ASPIDE 2000 - Mbda-systems.com

Press Information
FIDAE 2010
ASPIDE 2000
The operational performance of the ASPIDE 2000 missile allows it to engage air
threats at ranges well beyond other VSHORAD missiles and engage attacking aircraft
before they can release their standoff rocket-propelled missiles or intercepting these
missiles once released. This upgrade of the original ASPIDE missile embodies the
latest electronic features to improve its guidance characteristics and effectiveness in
heavy clutter and ECM environments. ASPIDE 2000 is compatible with all systems
currently using the ASPIDE multi-role missile, such as SPADA and ALBATROS, by the
simple application of a cost-effective modification kit. Similarly, all existing ASPIDE
multi-role missiles can be retrofitted to the ASPIDE 2000 configuration with only
marginal costs. Logistic support remains unchanged.
Characteristics of the ASPIDE 2000 missile
Intercept Range:…in excess of 25 Km
Speed:……………High Supersonic
Guidance:………..semi-active radar homing
SPADA & ALBATROS
SPADA 2000 is an advanced, ground based missile system capable of operating in
dense ECM environments to provide all weather, day and night area defence against
combat aircraft and incoming missiles. The SPADA 2000 it’s a further development of
the family of systems that now benefits from the increased engagement range of the
powerful ASPIDE 2000 missile as well as the increased detection range and track
management capabilities of the new Detection Centre.
SPADA 2000 is integrated within a shelter system allowing for both tactical and
strategic mobility, including air-transportability from a C-130 transport aircraft. The
basic configuration of the SPADA 2000 system consists of a Detection Centre, two
Firing Sections (expandable to four) each with two Missile Launchers. Each Missile
Launcher houses six ready-to-fire ASPIDE 2000 missiles.
The ALBATROS surface-to-air missile system adds to a ship’s gun FCS (Fire Control
System) the capability to launch the ASPIDE 2000 missile by integrating it to a set of
easy to install missile units. This combination provides an integrated, all-weather air
defence system for ships represented by an outer defence layer based on missiles and
an inner layer based on the ship’s gun battery to create an effective protective
envelope against incoming aircraft and anti-ship missiles. ASPIDE 2000 will provide
close area defence for the launch ship as well as defence against air attack for consort
ships.
After detection by the ship’s surveillance radar, the targets are assigned to the gun
FCS which then acquires and tracks the target. The target is then illuminated by a CW
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RF transmission that is passed into the FCS tracking radar antenna to fulfil the semiactive
guidance requirements of the ASPIDE 2000 missile.
One or two missiles can be simultaneously guided against the same target (even if it is
flying in close formation) at the outer intercept range of 20km. The engagement
envelope of the ALBATROS system against a typical fighter aircraft covers an altitude
of 8km altitude and 12km set-off range. Within this envelope, the system provides for
an SSKP (Single Shot Kill Probability) greater than 0.8 with a single missile and 0.96
with two missiles.
Programme status
First configuration SPADA systems were delivered in the late 1980s to the Italian Air
Force and have since undergone a modernisation and improvement programme.
First phase system improvements (SPADA 2000) started in 1996 and concluded in
1999 with delivery to the Spanish Air Force where the system is now in service. In
2003, second phase improvements (SPADA 2000 PLUS) to the launcher, C2, FCC and
radar commenced and have now been completed.
SPADA 2000 is in service with the Italian and Spanish Armed Forces and has recently
been ordered by an export customer.
The ALBATROS system is in service in 14 countries worldwide on ships of different
classes from OPVs to destroyers and aircraft carriers.
The Italian Navy has launched an upgrade programme of its existing ALBATROS
system to allow it to use the ASPIDE 2000 missile. The upgrade kit is being proposed
to current ALBATROS users in line with their ship modernisation programmes.
Internet : www.mbda-systems.com
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