The Darter Business - Denel unveils T-Darter

[FaisalK]

I am shocked to say the least...the names and numbers just sound too famliar to me.

Link
================================================== ===
Denel conceptualises new missile

BY LEON ENGELBRECHT , ITWEB SENIOR WRITER

[ Johannesburg, 14 April 2008 ] - Denel Dynamics, the smart weapons division of the state arms maker, is conceptualising a new high-performance radar-guided missile that, if it comes to fruition, will provide SA's fleet of Gripen advanced light fighter aircraft its main punch.

The advanced weapon will also have substantial export potential and could gain the country billions of rand in foreign exchange in addition to boosting the local ICT skills and know-how base.

The missile is known as the T Darter and is being designed to replace the R Darter (Radar Darter) currently in service with the SA Air Force (SAAF), where it is known as the V4. Cabinet, in 2003, decided to retire the V4 when the Cheetah fighter jet was withdrawn from service as the missile contained Israeli technology and required continued assistance from that country to remain operational.

Denel Dynamics CEO Jan Wessels says the T Darter will join their A Darter, currently under joint development with Brazil, under the wings of the Gripen, which has just started entering service with the SAAF. Last month SAAF started phasing out the Cheetah and the V4.

“T Darter is a concept radar-guided missile,” Wessels says. “We are [proposing to use] some of our existing technologies and [are] looking for partners for the rest. We will typically provide the nose of this missile, which is the radar and are looking for a partner for the ‘back end'” he says.

Other than the radar, the ‘front end' also includes a number of proprietary processors that guide the weapon to its intended target at ranges that can extend to over 60km – the striking distance of the V4.

{More content in article...see link above]
==============================================

Sorry...

We kept mentioning T-Darter since 2003.
PAF shows something that looks like Archer as JF-17's HMD.
Richard Fisher says JF-17 will use an "A-Darter" derived 5th. generation WVRAAM.
...and now Denel reveals the "T-Darter" and says it has "substantial export potential" and is "looking for partners".

[zia ul haq]

Asalamo-a-laikum.

They need partners? That's very easily said but can we design and build a BVRAAM rocket motor?

It sounds interesting at least.

[FaisalK]

Asalamo-a-laikum.

They need partners? That's very easily said but can we design and build a BVRAAM rocket motor?

It sounds interesting at least.

Could mean they need partners to fund the back-end...it was Denel that apparently offered us ramjet technology in 1999.

[zia ul haq]

Asalamo-a-laikum.

Funding with tech transfer would be worth it and we should go for it. However we're looking at MICA, SD-10, AMMRAAM to equip our fleet, and possibly Meteor in the future.

Where does T-Darter fit in? I'm not saying we shouldn't, but there are many things to consider here.

[Zain Abbass]

Just because of the possible ToT possibility we should go for it and try to absorb as much as we can.

[msalman]

Asalamo-a-laikum.

They need partners? That's very easily said but can we design and build a BVRAAM rocket motor?

It sounds interesting at least.

All that experience with designing and developing Hatafs and Shaheens should be very helpful. My understanding is that Pakistan has produced solid rocket motors for its missiles.

[FaisalK]

Asalamo-a-laikum.

Funding with tech transfer would be worth it and we should go for it. However we're looking at MICA, SD-10, AMMRAAM to equip our fleet, and possibly Meteor in the future.

Where does T-Darter fit in? I'm not saying we shouldn't, but there are many things to consider here.

I think the T-Darter is a contemporary of the Meteor - i.e. of same generation and with similar capabilities. It will definitely be cheaper than the Meteor - though likely not as good - but would be major for JF-17 IMO. Plus there is no firm date as to when the T-Darter will be ready for full-service, remember this system was proposed to Pakistan back in 1999! The A-Darter itself will be entering South African service in 2009, so I don't think T-Darter will be around until 2012-2015.

