The weapon has a new
software-defined seeker with
excellent electronic counter-
countermeasures (ECCM)
capabilities and, according
to a company spokesperson,
is able to lock on to small
helicopters even at low altitude.
The missile boasts a lock-
on before launch (LOBL)
capability, meaning the seeker
can acquire a target when still
‘caged’ to the aircraft, so it can
also be used in a dogfight.
Switching from a laser to a
radar proximity fuse facilitates
the I-Derby ER’s extended
range. According to the
spokesperson, this saves around
2ft (60cm) inside the missile’s
body, enabling a second rocket
booster to double the range.
At around 20,000ft (6,096m)
and Mach 0.9 the regular Derby
has an engagement envelope of
65km (40 miles); for the I-Derby
ER it’s around 110km (65 miles).
The missile also has an uplink
and target update after launch.
Also on show was the Python
5, a development of Rafael’s
successful Python IV with a
dual-band imaging IR seeker
and charge-coupled device
(CCD). The missile can
also receive target updates
from the launch aircraft.
Its unique airframe, with 18
different control surfaces,
can manoeuvre up to 70 g,
meaning it can engage targets
behind the launch aircraft.
The Python 5 has been in Israeli
service since 2008 and last year
shot down two Hamas unmanned
aerial vehicles (UAVs). The
Colombian Air Force also uses it.
The Royal Thai Air Force uses the
earlier Python IV but may integrate
the Python 5 on its F-5E/Fs whichare to be upgraded by Israel
Aerospace Industries (IAI) Lahav.Replacement MPA
The RSAF has operated five
Fokker 50 Maritime Patrol
Aircraft (MPAs) since the mid-
1990s and replacement is now
a priority. Not surprisingly,
many companies were keen to
market a possible replacement.
IAI’s solution, shown in model
form, is the Global 5000MPA,
which incorporates IAI Elta’s ELI-
3360 architecture. Its sensors
include an ELM-2022 multi-
mission radar – covering air,
maritime and land domains –
AMOSP 3000HD electro-optical/IR
laser pod and ELL-8382 electronic
support measures/electronic
intelligence/communications
intelligence system.
On board, the ELS-8100 multi-
mission tactical management
system (TMS) is controlled by
two to six mission operators.
The aircraft also has an acoustic
sensor suite and sonobuoylauncher/dispenser along with a
weapons and stores management
system for anti-submarine and
anti-surface warfare weapons.
Other MPAs on offer include
the Saab Swordfish, based
on a Bombardier Global 6000
business jet as opposed
to IAI’s Global 5000.
Boeing meanwhile had two
P-8As in the static display, one
from the Royal Australian Air
Force (A47-004) operated by
No 11 Squadron, No 92 Wing at
RAAF Base Edinburgh; and a
US Navy example (169007/‘LC-
007’) from Patrol Squadron
Eight (VP-8), which is currently
deployed to Kadena AB.
A US Navy spokesperson
told that the next P-8A unit
to deploy to the Western
Pacific will be VP-45, which is
capable of in-flight refuelling.
Indonesia’s PTDI showed off its
CN235MPA and confirmed the
Indonesian Navy now has five- three with Thales AMASCOS
systems and two more recent
aircraft outfitted by Integrated
Surveillance and Defence (ISD).
US-based ISD has integrated
the Telephonics AN/APS-
143C(V)3 OceanEye maritime
surveillance radar and a BRITE
Star 380HD system and has
also converted a single aircraft
for the Indonesian Air Force.
L3 brought a model of its
Bombardier Q400 Multi-Mission
Aircraft (MMA) turboprop, a
demonstrator of which is now
flying. The company – which
has been contracted to integrate
systems on two Gulfstream
550 surveillance jets for the
Royal Australian Air Force –
also had a highly modified
G550 model on display but
was unwilling to discuss it.
Finally, PAL Aerospace was
marketing its new Dash-8 Q300
Force Multiplier, which made
its public debut at Dubai last
November. It’s designed to provide
both government and private
customers with a maritime and
ground surveillance platform.This RAAF P-8A operated by 92 Wing at RAAF Edinburgh was one of two Poseidons at the event. Boeing is obviously keen to secure the RSAF as another P-8
customer – it would become the fi fth after the US Navy, RAF, Australia and Norway.The appearance of this elderly C-130B belies the aircraft’s 60 years. It was once a KC-130B tanker but was de-
modifi ed after the probe-and-drogue equipped A-4SUs and F-5S/Ts were retired.AFM38 // APRIL 2018 #361 http://www.airforcesmonthly.com
Intel
Report