A new solid-state inertial measurement unit (SiIMU02) developed by BAE Systems has been selected to provide mid-course guidance for the new A-Darter air-to-air missile produced by Denel Aerospace Systems of South Africa.
A fifth-generation, infrared-guided air-to-air missile system, A-Darter has been designed to meet the challenges of future air combat against fighters equipped with sophisticated electronic countermeasures.
"We have found, in BAE Systems, an excellent partner to supply A-Darter with a state-of-the-art inertial measurement unit," said Deon Olivier, product manager for air-to-air missiles for Denel Aerospace Systems. "Because the development of a new missile is such a long-term commitment, it is important for us to select our key supplier partners with great care."
"Selection of BAE Systems' solid-state technology for A-Darter reflects the maturity of our
micro-machined electromechanical system (MEMS) product range and the technical suitability of this model for accurate mid-course navigation of missile systems" said Derrick Cox, business development manager for BAE Systems in Plymouth, U.K., where the inertial measurement unit (IMU) is being developed.
SiIMU02 is a proprietary product of BAE Systems. The MEMS IMU measures angular rate and acceleration on each of three axes, providing affordable mid-course guidance and navigation. SiIMU02 has been proven to withstand extremely harsh operating environments, including the survival of gun-launch shock up to 20,000g (20,000 times the force of gravity) for guided projectiles.