Also to consider is that the heavy commercial nature of SD-10 and MICA put those systems at extreme proximity to India. While the same holds true for T-Darter, this system being of Meteor-class should give PAF more incentive to work on customizing it than say SD-10/MICA. So IMO use the T-Darter as a basis for a Pakistan-specific BVRAAM...and this is where IMO cooperation with the French, Italians and Chinese would come.

Pakistan can begin raising its own projects for seeker, guidance, etc, technology and gain low-key multi-lateral assistance from the French & Italians on developing those systems. In the end while the Pakistani T-Darter would have the same range and speed as the South African export version...the critical seeker & guidance technology would be unknown to India, Israel and even U.S.

At this stage, Pakistan can work towards further developing the T-Darter/Pak-BVRAAM into a standard short to medium-range SAM similar to MBDA Aster-15 for its land and naval assets. Hence Pakistan can potentially pull off an ESSM like develop through the T-Darter in the long-term. No doubt that drawing experience from Spada-2000, BAMSE and possibly even ESSM will have its advantages. The Turks will soon be looking for a partner to develop such a system, and the South Africans themselves may be interested to bolster their naval air-defence capabilities.

On another note, MBDA is studying the idea of using Meteor as a basis for a new high speed air-to-surface missile. This concept is being developed to create a high speed missile that could strike mobile SAM units and even ballistic/cruise missile transporters! Now imagine such a development out of T-Darter...realize that this could put Pakistan in a position to start threatening India's strategic assets!

[zia ul haq]

Asalamo-a-laikum.

My tendancy would be to say "let's do this" because of what FaisalK has said immediately above, but I'd still like to see Meteor on our planes (could we see both?).

We need the best if we're to defend ourself against Indian agression.

[M Zulfiqar Asad]

I asked someone that do we have T-darters?He said "not yet".I think we may procure them in the future.

[Muhammad Hasan]

Meteor, Mica, T-Darter are all possibilities for Thunders and FC-20s. They all are very potent weapons. specially the first two. PAF has been following the path of Chinese platforms blended with more advance weapons and avionics. I think it is the best cost-effective way they can think of.

[FaisalK]

I asked someone that do we have T-darters?He said "not yet".I think we may procure them in the future.

As of now T-Darter and A-Darter are both under development and no doubt they will require more funding. These projects were offered to Pakistan back in 1999, I can see the issue of openly cooperating even today. However Noman/chursy mentioned T-Darter as a BVRAAM few years back...and Richard Fisher said that JF-17 would use an "A-Darter" derived WVRAAM. Then we see JF-17's possible HMD that looks very similar to Archer...scary stuff if you ask me.

It would be interesting to see if the T-Darter uses a ramjet design like the Meteor.

[FaisalK]

Brazil is one of the key partners involved in the A-Darter 5th gen WVRAAM project:

http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...r-sraam-03286/

I think it's possible that PAF's deal with Mectron will strengthen the possibility of acquiring the A-Darter and later T-Darter for use on JF-17 & FC-20. Also note that Denel was marketing A-Darter at IDEAS 2008, and the JF-17's HMDS' similarity with Denel Archer.

[Munir]

Both the A-darter as the IrisT have the same seeker. I do not think that if PAF F16 will go for IrisT we will add A-Darter to JF17. Then there is also little chance to go for T-Darter unless it is serious better then SD-10... Certainly in agility and range...

[Gaf]

If we do also get the T-Darter, then it would be an excellent addition to PAF's arsenal and overall object of diversification to minimise any single platform being comprimised, ie AMRAAMS, SD-10s and T-Darters.. Would make for quite an unpredictable time for IAF pilots!

[FaisalK]

Both the A-darter as the IrisT have the same seeker. I do not think that if PAF F16 will go for IrisT we will add A-Darter to JF17. Then there is also little chance to go for T-Darter unless it is serious better then SD-10... Certainly in agility and range...

