The latest advanced hydraulic technology and fluid contamination monitoring systems from Parker Hannifin is enabling MBDA, previously known as Matra BAe Dynamics, to improve the performance and reliability of its Rapier FSC Weapon System. This sophisticated system is used on battlefields and in conflict zones around the world, where it has to operate reliably and with precision under a wide range of environmental conditions.
MBDA is a global missiles and missile systems prime contractor that specialises in providing the latest generation of armament products to satisfy missile system requirements for the armed forces network. Manufactured as part of the Rapier system range, the latest Rapier FSC Weapon System is designed to combat airborne threats, offering a high engagement rate in multi-target environments and incorporating modern digital technology for increased reliability and accuracy.
Rapier FSC comprises a launcher with eight ready-to-fire MK2 missiles and a passive Electro Optical (EO) tracking device, a 3D surveillance radar that can track and prioritise over 75 targets simultaneously, and a high resolution all weather radar tracker. The complete system is mobile, being designed for towing behind a medium sized vehicle or airlifting via transport aircraft or helicopter.
Tony Pedley, of MBDA, explained that, “Among the main criteria when developing the Rapier system was the need to build a unit that was as lightweight and compact, yet sufficiently robust to withstand the rigours of transport and operation in extremely hostile environments. Just as importantly, the system had to be simple to use and easy to maintain.”
At the heart of Rapier FSC is a compact, two-cylinder air-cooled diesel engine. This is used to power both the system electronics, via a specially developed three-phase alternator and dc transformer and rectifier, and the hydraulics, via a hydraulic pump. The combined hydraulics and electronics systems utilise a variety of specialised components, many of which are custom built, including the pump, alternator, transformer rectifier unit, relay box and control and monitoring system.
The complete power plant has been developed and is manufactured at Parker’s factory in Warwick, and is supplied fully assembled and tested in a lightweight, bonded aluminium honeycomb pod; this is designed to be mounted quickly and simply into the trailer unit by MBDA.
In addition, MBDA is using Parker’s CM20 white light portable particle counter for monitoring the condition of the various hydraulic fluids used in Rapier FSC. The CM20 is used as part of the company’s factory based final quality control checks, to ensure that systems meet the required cleanliness standards of MBDA, and is also supplied as part of the Rapier FSC package for use in the field during maintenance or repair operations.
Tony Pedley points out, “The CM20 is compact, lightweight and extremely accurate, allowing our production engineers and our customers’ battlefield technicians to check contamination levels in the hydraulics fluids quickly and simply. We use a single sampling point, built into the missile launcher, with a specially developed needle valve assembly to eliminate problems of back pressure and minimise the volume of fluid required for each sample.”
Overall, the various systems manufactured by Parker are playing a vital role in the successful operation of Rapier FSC and, in its export versions, the Jernas air defence system. Rapier is in operational service with military forces in ten countries around the world, with over 50 Rapier FSC units being supplied to the Royal Engineers and RAF in the UK alone.
Tony Pedley continued, “The technology and support services provided by Parker are of the highest standard. The company has worked closely with our engineers over a lengthy period to ensure that every unit is designed and built to the highest standards. In particular, they have helped us to develop hydraulics and electronics control and monitoring systems that far exceed our original design parameters and, as importantly, are capable of operating reliably in the field for extended periods and under extreme conditions”.