'Supersonic' Navy missile hits the spot

The PAAMS air defence system (Principal Anti-Air Missile System) achieved a direct hit on a Mirach target, which was simulating an aircraft travelling at 450 mph and at a 10km altitude. The missile itself was launched at over 3,045 mph - mach four - off the French coast on 4 June 2008.

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.

PAAMS is a maritime area air defence system composed of the Sampson radar, a Combat Management System, long range radar, the Sylver missile launching system and Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles.

The Aster missiles are capable of speeds in excess of mach four and are highly agile, using an innovative system called 'Pif Paf' which combines conventional aerodynamic control with a novel lateral thrust system. The missile used in this test was a two-stage Aster 30.

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 is 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, including long range and missile directing radars, a combat control centre and missiles in their vertical launcher silos.