The T-Darter is being developed as a next-generation system in the same league as the MBDA Meteor and PL-21, certainly will be certainly better than SD-10. I am not sure if IRIS-T and A-Darter share the same seeker, if can provide more info...?

However I do accept that IRIS-T would be the mature system, and will be applied to many other areas: IRIS-T SL medium-range SAM for land and sea; IDAS submarine-launch missile; LFK-NG VSHORAD, etc, no doubt! Though ideally I'd like Pakistan to manufacture this missile and its many variants - i.e. IRIS-T SL, IDAS & LFK-NG.

However I think A-Darter can be applied in the same manner if we decide to develop those necessary systems. Nonetheless both A-Darter and T-Darter are some years away, and the future development of other systems based on these designs are many years off. Hence we will need to acquire in-term solutions such as SD-10/PL-9C, MICA-RF/IR and potentially AMRAAM/IRIS-T for F-16s.

[Munir]

I am not sure if IRIS-T and A-Darter share the same seeker, if can provide more info...?

You can read the brochure and see for yourself

http://www.deneldynamics.co.za/resou...9_A-Darter.pdf

[vikasrehman]

Brazil is one of the key partners involved in the A-Darter 5th gen WVRAAM project:

http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...r-sraam-03286/

I think it's possible that PAF's deal with Mectron will strengthen the possibility of acquiring the A-Darter and later T-Darter for use on JF-17 & FC-20. Also note that Denel was marketing A-Darter at IDEAS 2008, and the JF-17's HMDS' similarity with Denel Archer.

Precisely the first thought that came to my mind when we first heard of this ARM deal with the Brazilian company. It appears that Denel probably didn't pursue the R&D for T-Darter any further -after they offered the missile to PAF few years back- due to the lack of money. Since, it would replace R-Darter, one can safely assume that it would be in the Meteor/AMRAAM-D etc rather than earlier BVR missiles. PAF has every chance to become a joint partner in this project if they can find the finances. This would be brilliant option, possibly even better than any chances considering the experience Denel/Mectron already have in AAMs.

[FaisalK]

You can read the brochure and see for yourself

http://www.deneldynamics.co.za/resou...9_A-Darter.pdf

Doesnt mention IRIS-T...although the seekers may look alike, that should be expected given that they're both using the same IR concepts.

Precisely the first thought that came to my mind when we first heard of this ARM deal with the Brazilian company. It appears that Denel probably didn't pursue the R&D for T-Darter any further -after they offered the missile to PAF few years back- due to the lack of money. Since, it would replace R-Darter, one can safely assume that it would be in the Meteor/AMRAAM-D etc rather than earlier BVR missiles. PAF has every chance to become a joint partner in this project if they can find the finances. This would be brilliant option, possibly even better than any chances considering the experience Denel/Mectron already have in AAMs.

Yes, and the T-Darter project was just rekindled a few months ago...of all the available options, it is T-Darter and PL-21 that fit the PAF's profile the most. IMO key promising factors include the MAR-1 deal - in which PAF will get ToT (as per Usman Shabbir) - and this:

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/1130/jf17hmdsxg0.jpg

This is from the official PAF documentary, and is shown as "JF-17's HMD"...notice how similar it looks to the Denel Archer! IMO I think the PAF is already looking at A-Darter as a long-term solution. There is a lot of promise in this system; it can potentially be developed as a future medium-range SAM for land and sea - similar to IRIS-T SL - and a SHORAD to replace Anza.

The only key issue I think would be interference from India, and the time it will take for this missile to enter service. Although with the recent push by Germany and EADS in general to sell arms to Pakistan, the India factor may not be a big one in the future. However A-Darter may not enter servie until 2015 and I assume T-Darter may inch near 2019...so the PAF will need interm solutions.

