Unmanned Aircraft System takes flight

A Raytheon Company Cobra Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) conducted the first official unmanned aircraft flight in North Dakota.

The Cobra flew approved flight profiles through military restricted airspace over Camp Grafton South, a National Guard training area.

During the three-day deployment to the site, the Cobras completed nine flights and executed autonomous takeoffs, landings and in-flight navigation along pre-planned routes.

BAE Systems received a $62.3 million contract from Lockheed Martin to begin production of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) Interceptor Seeker.

The seeker provides infrared imagery of the targeted warhead to the missile to guide the interceptor to its target. The first THAAD systems will be fielded in 2009 and ready for worldwide deployment in 2010.

"The entire team has been working together to ensure warfighters receive a missile defence system they can count on, to defend themselves and the assets they are protecting," said Mat Joyce, Lockheed Martin VP and THAAD programme manager. "Once fielded, THAAD will network with other systems and sensors to provide the layered missile defence capability required for the future."

The first SMART-S Mk2 radar system was successfully installed at the end of June aboard the HDMS Absalon, according to Thales.

The HDMS Absalon is the first of the two new Flexible Support Ships of the Royal Danish Navy to be equipped.

SMART-S Mk2 is Thales' new E/F-band 3D medium to long range volume search radar, optimised for operation in littoral conditions. Its size and weight match Fast Attack Craft and larger and upwards vessel types.