- Reaction score
- 8,324
- Points
- 1,160
500 kg turret (Pinzgauer 6x6 compatible) - 4x Starstreak, Hellfire, Spike or Ingwe - Networked/Autonomous - Passive
Press Releases
September 13, 2005
Thales UK today unveiled THOR, the latest in a long line of highly successful weapon systems produced by its air systems facility in Belfast. THOR is a new vehicle mounted Multi Mission System and is the only weapon system to combine surface to air and surface-to-surface capabilities within one lightweight launcher.
Defence and security forces across the globe are faced with an increasing variety of conventional and asymmetric threats. Following consultation with many military users Thales UK has developed THOR as a multi-role force protection system, which can be deployed rapidly and operated with ease in warfare or against terrorist threats.
The THOR system comprises a four-missile turret with an integral stabilised sighting system, high performance TV camera and thermal camera to provide a 24-hour capability. These latest generation sensors have been designed to detect small signature targets and they are integrated with an Automatic Target Tracker to ensure a fully automated target engagement and tracking process. Of modular design, with a weight of less than 500kg this, launcher can be integrated onto a wide range of vehicles, whether wheeled or tracked. At DSEi THOR can be seen integrated with a Pinzgauer 6x6 vehicle [stand 855].
Millar Crawford, Managing Director of Thales UK's air systems business says, "When it comes to effect and flexibility, THOR offers more than any other system. It can be mounted on a variety of vehicles, utilise a number of weapon systems and counter an array of different threats. For multi-role force protection, THOR breaks the mould."
Thor's fully open systems architecture means that a variety of surface to air and anti-armour missiles can be integrated into the system. The primary missile is Starstreak - a unique multi-role laser guided missile, with a speed in excess of Mach 3 and a range greater than 6 kilometres. While the prime role of Starstreak is in anti-aircraft missions, the system has successfully demonstrated capability against both ground armoured targets and structures. In addition to Starstreak THOR can integrate other air defence missiles and surface-to-surface weapons such as Hellfire, Ingwe and Spike, depending on requirements.
THOR interfaces with the overall force network for operation in a command and control structure or, if required, can be operated in autonomous mode. With the ability to plug and fight, THOR can be linked with radar systems such as Page, or passive sensors such as ADAD. In addition THOR has can be provided with a new on-board UHF Alerter, which Thales is designing, to provide a low cost early warning capability.
-ends-
Notes to editors
Starstreak - Thales UK's High Velocity Missile (HVM) has been in service with the British Army since 1997, with a further order received in July 2004 ensuring that the system will remain in service until at least 2020.
Hellfire - laser guided sub-sonic anti-tank missile manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
Ingwe - A South African multi-purpose anti armour missile for use by infantry, armour and helicopter forces.
Spike - An Anti-Armour missile system for infantry and Light Combat vehicles from Rafael.
Page - Mobile radar system, which can be vehicle or trailer mounted, with a detection range out to 20km.
ADAD - Short range passive IR sensor manufactured by Thales UK.
UHF Alerter - Compact, cost effective, early warning sensor designed by Thales.
High-resolution images for press use can be downloaded from the press images section of www.thalesgroup.co.uk and from the Thales DSEi microsite, which can also be accessed via this address.
The Thales stand number is 855.
About Thales UK
Thales UK's defence activities encompass optronics, air defence, sensors, communications and naval systems. The company is the UK's second largest defence contractor and has been a supplier to the MoD since the First World War. Thales employs 10,000 staff in the UK and 60,000 people in 50 countries. In 2004, Thales UK's revenues were £1.1bn.
www.thalesgroup.co.uk
For further information contact:
Denise Clarke
Thales UK (air systems)
Tel: +44 (0) 2890 465548
Mob: +44 (0) 7711 428434
Denise.clarke@uk.thalesgroup.com
Guy Douglas
Thales UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1932 824832
Mob: +44 (0) 7813 903274
guy.douglas@thalesgroup.com
http://www.thalesgroup.co.uk/press-room/pressreleases/thales-uk-unveils-thor.cfm
Press Releases
September 13, 2005
Thales UK today unveiled THOR, the latest in a long line of highly successful weapon systems produced by its air systems facility in Belfast. THOR is a new vehicle mounted Multi Mission System and is the only weapon system to combine surface to air and surface-to-surface capabilities within one lightweight launcher.
