At the Istanbul exhibition MKE has shown for the first time two hard-kill effectors, a laser and a missile systems, and a sensor, in the form of an acoustic system, which are now being proposed in conjunction with existing systems forming the Tolga short-range air defence system
Starting from the sensor, the acoustic systems is capable to detect an aerial vehicle at 100-1,500 metres, depending on dimensions and acoustic signature, and classify it. A built-in GPS allows to know the exact position of the sensor, which is transmitted via radiofrequency to the command post, together with the detection and classification data. It is based on digital signal processors, data processing being digitally filtered. Tripod mounted, its battery allows 10-12 days operations. Looking at the sensor you can immediately see the two acoustic sensors. The total operating mass, without tripod, is 2.7 kg.
Here used against air threats, the MKE Laser Weapon System can of course be employed also to counter land and naval threats. The output power ix 4×5 kW, for a total of 20 kW. Depending on the situation, it can be used to dazzle enemy optics, generating a temporary blackout, something feasible at ranges between 4,500 and 2,500 metres. The system can permanently blind a target at 2,500-1,500 metres, the enemy effector becoming non operational. To destroy the incoming threat the energy needed is higher, hence distances are reduced to 1,500-1,000 metres. As to transfer the needed energy on the target the laser must illuminate it for some time, usually a few seconds, this means that the laser weapon must remain aimed at the target for that time, which requires accuracy, angular speed and acceleration; the turret hosting the laser system is therefore equipped with linear motors, which ensure the needed capacities. The turret can rotate continuously on 360°, elevation being -30°/+90°. The laser weapon is 1,550 mm wide, 2,250 mm long and 1,850 mm high, no data on mass being provided. However the critical data should not be that of the weapon system itself, but rather that of the power pack needed to power the laser multiple times at short intervals.
Last but not least among the add-on systems developed to increase the Tolga performances comes the Enfal-17 missile, with its four-tube launcher. Fitted with an electro-optical seeker, the missile is 1.85 metres long, has a 70 mm calibre, and can reach a target at 30,000 ft altitude. The warhead is of the fragmentation type, and is fitted with a proximity fuse, no details on the lethal radius being provided. The launcher elevation is -30°/+90°, and the turret can rotate continuously on 360°. No data on the system mass were made available, however the Enfal-17 turret fitted with four missiles should be relatively light as at Saha Expo the system was installed on a Ford Ranger Wildtrak pick-up vehicle.
The three aforementioned systems will complement the Tolga radar, jammer, electro-optic system and the several gun-type effectors with calibres ranging from 35 to 12.7 mm.
Photos by P. Valpolini
