MOD is conducting research to ensure that air defence weapons & systems are capable of dealing with the evolving threat from aerial systems. The key issue is to be able to deal with an increasingly wide range of threat systems from rockets, mortars, artillery and UAVs. The research will encompass the entire air defence system from Sensors, Command and Control through to conventional and novel effectors.
Tactical unmanned air vehicles, with wingspans of up to several metres, are already in service with many nations worldwide. The numbers on the battlefield, the variety of designs, performance and payload capabilities will increase substantially in future years.
A range of capabilities are currently in service to counter but will need continual review and development to stay ahead of the threat. MOD is constantly looking for innovative ways of detecting, identifying, warning of and intercepting RAM & TUAVs, addressing airborne and their ground-based elements, both pre- and post- launch.
- Challenges include:
- Countering difficult air targets
- Rockets, Artillery & Mortars (RAM)
- Tactical unmanned air vehicles (TUAV)
- Monitoring/tracking threat proliferation
- Innovative ideas for cost-effective solutions
This competition is run by the Centre of Defence Enterprise(CDE). The CDE is the first point of contact for anyone with a disruptive technology, new process or innovation that has a potential defence application. The centre acts as a gateway between the outside world and the Ministry of Defence, bringing together innovation and investment for the defence market, ensuring that front-line forces have the best battle-winning technologies for the future.
For more details and the portal to apply for this competition, please see http://www.science.mod.uk/engagement/enterprise.aspx