When reading such a press release, one should take note of all the significant words.
E.g. “unique AMRAAM firing”.
“The objective of the testing was to fire the AMRAAM missile from a Eurofighter Typhoon whilst its radar was in passive mode and thus “invisible” for Electronic Support Measures (ESM) Systems. The necessary target data for the missile was acquired by the radar of a second Eurofighter Typhoon and transmitted using the Multi Functional Information Distribution System (MIDS). Both aircraft were separated by quite a distance in range.”
“IPA4 led the trial as the “firer”, while IPA5 as the “cooperator” illuminated the target with its radar active. This trial is the first known testing of its kind”
Now, what exactly is it saying? Is it saying it is the first AMRAAM firing of this kind? The first radar-guided missile firing of this kind? Or the first missile firing of this kind? And what is meant by “of its kind”? One fighter, with its radar not emitting, fires a missile using data from another fighter? Or a non-emitting fighter fires using data from another source – any source? Is the fact that the aircraft which fired the missile was not emitting the significant claim?
Unfortunately, it’s rather imprecise, & I’m not sure what’s actually being claimed as a first.
Here is a good question.
When quoting that the firing aircraft radar was in “passive” mode, what exactly does he mean?:confused:
The most probable answer would be that that radar was switched off, not emitting not receiving. Right?
But then again, why call it a “passive” radar?
And of course, why even claim that was something extraordinary, whatsoever?????
Could it be, that both aircraft were forming some kind of bistatic radar arrangement:dev2:, one emitting (the further away) and the other (closest to the threat) receiving?
Things get just a little bit more interesting, if one takes account one presentation for the Norwegian AF some years ago.
Nobody of us was present to listen to what was told,
but,
the RNoAF uploaded the slide show of the presentation, on the net, and there was, a rather peculiar slide:
Aha, The passive radar again? Could it be a coincidence?
And against what? The mighty stealthy, and upcoming F-35. Hmmmmmm
Getting interesting, right?
And now here is the best part:
EADS, and ch Merkel are doing everything possible to secure the Greek order.
That is for 40 (+20?) Eurofighters, no less.
From their presentations in the Greek media, their stress for providing a credible anti-stealth solution was more then obvious**.
The Hellenic dep. of defense has ordered a study, from the KEAT (part of EPA, center of air tactics*) to evaluate whether the EF could fight and counter the F-35T. The study is due this summer, just prior of the final (possibly) decision for the new fighter purchase….
…..and next to this Unique AMRAAM Firing.
Just food for thought
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*http://www.haf.gr/el/structure/units/ata/units/keat.asp
**http://www.defencenet.gr/defence/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5528&Itemid=49
PS. bloodshot was faster than me, but actually saying the same thing.
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