The name MEADS (Medium Extended Air Defense System) hides a European ground-based air defense system. This system will be capable of striking both aircraft and medium-range tactical missiles (launch range up to 1000 kilometers). The United States (58.1% participation), Germany (25.2%) and Italy (16.7%) are participating in the development of the system, perhaps Qatar will be able to join its development in the very near future. This system is intended to replace the Patriot air defense systems in service.
In early November this year, the national directors of armaments of the United States, Germany and Italy approved amendments to the contract, which provide for the further allocation of funds for two tests of the MEADS air defense system. The new contract provides for tests to identify the characteristics of missile sensors and determine the characteristics of the launcher before the completion in 2014 of the contract for the development and design of the complex. At the same time, the amount of funding for the program remained within the framework of the 2004 agreements. The planned volume of financing for the development is estimated at $ 4.2 billion.
Tests are scheduled for next year to intercept a ballistic missile and test the detection system, while the first tests have already taken place. On November 21, 2011, at the White Sands test site, located in the state of New Mexico, successful flight tests of the MEADS medium-range air defense system were carried out. During the tests, a light launcher, an anti-aircraft guided missile PAC-3 MSE and a combat control point of the system were used. The test program provided for the launch of a rocket at a simulated target attacking from behind. Its defeat required the performance of a unique maneuver, which was supposed to demonstrate that the complex was able to intercept targets in a 360-degree sector. After successfully hitting the simulator target, the interceptor missile self-destructed.
Earlier, in October, in Orlando (SShA), the combat control center of the MEADS - Battle Manager system was tested. The first launcher was delivered to the landfill after the completion of the integration of all systems by Lockheed Martin. PU MEADS has 8 anti-aircraft guided missiles PAC-3 MSE and can be airlifted to its destination.
Earlier, on December 20, 2010, at the Italian Fusaro airbase, the command and control point (PBU) of the MEADS complex was demonstrated for the first time. By 2012, another 5 similar PBUs should be prepared. The point of the combat complex of the medium-range air defense missile system MEADS is based on the Italian off-road vehicle ARIS. The use of a revolutionary open network architecture and standardized interfaces provides the control room with the ability to control launchers and detection equipment from various air defense systems, incl. and not part of the MEADS air defense system.
Through the use of new capabilities, launchers, different types of detection equipment and command posts can act as a single MEADS network. The commander of the air defense missile system, depending on the prevailing situation, can exclude or, conversely, supplement the listed nodes without interruptions in the functioning of the system, ensuring the concentration of combat capabilities and quick maneuver in the most dangerous areas. The minimum configuration of the complex is a set of target detection radar, PBU, launcher (all in a single copy). It is reported that the command post is fully compatible with advanced, modern control systems, for example, with NATO's Air Command and Control System - NATO's air command and control system.
In February of this year, the US Department of Defense made a statement that it could stop funding this project from 2014, upon completion of all stages of the demonstration and development of the system due to a lack of necessary funds. At the same time, information appeared that Qatar entered the negotiations on participation in the program together with Germany and Italy. At the same time, experts note that the entry into the project of Qatar will not be able to compensate for the withdrawal of the United States from it. Defense News reports about the negotiations with Qatar, citing sources close to the developers of the program.
Qatar is showing interest in this complex, as the country will host the World Cup in 2022. According to Defense News, Qatar is showing heightened concern about a possible missile threat from Iran.
To date, the United States has already spent $ 1.5 billion out of the $ 4.2 billion planned for the program. Until 2014, the Pentagon plans to spend about $ 800 million on the program. Despite objections from a number of congressmen, Barack Obama recommended that the Department of Defense complete the implementation of this project in order to avoid paying penalties, as well as fulfilling obligations to its international partners.
The MEADS complex is able to provide circular anti-missile and air defense of groupings of troops and important objects from cruise and operational-tactical missiles, aircraft and UAVs of the enemy. According to the information from the developers of the complex, the coverage area of MEADS is 8 times higher than those for the existing western air defense systems, while ensuring a significant reduction in the cost of material support and maintenance personnel. It is assumed that such complexes will replace the Patriot air defense systems and the outdated Hawk in Germany and Nike Hercules in Italy.
A feature of the system is the ability to form a complete set depending on the degree of the perceived threat, which makes it possible to quickly combine ready-made modules, including combat control points, detection radars and launchers. According to preliminary information, after the completion of the tests, the United States intended to purchase 48 complexes, Germany - 24, Italy - 9.
It is worth noting that the MEADS air defense system, unlike the Patriot air defense system, is able to intercept targets flying from different directions using only one launcher. The American Patriot PAC-3 air defense / missile defense system required the military to deploy not one launcher, but at least four, in all cardinal directions to protect a group of forces or an important facility. This is due to the fact that in this complex the guides with missiles are located at an angle to the horizon and are capable of launching missiles only in the direction from which the target appears.
It is worth noting that this approach was, to put it mildly, very costly and inconvenient in terms of deployment in time and missile expenditure. At the same time, the Russian air defense systems S-300V and S-300PMU, initially in a combat position, place their launch containers with missiles strictly vertically. The missiles are also launched, after which it, already in the air, makes a turn towards the detected target. In this case, it is absolutely unimportant from which direction it attacks a guarded object or a group of troops. The development and testing of medium-range air defense systems MEADS indicate that the United States has finally understood which method of placing missiles is the most effective for air defense / missile defense systems.
Specifications SAM MEADS
Target engagement range:
ballistic missiles - 3-35 km.
aircraft - 3-100 km.
The maximum target destruction height is 25 km.
The maximum flight speed of an anti-aircraft guided missile - 1400m / s
The average flight speed of an anti-aircraft guided missile is 900-1000 m / s
Maximum overload:
15g - at flight altitude H = 15km
60g - at flight altitude H = 0
The mass of the missile warhead is 15-20 kg.
The launch mass of the rocket is 510 kg.