I think the IRIS-T is the most likely given its versatile nature of being a SRAAM as well as medium-range SAM for land and ships. The PN could potentially equip its MILGEM and future FFG - possibly MEKO - wth a Naval IRIS-T SL...a system Germany will pitch as modular and export oriented. The IRIS-T SRAAM can be applied to the F-16s, JF-17s and potentially the FC-20s too.

For BVR I suspect PAF will focus on SD-10, and work on improving it with foreign assistance - particularly from MBDA-France/Italy & Diehl BGT of Germany. The other possibility is working on its own seeker technology with MBDA, Diehl and Denel/Mectron, and apply it to both SD-10 and the T-Darter ramjet system.

[Sassad]

ramjet technology is a must have, if we can get it through the T-Darter, then why wait? ramjet technology (we can also expand into scramjets), will open up the hypersonic world for us. Imagine, Pakistani engineers/scientists working on hypersonic cruise missiles like the X-51 and/or hypersonic vehicles that will orbit the earth! Besides all the possibilities, we will still have one hell of a BVR missile!

[jawad]

Posted by an Indian bloger

i know it includes a lot of typical bukwas but should take a look

Military industrial cooperation between Pakistan and South Africa dates back to the mid-1990s when the PAF sought Denel Aerospace’s expertise for developing a family of precision-guided munitions for ground attack as well as a family of air combat missiles. In February 1996, soon after the PAF concluded a US$50 million deal with Italy’s Galileo Avionica for the supply of 30 Grifo-M3 airborne multi-mode pulse-Doppler radars for the upgraded Mirage IIIEAs, contractual negotiations began on a $160 million contract with Kentron to cover the licenced-production by AERO of the latter’s U-Darter within-visual-range air-to-air missile (a reverse-engineered R550 Magic-2 missile developed by MBDA). Following this, the PAF by April 1999 had commenced contractual negotiations with Denel Aerospace for co-development of a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) under a project codenamed H-2, as well as a family of ALCMs under Project H-4. Flight tests of the BVRAAM got underway in 2001 and the resultant missile is now the AERO-produced variant of Kentron’s 60km-range R-Darter missile, which in turn is a derivative of the Derby BVRAAM developed by Israel’s RAFAEL Armament Authority.

The first ALCM to be developed under Project H-4 was a 120km-range surgical missile armed with high-explosive runway-cratering bomblets, as well as a passive radiation seeker for targeting hostile ground-based air defence radars. This is a derivative of the MUPSOW ALCM that has been under development by Kentron since the early 1990s and incorporates twin side-mounted air intakes and fixed horizontal and vertical tailfins. Thus far, the PAF has conducted two successful qualification flights of the MUPSOW, these being done on April 22 and December 17, in 2003. Following this, AERO and Kentron began work on developing the ‘Raad’ by carrying out minor modifications to the MUPSOW’s airframe, which included a stretched fuselage, a fixed ventral air intake and twin vertical tailfins, and incorporation of twin swivelling horizontal fins. The PAF’s present plans call for the procurement of 120 anti-runway variants of the MUPSOW and 50 anti-radar variants, and up to 500 ‘Raad’ ALCMs.
http://trishulgroup.blogspot.com/200...-detailed.html

[jawad]

few Parts from (read full article if have not seen it yet) article about China’s emerging 5th generation air-to-air missiles (AAM) like A-Darter AAM and MBDA Meteor

China’s Emerging 5th Generation Air-to-Air Missiles
http://www.strategycenter.net/resear...pub_detail.asp
by Richard Fisher, Jr.
Published on February 2nd, 2008

Internet source imagery from January 4 has offered the first glimpses of what may be China’s emerging 5th generation air-to-air missiles (AAM). One missile, called the PL-ASR or PL-10, shows a very close resemblance to the South African Denel A-Darter AAM. A second image, discovered on a China’s Northwestern University web site in mid-December, shows another missile similar to the radar-guided South African Denel R-Darter, designed in cooperation with Israel. Both of these missiles are likely designed for use with modern Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD), which enable pilots to “look to kill” their targets. But there is more: additional imagery suggests that a previously reported ramjet powered development of the Chinese Luoyang PL-12 active-radar guided AAM, called the PL-13, could give the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) an AAM that could out-range existing U.S. AAMs.[1]

