Defense Industry News - DIEHL

With two further IRIS-T SL test firings, Diehl Defence demonstrated the scheduled progress in the development of the surface-to-air guided missile IRIS-T SL (Surface Launched). The firing campaign took place at the OTB Firing Range in South Africa on May 19 and 26, 2011.

All test objectives were achieved in the presence of representatives of the national customer: Safe missile launch from a carrier vehicle, demonstration of the missile´s flight-mechnical and aerodynamic characteristics, operational performance of the newly developed rocket motor as well as target data transmission via data link during the flight.

Particularly the missile´s outstanding maneuvering capability was proved in an impressive manner by approaching aerodynamical limits in flight.. Moreover, the operational principle of guiding the missile with external radar data by transmitting virtual target data to the missile during flight was demonstrated.

For the export market, Diehl is offering a flexible solution for modern air defence on the basis of the IRIS-T SL surface-to-air guided missile. The plug & fight capability of IRIS-T SL enables easy integration in existing and future air defence systems. The export system is denoted IRIS-T SLM.

IRIS-T SL is a refinement of the IRIS-T air-to-air missile, in series production within a European cooperation program, with regard to the surface-to-air role. It encompasses a rocket motor upgrade as well as a data link and GPS-aided navigation. Thus the requirements for a modern guided missile for ground-based air defence have been implemented with a distinct increase in range.