The Royal Navy's latest air defence missile demonstrated its prowess when it scored a direct hit on a sub-sonic target during trials in the Mediterranean.
The PAAMS air defence system (Principal Anti-Air Missile System) launched a missile at over 3045 mph (mach 4) off the French coast on 4 June. It achieved a direct hit on a Mirach target simulating an aircraft travelling at 450 mph and at a 10km altitude. The highly sophisticated system has been designed to allow the new Type 45 Destroyer to defend the fleet against anti-ship missiles approaching from any direction and at supersonic speeds. Rear Admiral Bob Cooling, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff, said: 'The Royal Navy is delighted with the successful firing of PAAMS. We are looking forward to this world class capability entering service on board the Type 45 Daring Class destroyers.' Dave Twitchin, MoD Director of Destroyers, said: 'The first firing was a tense moment, and the culmination of much innovation and development which made the direct hit all the more exciting. 'This is just the first in a series of trials to come, but it is a significant milestone along the way. All the teams that have worked closely together are rightly proud of the work they've done.' The PAAMS system, which has been developed by MBDA, will defend the fleet against attack from both aircraft and multiple sea-skimming supersonic missiles. Integral to PAAMS is the Sampson Multi Function Radar which tracks targets and directs missiles towards them. This element is a bespoke design developed by BAE Systems to meet the Royal Navy's very specific requirements. The trials were conducted from a 12,000 tonne converted barge which carried a full replica of the air defence equipment the new Type 45 destroyers will carry, include long range and missile directing radars, an combat control centre and missiles in their vertical launcher silos.
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