Luoyang PL-ASR/PL-10: This image obtained from Chinese web pages on January 4 was the first revelation of the existence of the advanced PL-10 5th generation AAM. The text indicates development began in 2004 and production is expected by 2010. The missile also has a 90 degree off-bore-sight view and a “Lock On After Launch” capability, meaning it can better exploit high off bore-sight firing. Source: CJDBY web page.

Possible “South African” AAMs

At the 2002 Zhuhai Airshow South African firms set up a small booth and spoke of their desire to do business with the PLA but did not go into specifics. At subsequent shows the South African presence grew larger and it is now clear that there have been several cooperative programs, including unmanned aircraft, air defense systems and air to air missiles. While South African firms have said little about the latter, in 2004 Yihong Chang reported on PLA interest in purchasing the 5th generation Denel A-Darter AAM.[7] The data revealed on January 4 indicated that development of the PL-10 started in 2004, which might track very well with the reported deepening of South African-PLA cooperation. The few clear images of the PL-ASR/PL-10 show a near 95 percent similarity with the Denel A-Darter AAM. The main differences are in the rear fin shape and configuration, but it is a relatively minor difference. So it is possible to speculate that the PL-10 may very well have a performance similar to or better than the A-Darter, which would include use of advanced imaging infrared guidance and a maximum range of 20km or better. The January 4 revelation indicates the seeker has a 90-degree off-bore-sight capability (180 degree field of view). It also has a lock-on-after-launch capability, meaning it can be launched from a high off-bore-sight position and acquires the target, usually accomplished with the aid of a helmet sight or IRST.

New Type AAM

The revelation of PL-10 imagery with the clear implication of South African technical participation also provides possible insights into another AAM found on a Chinese university website in mid-December 2007. This AAM has not yet been identified by any official or unofficial PLA source, but this single picture shows some similarity to the Denel radar-guided R-Darter, which is virtually the same missile as the Israeli Aircraft Industries Derby. The product of Israeli and South African cooperation during the 1980s and 1990s, the R-Darter has a light weight of 120kg and reported range of 63km.[8] It appears that the R-Darter/Derby program intended to produce a very maneuverable but light-weight radar-guided AAM that could be back-fitted to advanced 3rd and 4th generation fighters. R-Darter entered service with the South African Air Force but Derby has not yet entered service with the Israeli Air Force, though it is reportedly being used by the Singapore Air Force

“PL-13”

Another surprise in the imagery made available on Chinese web pages on January 4 was a curious computer-generated depiction of a missile called the “PL-13.” However, it must be stressed that this is the first image of this missile and a definitive determination of its existence and performance must await further disclosures. Arguing in favor of this program’s existence is the fact that its image appears with clear images of the PL-12 and the new PL-10, which would tend to lend credibility to the new missile depiction. In addition, Luoyang was reported to have been interested in ramjet propulsion to develop the PL-12.[13] This PL-13 image also points to the possibility that Vympel has sold China the technology needed to make such an AAM. The PL-13 image appears to show a two-intake ramjet motor, a configuration that Vympel had come to prefer as it was developing its R-77M-PD, following early 1990s collaboration with France’s former MATRA Corporation.[14] The ramjet intake shape on the PL-13 appears to conform to one known Vympel configuration. Furthermore, the four cruciform fins at the front end of the PL-13 are also characteristic of other Vympel missiles like the R-27, and Vympel was also reportedly discarding the “grid” shape fins for conventional fins,[15] which also coincides with the PL-13 image. Inasmuch as Russia apparently decided not to purchase the R-77M-PD, it is possible that Vympel was allowed to sell this missile technology to China.[16] But it is also possible that South Africa was a source for some AAM ramjet engine technology, inasmuch as South Africa also had an unrealized program called the Long Range Air-to-Air Missile (LRAAM).


