French Tigers In Afghanistan

A combination of either four Mistral missiles and 44 rockets or just 68 unguided rockets in four pods can be carried, or just Hellfire IIs and Mistral AAMs. Only one weapon can be activated at a time. TDA Armaments, a Thales subsidiary, is developing for the EC665 a new laser-guided 68mm rocket -- s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Avionics magazine Vol. 33; no. 12
Main Author: Anon
Format: Magazine Article
Language:English
Published: Potomac Access Intelligence, LLC 15.12.2009
Access Intelligence LLC
Subjects:
Altitude
Armed forces
Aviation
Avionics
Dealing
Defense industry
Electronic warfare
Engines
Grounds
Laser guidance
Military aircraft
Military deployment
Military helicopters
Military reconnaissance
Missiles
Presidential elections
Rockets
Subsidiaries
Weapons
United States
Kabul Afghanistan
Afghanistan
ISSN:1085-9284
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:A combination of either four Mistral missiles and 44 rockets or just 68 unguided rockets in four pods can be carried, or just Hellfire IIs and Mistral AAMs. Only one weapon can be activated at a time. TDA Armaments, a Thales subsidiary, is developing for the EC665 a new laser-guided 68mm rocket -- similar to the new Lockheed Martin DAGR semi-active laser guidance kit -- which should provide the HAP more firepower and more precision in dealing with ground targets than with the current unguided AMV model. All of TDA's new Tiger 68mm rockets will be of the latest ignition by induction and connector-less type, which produces no scrap-inducing tail rotor wear or damage. To cope with the high altitude in Afghanistan -- Kabul is situated at about 6,000 feet altitude -- the French Tigers only use their gun and a total of 18 unguided 68mm rockets to improve autonomy during their average three-hour sorties. Next to bring Tigers to the Afghan theater should be the Australian Army, which had planned a tentative deployment date this winter, pending a declaration of initial operational capability of the Lockheed Martin AGM-114 Hellfire II missile on the Tiger ARH. Compared to the French Army, which will only be able to use the Hellfire II on its future Tiger HADs in 2012, the Tiger ARH already totes the powerful and versatile U.S.-made air-to-ground missile. Another key factor influencing the French decision to procure the AGM-114 is the missile's employment flexibility. Guided precisely by a laser spot pointed on the target and using a proven semi-active laser seeker, the Hellfire enables last-second diversion of the missile should the need arise. Additionally, the missile's semi-active laser seeker responds to both remote and autonomous laser designators, enabling Tiger HAD pilots to achieve positive target identification prior to missile launch, a mandatory condition under current ISAF rules of engagement. This feature, combined with the AGM-114's diversion capability and three interchangeable warheads, ensures strict rules of engagement are met while minimizing collateral damage.
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ISSN:1085-9284