The Snipe target provides a simple, affordable threat simulation for air defence weapon system training, both on land and at sea. Although designed as a short, within visual range target utilizing manual control, the Snipe may be fitted with the latest derivative of the Meggitt Defence Systems CASPA avionics system to endow it with a beyond visual range capability.
The ability of the Snipe to carry infra red and visual augmentation together with its low cost make it ideally suited as a direct kill target for use against gun and short range missile anti aircraft weapons.
2.2
metre wingspan
Recoverable and reusable
Catapult
or hand launched from land or ships deck
Can
carry an MDI, smoke and Infra red flares
simultaneously
Snipe targets are fitted with the Meggitt Defence Systems, Command and Surveillance Payload Avionics (CASPA), command and control System featuring digital, three axis autopilot, telemetry, and GPS functions, along with other navigational features. Operator control is made through the Meggitt Defence Systems, Wizard Ground Control Station.
Snipe improvements completed
As a result of the success of the CASPA avionics in the latest Banshee airframe the Meggitt engineers have been busy developing a revised version with a smaller footprint. This latest mini CASPA has proven ideal for installation in the Snipe aerial target. The combination of the Snipe airframe and CASPA avionics provides a truly affordable “kill target” with a BVR capability, with which to test and evaluate modern weapon systems that have a high kill probability.
During the development of this target the opportunity has been taken to improve the original airframe design to take advantage of the latest composite manufacturing techniques. The latest version is also fitted with a larger fuel tank to provide it with an increased flight endurance of up to 40 minutes.
The Snipe is also able to carry both smoke and infra red flares, a proven engine exhaust driven black body IR exhaust, an acoustic miss distance indicator system, and when necessary, an active radar augmenter.