First “PL-13” Image: This computer generated image appeared on the CJDBY website on January 4, 2008. While little is known about this missile the image’s credibility is supported by the inclusion of images of the PL-12 and the recently revealed PL-10. Source: CJDBY web site


If a real program, then the PL-13 would give the PLA a long-range AAM with considerable new capabilities. The R-77M-PD was reported to have an estimated range of 160km and the PL-13 should be expected to do as well or better. Furthermore, as it a ramjet powered missile, it is expected to sustain its high speed, likely about Mach 4 and greater, throughout its engagement, meaning that it has a substantial “no escape” zone, perhaps similar to that of the MBDA Meteor. Should the PL-13 see a near-term introduction, the it will likely be used in conjunction with the PLA’s AWACS aircraft that can find distant targets and then pass targeting data to attacking aircraft, likely J-11B and J-10 fighter. But the potential range of the PL-13 offers an indication that the PLA is also likely developing long-range radar for its 4th and 5th generation fighters, or may be interested in upgrading existing fighters with new longer range Russian radar. Inasmuch as Vympel has been marketing passive guided versions of the R-27 and R-77, it is reasonable to speculate that a version of the PL-13 may feature a passive guidance system, to better enable long-range attacks against critical support aircraft like AWACS, electronic warfare and tanker aircraft. The PL-13 could also form the basis for a future light-weight anti-radar or supersonic anti-ship missile.

[jawad]

I think the T-Darter is a contemporary of the Meteor - i.e. of same generation and with similar capabilities. It will definitely be cheaper than the Meteor - though likely not as good - but would be major for JF-17 IMO. Plus there is no firm date as to when the T-Darter will be ready for full-service, remember this system was proposed to Pakistan back in 1999! The A-Darter itself will be entering South African service in 2009, so I don't think T-Darter will be around until 2012-2015.

The T-Darter is being developed as a next-generation system in the same league as the MBDA Meteor and PL-21, certainly will be certainly better than SD-10. I am not sure if IRIS-T and A-Darter share the same seeker, if can provide more info...?

South African BVRAAM with ramjet engine technology is called the Long Range Air-to-Air Missile (LRAAM) or S-Dater and was offered to PAF as joint development project as a long term solution to PAF requirements on the other hand T-Dater was offered as short to medium term solution. T-Dater was an improved version of R-Dater with data link and some other improvements to meet PAF requirements

So only S-Dater / L-Dater and PL-13 are the BVRAAMs with ramjet engine technology and will be in class of MBDA Meteor

[Usman S.]

PAF and PN are in love with all things South African these days. You might see PN buying a South African missile system very soon

[jawad]

PAF and PN are in love with all things South African these days. You might see PN buying a South African missile system very soon

if i am not wrong Usman Shabbir is talking about Umkhonto SAM as South Africa dont have AntiShip Missile programe in active production or development and PN will get Babur when they feel they would need sea to surface attack capability

The Umkhonto has a set of tail-mounted, aerodynamic control fins, as well as thrust vectoring vanes in the motor nozzle (similar to Denel's A-Darter AAM), allowing for 40 g manoeuvres.Umkhonto-IR missile is the first vertically launched infrared-homing surface-to-air missile, also can lock-on-after-launch.

