|
July 8, 2008 |
|
![]()
General Dynamics
Demonstrates Ground-Based Aircraft-Protection Technology
CMAPS Successfully Detected, Tracked and
Targeted UAVs in Recent Test
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – General
Dynamics Armament and Technical Products recently conducted a system
demonstration of its ground-based, Counter Man-Portable Airspace Protection
System (CMAPS) against multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) at the Naval Air
Systems Command test facility in China Lake, Calif. CMAPS successfully detected,
tracked and destroyed various UAVs by targeting critical aircraft components
during the test. General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products is a business
unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).
The recent counter-UAV demonstration at China Lake follows a series of
successful CMAPS technology demonstrations since March 2006 in which CMAPS
demonstrated capability in defeating Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS).
To date the system has detected, tracked and defeated MANPADS; and now has
proven its success in defeating small UAVs as well.
“As we just demonstrated, CMAPS defeated a variety of UAVs, proving that the
system has multi-mission capabilities,” said Phil Hynes, vice president of
strategic planning for General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products. “Tests
have shown that General Dynamics' ground-based countermeasure system can
successfully protect airspace and other assets, including infrastructure and
ships, against a broad spectrum of threats.”
CMAPS is a ground-based system that uses a network of sensors to detect and
track a threat, whether it is a missile or UAV. Once identified, high-power,
infrared countermeasures are directed to the target to defeat the threat.
One of CMAPS’ key strengths is its mobility. It is portable and can be rapidly
deployed to any airfield, and the system can operate safely in both remote and
densely populated areas.
In 2006, Congress directed the Department of Homeland Security to explore new
missile-countermeasure technologies that do not rely solely on infrared
technology onboard aircraft. The General Dynamics ground-based CMAPS continues
to prove to be a viable alternative to current aircraft-based countermeasure
technologies. Developed primarily to protect military aircraft, the system also
could be deployed at civilian airports to protect aircraft at any locale. It
eliminates the need for a jet to have its own aircraft-based system.
General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, located in Charlotte, N.C.,
provides a broad range of system solutions for military and commercial
applications. The company designs, develops and produces high-performance
armament systems; defensive armor solutions; aerospace components; mobile
shelter systems; and is the leading U.S. producer of biological and chemical
detection systems. More information about General Dynamics Armament and
Technical Products can be found on the Internet at
www.gdatp.com.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately
84,000 people worldwide and reported 2007 revenues of $27.2 billion. The company
is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems,
armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information
systems and technologies. More information about the company is available on the
Internet at www.generaldynamics.com.
# # #