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 VL
Mica is a land based derivative of the naval vertical launch
version of the MBDA Missile System Mica air/air missile. The
system was developed to provide effective air defense for mobile
units, and installations. The system is designed to counter high
speed maneuvering targets at all weather, with a mobile, short
range fire-and-forget missile.
The Mica air/air missile is a matured system,
incorporating both RF (active radar guided) and infrared imaging
seekers to ensure autonomous guidance after launch (Lock On After
Launch). The vertically launched missile features a thrust vector
control system to rapidly turn toward the target after launch. The
VL/TV concept enables the system to maintain a short reaction
time, and high firing rate (less than 2 seconds between firings),
when simultaneously engaging multiple targets from different
directions. The launcher can meet such contingency without the
need of costly tracking and guidance system, as well as heavy
mechanical slewing mechanism.
The system comprises of mobile launch units, each
carrying 4 – 6 launchers and a tactical operation center which
also links via fiber-optic line to the remote controlled radar,
and via VHF radio link, to the firing units. The system has not
been deployed yet, but is currently marketed and competing on air
defense contracts worldwide. According to MBDA, the French Army
and Air Force are also evaluating the new system. Initial firings
of the VL Mica were done in December 2001.
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