The role and type of aircraft used in airstrike operations has changed significantly. Shaped by a shifting international security landscape and subsequent widespread adoption of a capabilities-based strategy over a threat-based strategy, combat aircraft are now capable of conducting a multitude of strike operations.
Today, airstrike requirements are based on precision-guidance, increased pilot safety, minimising collateral damage, operational flexibility and a diverse choice of weapon systems.
EDGE, a leading advanced technology and defense group, based in Abu Dhabi, develops and produces air-to-surface weapons that directly align with these requirements. Within their Missiles & Weapons cluster, a strong focus is placed on smart weapons that utilise the latest guidance technology in addition to a number of advanced features that give end-users the leading-edge.
AL TARIQ
Designed to enhance airstrike capabilities through the latest technology and maximise mission flexibility, the AL TARIQ modular family of mission-proven precision-guided munitions (PGMs) keeps the end-user ahead in any environment.
The AL TARIQ family of all-weather, day/night PGMs converts unguided aerial munitions into smart, longer-range focused munitions. Designed for the Mk 81, Mk 82, and Mk 83 general purpose aerial munitions, integration on the 250kg and 450kg High Speed Low Drag (HSLD) payloads is possible, depending on the user’s requirement. Another payload option is a 250kg penetration munition for engaging hardened installations and for airburst applications, a height-of-burst (HOB) sensor can be added.
Precision strike capabilities is achieved through three seeker variants. Standard guidance provides an accuracy within 10 metres CEP (circular error probable) using GAINS (GNSS aided by INS). Exacting precision within 3 metres CEP is attained by adding an imaging infrared (IIR) seeker with automatic target recognition (ATR) and for improved accuracy against moving targets, a semi-active laser (SAL) is added to the standard guidance, also achieving an accuracy of 3 metres CEP. For a high degree of mission success against multiple high-powered GPS jammers, a GNSS Anti-Jamming solution is integrated.
Pilot survivability can be maximised through the addition of a wing-kit that converts the AL TARIQ-S (Standard Range) to the AL TARIQ-LR (Long Range) variant, allowing the user to increase the standoff range from 45km to 120km at 12,000m. Survivability is further increased through an off-axis attack capability. As a truly flexible fire-and-forget solution, AL TARIQ PGMs have a lock-on before launch (LOBL) and after launch (LOAL) capability as well as an in-flight re-targeting capability.
AL TARIQ PGMs can be integrated on a range of light fighter, multirole, counter-insurgency (COIN), and unmanned aircraft.
Ease of operation allows for simple integration and operation by ground crew and aircrew. Operational performance is supported with a complete turnkey solution incorporating PGM kits,
testing equipment, documentation and training to enable effective deployment anywhere in the world.
THUNDER
Designed as a cost-effective airstrike solution, the THUNDER line of short-range guidance kits provide precision strike capabilities in an easy to deploy package. The THUNDER line combines an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) measurements to guide the weapon to its target (GAINS). A semi-active laser (SAL) seeker configuration further improves accuracy against designated targets. The standard GAINS seeker is accurate within 10m CEP and its GAINS and SAL seeker is accurate within 3m CEP.
The THUNDER P31 PGM kit is fitted to the Mk 81 general purpose aerial munition, weighing 140kg and achieves a range of over 15km at a release altitude of approximately 12,000m.
The THUNDER P32 PGM kit is fitted to the Mk 82 general purpose aerial munition, weighing 240kg and achieves a range of over 15km at a release altitude of approximately 12,000m.
The THUNDER P4 PGM kit is fitted to the Mk 84 general purpose aerial munition, weighing 1,150kg and achieves a range of over 15km at a release altitude of approximately 9,100m.
DESERT STING
The DESERT STING family of light weight, precision-guided glide weapons offer air forces smaller stand-off weapons for light attack, COIN and unmanned aircraft. Fitted on either a single, dual or quad rack, the DESERT STING family is differentiated by their weight and warhead size. The DESERT STING family provides precision accuracy using either a GAINS or GAINS and SAL seeker, achieving 10m CEP and 3m CEP respectively with an option for either an impact or HOB detonator.
The DESERT STING 5 (DS-5) is a 10kg glide weapon with a range of 18km down range, 15km cross range and 8km back range at a release altitude of approximately 9,100m.
The DESERT STING 16 (DS-16) is a 23kg glide weapon with a range of 16km down range, 13km cross range and 7km back range at a release altitude of approximately 9,100m.
The DESERT STING 25 (DS-25) is a 45kg glide weapon with a range of 14km down range, 11km cross range and 5km back range at a release altitude of approximately 9,100m.