07-Aug-2008
Jane's International Defence Review
ATE develops Mirage avionics, weapons upgrade
Helmoed-Römer Heitman
Key Points
- Package includes improved missile intercept capabilities, HUD, MFDs and fire control radar
- Only four air forces maintain Mirage IIIs and Vs
South African defence group Advanced Technologies and Engineering (ATE) has developed an avionics and weapons system (AWS) upgrade package for the Mirage III/V aircraft.
The package has been developed to meet a requirement set out by two unspecified foreign air forces, both of which have short-listed the ATE upgrade. Mirage IIIs are currently in service with Argentina and Pakistan, and Mirage Vs with Colombia, Egypt and Pakistan.
Argentina is known to be seeking a modern jet fighter. However, with funds lacking, an upgrade to its existing fleet of Mirage IIIs may meet this requirement.
The developments are based on experience gained in upgrading the Spanish Air Force Mirage F1 fleet and in developing the mission system for the South African Air Force's Hawk lead-in fighter trainers.
A key focus of the upgrade package is to enable Mirage IIIs and Vs to employ modern beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles for medium- to long-range intercept. The package is generic, allowing equipment from different companies to be integrated into the system. It will typically comprise dual-redundant mission and weapons computers developed by ATE; dual redundant mission (MIL-STD-1553B) and weapons (MIL-STD-1760 compatible) busses; modern fire-control radar; head-up display (HUD) and multifunction displays (MFDs), provided by either Galileo Avionica or Thales; and an electronic warfare system provided by Saab Avitronics. ATE will function as system house and handle the complete system integration and delivery.
A typical weapons mix envisaged for the upgraded fighter would comprise an internal cannon, short-range air-to-air missiles (AAMs) on the outer wing stations, and medium-range AAMs on the inner wing stations. The system can be configured to also carry medium-range missiles on the outer stations.
While the aircraft are intended for air-to-air mission roles, an air-to-ground capability can be provided.
The Mirage F1 upgrade developed for the Spanish Air Force and implemented in 55 aircraft, featured a redesign of the cockpit with a new man-machine-interface upgrade that included a hands-on throttle and stick; sextant Avionique's smart HUD, colour liquid-crystal displays, and inertial navigation system with GPS interface; a radar upgrade; enhanced air-to-ground functionality providing continuously computed impact point (CCIP) and continuously computed release point (CCRP) and 'long toss' modes for both low-drag and high-drag bombs; improved air-to-air self-defence functionality using short-range infrared and medium-range radar-guided missiles; Have-Quick 2 compatible communications system; and encrypted Mode 4 digital identification and flight recorders.