Electronic Weapons: August 9, 2001

Archives

The US (and NATO) want a new anti-radar missile to replace HARM. The problem is that tactics and technology have evolved, and radars no longer transmit long enough for HARM to destroy them. What is wanted is a weapon with longer range, higher speed, the ability to attack the transmitter after it has stopped transmitting, and a warhead with enough punch to target command posts rather than just radar antennas. One option is simply a bigger version of HARM with more fuel to provide better range and speed. Another option is the ramjet powered British Meteor missile (which already had the speed and range but would need a new warhead and seeker). Boeing has done a study of Meteor and has been authorized to share its results with its partners (who are developing Meteor for Britain and other European countries).--Stephen V Cole