Page 30 - ADT JUNE - JULY 2021 Online Magazine

currently in operational service with the French
armed forces.

The MICA has been a success for MBDA with
over 5,000 missiles exported to over 22 armed
forces. The MICA introduced a unique concept
of a single missile casing with the option of
two different seekers – Infra-Red (IR) or Radio [ MISSILE SYSTEMS ]
Frequency (RF) and two launch modes – rail
and ejection. With the growing success of the
Rafale in export markets, MICA continues to
rack up orders. The Mica NG will be carried by
the Rafale from the F3-R standard onwards.
The next-generation interception, combat and
self-defence missiles boost the medium-range
interception, close combat and self-protec-
tion capabilities of French Air Force and Navy
Rafales.

Same But Different
The MICA NG will receive an extensive rede-
sign while retaining the same aerodynamics,
mass and centre of gravity as its predeces-
sor. This will minimise the amount of changes
required to operate the new missile on existing
platforms and launchers. MBDA is introducing
substantial changes to the MICA NG to enable
it to prosecute targets with reduced IR and
Electro Magnetic (EM) signatures, Unmanned
Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and small aircraft in addi-
tion to conventional threats encountered by
fighter jets such as combat aircraft and heli-
copters. MBDA will upgrade the IR seeker with
a matrix sensor providing greater sensitivity,
while the RF seeker will be replaced with an
Active Electronically Scanned Antenna (AESA)
seeker. The advances in technology over the
On Target last 25 years mean that the volume of elec-

tronic components within MICA NG will be
significantly reduced allowing MBDA to intro-
duce a larger quantity of propellant, thereby
significantly extending the range of the missile.

The addition of a new double-pulse rocket
THE NEW MICA NG AIR-TO-AIR MISSILE IS A motor will also provide additional energy to
SIGNIFICANT ADVANCE OVER ITS SUCCESSFUL the missile at the end of its flight (terminal
PREDECESSOR phase) improving its manoeuvrability and abil-
ity to intercept targets at long range. MBDA
is also working to integrate internal sensors
Atul Chandra that allow the weapon’s status to be monitored
throughout its life (including during storage and
Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM) are the primary weapons for aerial combat transport). Thales will provide its know-how
on modern fighters and with conflict hotspots erupting around the in active detection sensors and integration of
world, air arms are working to ensure access to state-of-the-art Health Usage and Monitoring System (HUMS)
missile technology. France is one of a handful of countries that has sensors, which will allow better control of aging,
been able to successfully develop a family of air-to-air missiles and in particular for pyrotechnic elements. These
continues to invest in their development. France initiated develop- changes are expected to significantly contrib-
ment of the Missile d’Interception et de Combat Aérien Nouvelle ute to reducing ownership and maintenance
Génération (MICA NG) as replacement for existing MICA missiles costs.

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