Zarvan
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The SAMP/T is the main French air defense system for theatre protection
Country of origin France, Italy
Entered service 2011
Range up to 120 km
Number of missiles per launcher 8
Missile length 4.9 m
Missile diameter 0.18 / 0.54 m
Fin span ? / 0.92 m
Missile weight 450 kg
Warhead weight 15 ~ 20 kg
Warhead type HE-FRAG
Range of fire up to 120 km
Altitude of fire up to 25 km
The SAMP/T air defense missile system was developed by EUROSAM, a joint venture by MBDA France and Italy, and Thales. The SAMP/T was deployed operationally by the French Army and Air Force, as well as Italian Army in 2011. Though Italian Air Force uses a different MEADS air defense system. The SAMP/T replaces in service all existing medium-range air defense systems.
The main role of the SAMP/T is to protect deployed troops and vital fixed assets. The French Air Force uses these systems for protection of air bases. The SAMP/T system can engage hostile aircraft, as well as various missiles, including cruise missiles, stand off missiles and anti-radiation missiles. Furthermore the SAMP/T has demonstrated its capability against tactical ballistic missiles. The system can engage larger aircraft at a range of up to 120 km. Range against ballistic and anti-radiation missiles is 15 km.
Launcher vehicles are packed with MBDA Aster 30 missiles. The Aster 30 is a two-stage missile. The booster steers the missile in the direction of the target. It separates a few seconds after launch. Due to its two-stage layout the missile can reach a speed of Mach 4.5 within 2.5 seconds. Furthermore he missile is highly maneuverable. Up to its mid-course the missile is guided using refreshed target data transmitted by the multi-function radar. During the homing phase the missile is guided by its electromagnetically active seeker. This seeker was originally developed to defeat stealthy cruise missiles. The Aster 30 missie is that accurate, that in 70% of the test firings it managed to ram the target. Although direct hits are not essential to achieve a kill, as this missile also has a small explosive warhead.
The Aster 30 missiles are launched vertically, so engagement can occur through 360°. Each launcher vehicle contains eight Aster 30 missiles. The system has a high rate of fire. Two launchers can each fire two missiles simultaneously in 0.5 seconds.
The SAMP/T system can be adapted to work with various long-range radars. Detection range is 300 to 400 km, when using a Thales GM400 long-range radar. The launcher vehicle can be located up to 25 km from the radar vehicle. The system uses a NATO-compliant Link 16 communications architecture.
A complete SAMP/T system consists of 4 launcher vehicles, one Thales Arabel multifunction radar with friend or foe identification system, one engagement module based on command and control vehicle, one vehicle-based electric generator. Furthermore the launchers are escorted by two trucks with hydraulic cranes and trailers, that carry spare missiles for reloading.
The system can operate in standalone mode, or can be integrated in a coordinated network. This air defense systems can be coordinated by NATO command and control structure. This allows to combine radars, as well as air defense and anti-ballistic assets of various countries into one single network.
French SAMP/T system elements are mounted on Renault Kerrax 8x8 trucks. Italian systems are based on IVECO ASTRA 8x8 trucks. All elements of this air defense system are fully mobile and can be briefly redeployed. The SAMP/T air defense system can change its location up to several times per day.
SAMP/T
Medium-Range Air Defense Missile System
SAMP/T
Medium-Range Air Defense Missile System
SAMP/T
Medium-Range Air Defense Missile System
SAMP/T
Medium-Range Air Defense Missile System
SAMP/T
Medium-Range Air Defense Missile System
http://www.military-today.com/missiles/sampt.htm
