IDEX 2013: Raytheon reveals new deployable missile range

Raytheon launched a new product described as a complete missile range in a box at the IDEX exhibition held in Abu Dhabi from 17-21 February.

The new Mobile Range product is a modular suite of radars, electro-optical (EO) sensors, and a separate generic range command-and-control (C2) shelter packaged into 20 ft ISO containers. Each of the containers is self-contained with its own power generator and tools to set up the sensors contained within.

The range covers five major antennas offering increasing levels of capability and range performance, enabling the user to tailor the range to their requirements. At the lowest end, the suite includes a 1 m flat radar antenna and integral EO camera tracker that can be slaved to weapon launches.

Performance and capability then steps up through increments of a 2.4 m parabolic antenna with satellite communication (SATCOM) on-the-move, a 3.6 m radar with cross dipoles to enable flight-ending serials with C2 of the test missile. Radars then grow through 4.6 m and 6 m systems offering quad-band telemetry and SATCOM connections that can support weapon tests over significant ranges.