delivers hit to kill accuracy at all altitudes and in clutter
- Launcher: C-130 transportable, carrying multiple missiles on launcher
- BMC4I: netted, distributed, automated communications network
- Survivable through ECM resistance and distributed workload
- Reduced life cycle costs with fewer troops
If in due course MEADS is accepted into service, the collaborative industrial grouping of MEADS International expect it to replace Patriot holdings in the US Army.
As a fully integrated NATO system, it is also likely to be the choice for other armies equipped with Patriot.
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