Marotta Controls Scores an International Partnership with South Africa's Denel Dynamics

Marotta Controls announces that it has been selected by Denel Dynamics to provide its MPACT® Pure Air Compression Technology for IR missile seeker cooling of Denel’s new A-Darter short range air-to-air missile. This is a significant milestone for Marotta Controls as it represents the first export of the MPACT system.

The A-Darter is a fifth generation Imaging Infrared (IIR) short range air-to-air missile (SRAAM) designed by Denel Dynamics in South Africa, in co-operation with Brazil. The A-Darter missile may be designated to a target by using the aircraft's radar, a helmet sighting system or the missile's own effective autonomous scan feature. The seeker's large look-angles and the airframe's agility enable high off-bore sight helmet designated firings. Long-range intercepts beyond IR detection range are also possible with the lock-on after launch capability of the A-Darter.

MPACT is a proven low-risk solution for the cooling of infrared missile seekers. From missile load to launch, the MPACT system will provide the A-Darter with a continuous flow of pure dry air to cool the IIR seeker, enhancing the missile’s capability and efficiency in clear and adverse weather. Because the air is virtually free of moisture and other impurities, MPACT reduces the risk of seeker fouling or freezing, improving reliability and combat readiness.

With support from Denel Dynamics the integration of A-Darter onto the wingtips of the South African Air Force’s (SAAF’s) JAS 39 Gripen fighters has already been completed and the integration of the A-Darter onto the SAAF’s Hawk Mk.120 trainer aircraft including MPACT in the launchers are currently taking place.

Under this agreement Marotta Controls will provide Denel Dynamics with both development and production units. Ground testing of development units has commenced, with flight testing to follow in 2016. Manufacturing and delivery of the MPACT systems will start soon after completion of the ground testing on the development units.

“The Marotta Controls MPACT® is a significant addition to the A-Darter Missile System Solution. It provides improved operational performance including unlimited mission time for the A-Darter missile and greatly enhances the deployability of the missile system with significantly reduced life cycle costs. Marotta Controls demonstrated a very professional approach toward a potential client by efficiently adapting the MPACT system to meet the cooling requirement of A-Darter,” said Marcus de Jonge, A-Darter Missile Programme Manager at Denel Dynamics.

“Adding a prestigious international customer such as Denel Dynamics to our client roster validates our commitment and ability to support advanced weapon systems globally,” said Michael Leahan, senior vice president of business development and chief sales officer. “We are proud to provide our advanced technology to Denel and welcome the opportunity to continue vital development work on advanced missile systems in the future.”

Over 1500 units of Marotta’s MPACT Pure Air Compression Technology have previously been delivered to the U.S. Navy to provide IR seeker cooling for the Sidewinder missile on the of the F/A-18A/F.