First MEADS Power And Communications Unit Completes Acceptance Tests In Germany 1306122.

MEADS International Technical Director Marco Riccetti said, "The MEADS power and communications unit, as with other MEADS elements, is designed for mobility and transportability, including C-130 transport. It has a highly reliable design that meets the power needs of both MEADS radars, and is ready to operate across a broad range of environmental conditions on a rapid emplacement timeline."

A second MFCR power and communications unit is undergoing qualification testing at the German Armed Forces Technical Centre for Automotive and Armoured Vehicles in Trier, Germany. The MEADS power and communications unit was designed and manufactured under a subcontract from MBDA by Lechmotoren in Altenstadt, Germany.

By combining advanced 360-degree sensors, near-vertical launch capability and the improved PAC-3 MSE Missile, MEADS can defend up to eight times the coverage area with far fewer system assets. MEADS also lowers costs because it needs fewer personnel and less equipment, with further savings by reducing demand for airlift.

An initial MEADS flight test was successfully completed at White Sands Missile Range in November 2011.

During a press briefing at Eurosatory 2012, Martin J. Coyne, Director of Business Development for MEADS International, declared that the 360 degrees capability allowed for no blind spots.

During the 17th November test, the simulated target was coming from behind. Future tests will include an air breathing target intercept (by the end of the year) as well as teather balistic missile intercept (late 2014).

The MEADS launcher is installed on an ARIS truck for the Italian armed forces, on a MAN truck for the German and on a BAE Systems 5 tons trucks for the US Armed forces.

In the case of the launcher and command units, the power is provided by the truck itselfs for both platforms.