Defence and security forces across the globe are faced with an increasing variety of conventional and asymmetric threats. Following consultation with many military users Thales UK has developed THOR as a multi-role force protection system, which can be deployed rapidly and operated with ease in warfare or against terrorist threats.
The THOR system comprises a four-missile turret with an integral stabilised sighting system, high performance TV camera and thermal camera to provide a 24-hour capability. These latest generation sensors have been designed to detect small signature targets and they are integrated with an Automatic Target Tracker to ensure a fully automated target engagement and tracking process. Of modular design, with a weight of less than 500kg this, launcher can be integrated onto a wide range of vehicles, whether wheeled or tracked. At DSEi THOR can be seen integrated with a Pinzgauer 6x6 vehicle [stand 855].
Millar Crawford, Managing Director of Thales UK's air systems business says, "When it comes to effect and flexibility, THOR offers more than any other system. It can be mounted on a variety of vehicles, utilise a number of weapon systems and counter an array of different threats. For multi-role force protection, THOR breaks the mould."
Thor's fully open systems architecture means that a variety of surface to air and anti-armour missiles can be integrated into the system. The primary missile is Starstreak - a unique multi-role laser guided missile, with a speed in excess of Mach 3 and a range greater than 6 kilometres. While the prime role of Starstreak is in anti-aircraft missions, the system has successfully demonstrated capability against both ground armoured targets and structures. In addition to Starstreak THOR can integrate other air defence missiles and surface-to-surface weapons such as Hellfire, Ingwe and Spike, depending on requirements.
THOR interfaces with the overall force network for operation in a command and control structure or, if required, can be operated in autonomous mode. With the ability to plug and fight, THOR can be linked with radar systems such as Page, or passive sensors such as ADAD. In addition THOR has can be provided with a new on-board UHF Alerter, which Thales is designing, to provide a low cost early warning capability.
-ends-
Notes to editors
Starstreak - Thales UK's High Velocity Missile (HVM) has been in service with the British Army since 1997, with a further order received in July 2004 ensuring that the system will remain in service until at least 2020.
Hellfire - laser guided sub-sonic anti-tank missile manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
Ingwe - A South African multi-purpose anti armour missile for use by infantry, armour and helicopter forces.
Spike - An Anti-Armour missile system for infantry and Light Combat vehicles from Rafael.
Page - Mobile radar system, which can be vehicle or trailer mounted, with a detection range out to 20km.
ADAD - Short range passive IR sensor manufactured by Thales UK.
UHF Alerter - Compact, cost effective, early warning sensor designed by Thales.
High-resolution images for press use can be downloaded from the press images section of www.thalesgroup.co.uk and from the Thales DSEi microsite, which can also be accessed via this address.
The Thales stand number is 855.
About Thales UK
Thales UK's defence activities encompass optronics, air defence, sensors, communications and naval systems. The company is the UK's second largest defence contractor and has been a supplier to the MoD since the First World War. Thales employs 10,000 staff in the UK and 60,000 people in 50 countries. In 2004, Thales UK's revenues were £1.1bn.
www.thalesgroup.co.uk
For further information contact:
Denise Clarke
Thales UK (air systems)
Tel: +44 (0) 2890 465548
Mob: +44 (0) 7711 428434
Denise.clarke@uk.thalesgroup.com
Guy Douglas
Thales UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1932 824832
Mob: +44 (0) 7813 903274
guy.douglas@thalesgroup.com
http://www.thalesgroup.co.uk/press-room/pressreleases/thales-uk-unveils-thor.cfm