Three versions of Umkhonto VLS SAM

Umkhonto-IR (VLS)is infrared homing with range of 12 km+

Umkhonto-NG (VLS) is in development and will feature a rocket booster to increase its range from current 12 km to around 25-35km

Umkhonto-R (VLS) is a active radar-homing version of Umkhonto-IR with range of 25 km+

[jawad]

SA Hopes Brazil Will Join Another Missile Project


By: Keith Campbell
17 Oct 08

TEXT SIZE A Brazilian report has stated that South Africa's State-owned defence industrial group Denel is proposing that the Brazilian Navy cooperate with it in the development of the radar-guided version of Denel Dynamics' Umkhonto naval surface-to-air missile (SAM), designated Umkhonto-R. If so, this would parallel the current cooperation between Denel Dynamics and the Brazilian Air Force in the development of the A-Darter air-to-air missile. It is known that Denel is seeking to widen its cooperation with Brazil, with Unmanned Air Vehicles likely to be the next area of partnership. The Brazilian and South African Navies will start high-level staff talks late next month (November) and it is believed that this would provide the ideal opportunity for the South African Navy to lobby the Brazilians to join the Umkhonto-R programme.


The original, infrared-homing, version of the Umkhonto, designated Umkhonto-IR, is now in service with the South African and Finnish Navies and is being seriously considered by the Swedish Navy. Radar homing would give the missile greater range. While the slant (as distinct from vertical, or horizontal) range of the Umkhonto-IR is believed to be 14 km, that for the Umkhonto-R would, reportedly, be 20 km. (The Denel Dynamics public brochure for the Umkhonto-IR states "Range: 12 000 m", and gives a ceiling of 8 000 m.)

The South African Department of Defence is, it seems, providing funding for the Umkhonto-R project, but this is not likely to be enough to allow a purely national development of the programme within a reasonable time. (If a weapon system takes too long to develop, it becomes obsolete before it even enters service.) Hence Denel's, and South Africa's, reported desire for a partner.

The engagement sequence for the Umkhonto-IR is as follows: the warship detects a target on its acquisition radar and launches the missile against it; the SAM uses its on-board inertial navigation subsystem to fly itself to a "lock-on point" - the location at which its IR seeker can acquire the target and lock on to it - and then guide itself to interception.
However, for the Umkhonto-R, it is reported that, after target detection and missile launch, the SAM would be steered towards the target by commands from the warship, activating its radar seeker when within range, locking on to, and then intercepting, the target.

Unlike the South African navy, the Brazilian Navy already operates radar-guided SAMs, namely the Italian Aspide, with a published range of greater than 15 km. Although the Brazilians rate this as a very good missile, they are, however, merely users of it - they have no mastery of radar-homing technology. Cooperation with South Africa in the Umkhonto-R programme would provide an opportunity for the Brazilians to gain this expertise.

However, there is a potential problem. The Umkhonto (both -IR and -R versions) is designed to use vertical launch systems (VLS) and not traditional trainable launchers.

In a VLS each missile is accomodated in its own silo, and this arrangement has many advantages over traditonal systems, with the result that VLS is being adopted nearly universally for new-build warships. But almost all of a VLS is accomodated below deck, not above deck as with traditional launchers. This requires that the ship have significant internal volume to accomodate the VLS. And Brazil's existing frigates and corvettes do not have the necessary internal volume to host VLS, meaning they cannot carry the Umkhonto. On the other hand, the Umkhonto-R could be fitted to Brazil's bigger ships - the aircraft carrier and four or five amphibious ships - which have plenty of internal volume available. So this is not an automatic deal-wrecker.

The Brazilian Navy has its own research and development agency, the Naval Research Institute (IPqM are its initials in Portuguese). The IPqM is based in Rio de Janeiro and is subordinated to the Navy Science, Technology, and Innovation Secretariat. The Institute has successfully developed weapons and electronic systems that are now in service with the Brazilian Navy, including electronic support measures (ESM), a tactical control system for warships, a monitoring and conmtrol system for ships' engines, a chaff launching system, and sea mines. Projects it is currently working on include an electronic countermeasures (ECM) system, radar absorbing materials, ceramic armour, and an inertial navigation system. The IPqM has close ties with Brazilian industry and would presumably be the lead Brazilian institution in a joint Umkhonto-R programme.
http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/art...ect-2008-10-17