Reuse of Rapier components for training purposes
Which innovative and creative approaches enable a systematic coverage of demand for the Air Force – particularly in the area of comprehensive pilot training? How can efficiency and efficacy be maximised in this context? armasuisse Science and Technology (S+T) is addressing these issues and developing a forward-looking solution for the Air Force as part of the innovation expedition LCTE EW launched for this purpose. You can find out in the following article which surprising role a disused weapons system can play here.
Jens Rehanek, specialist area Research and Innovation, competence sector Science and Technology
In brief
Helicopter and jet crews have to be trained comprehensively in handling their self-protection systems, whereby they learn how to circumvent threats through tactical manoeuvres and terrain cover. In the DDPS innovation spaces, the potential of adapting obsolete air defence systems to the specific needs of the Air Force was recognised. This led to the development of the LCTE EW expedition, which reuses the expiring Rapier air defence system for Air Force training purposes. This system simulates ground threats during training flights and thus helps in the training of combat aircraft and helicopter crews. The LCTE EW promises considerable cost savings compared with procuring potential commercially available alternatives and should be ready for use from the second quarter of 2025.
In the DDPS innovation spaces, the potential of specifically adapting an obsolete air defence system to solve an existing challenge in the Air Force was recognised. This led to the Innovation Expedition Low Cost Training Emitter Electronic Warfare (LCTE EW). This aims to reuse parts of the decommissioned Rapier air defence system for the training purposes of the Air Force. The focus is mainly on the Rapier system’s search radar, which is to be used in future to simulate ground threats during training flights. This will enable effective training of combat aircraft and helicopter crews. The efficiency of the Air Force can be increased in the long-term with this approach.
Integration of the Rapier components
Under the management of armasuisse S+T, selected search radar components were removed from the disused Rapier system and refurbished. The infrastructures provided and in particular the expertise and skills of the armasuisse S+T employees enable an efficient process for aligning the reuse of the components completely to the requirements of the Air Force. This includes general as well as specific modifications to be able to guarantee reliable training opportunities in the field of electronic warfare with the LCTE EW expedition in the future.
This expedition creates an innovative opportunity for implementing a simulated ground-based air defence system with which helicopter and jet crews can train handling of their self-protection systems. The pilots learn how to circumvent threats from the ground through tactical manoeuvres and terrain cover. In addition, the reuse of the Rapier parts enables training to take place in their own environment and in the specific topography in the future. The reuse of these flexible system components also enables considerable technical advantages in handling, which optimise the use of personnel resources. This substantially increases the training effect. Altogether, the project promotes practical training which meets the requirements of modern air operations.
Conclusion and outlook
The LCTE EW expedition contributes to knowledge building for efficient support and development in possible procurement projects. The separation of specific Rapier parts from an ongoing decommissioning process presents a particular challenge. The necessary clarifications revealed that a legally justifiable reuse of parts or entire systems is possible despite existing decommissioning processes. The required components can thus be successfully removed from the decommissioning process. The system is expected to be available to the Air Force for training purposes from the second quarter of 2025.
armasuisse S+T will first support training of the Air Force experts so that they will be able to operate the system independently in future. In addition, armasuisse S+T will continue to provide advice and support as well as take on repair and maintenance work. This will continue as part of the LCTE-EW innovation expedition.
It will enable considerable cost savings with regard to personnel resources and training infrastructures. In particular, the opportunity of training in their own domain will further increase the efficiency of training. This will not only optimise the training process but also promote the operational readiness of the Air Force in the long term.