QinetiQ's innovative phased array missile seeker sensor achieves success in a 'Hardware-In-the-Loop' test

QinetiQ recently achieved what it believes to be a world first with a successful 'closed loop' test of its phased array radar seeker sensor concept. This puts the UK at the forefront of new missile seeker technology and constitutes a major risk reduction for the next generation of surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles.

Whereas conventional radar seeker antennas are mechanically steered within the missile to maintain RF energy on the target, the phased array sensor is strapped down to the missile and electronically steers its energy. In closed loop tests, QinetiQ has demonstrated that the innovative RF phased array sensor can achieve the basic functions that are required to guide a missile successfully to its target. Further development will have to follow to achieve full seeker functionality.

It is expected that a phased array RF missile seeker will be able to provide considerably greater resistance to future electronic countermeasures that would debilitate conventional missile seekers. This QinetiQ invention and recent achievement therefore brings a step change improvement in missile performance that much closer. In addition, the sensor's high level of circuit integration and absence of moving parts should offer a more cost effective and reliable solution for weapon systems in the long term.

QinetiQ Product Area Manager, Chris Alder said: "The development of this phased array seeker concept has seen a team of experts from across QinetiQ working together over a number of years to deliver this outstanding achievement. From sensor conception through design and manufacture to test, QinetiQ's technology expertise and understanding of missile systems has been essential to this success."

This significant stage in ongoing seeker development follows twelve years of research funded by the UK MOD's Corporate and Applied Research Programmes.

The Radar Systems Division of AMS contributed to the hardware development that made this closed loop trial possible. The test took place at one of the world's largest hardware-in-the-loop facilities, at the MOD's Dstl (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory) in Farnborough.