Second Order of MRA Mk IVa for Flight Refuelling Limited

Roke Manor Research, the electronics research and development business will supply its Miniature Radar Altimeter (MRA) Mark IVa to Flight Refuelling Limited (FRL). This second order, worth over £.5m follows the successful completion of the first order placed last year.

Roke's MRA Mark IVa will be used in ‘Black Kite’ Multi-Role Towed Targets (MRTTs), an airborne threat simulation system that allows accurate, low-level height positioning just 25 feet above sea level at 300knots.

FRL, the aerospace and defence supplier, will provide the Towed Targets to Flight Refuelling Aviation (FRA) for its special mission aircraft operated for the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Used by the MOD for air defence training against a wide variety of missile and gun systems, the MRTTs simulate a sea-skimming missile attack on a ship. The targets launched from an aircraft are towed by cable seven kilometres long to ensure the target is a safe distance from the tow aircraft.

"Increased accuracy and control of our MRTTs at minimum cost, using miniature altimeters from Roke Manor Research provided us with a competitive advantage to continue our relationship with FRA," explained Julian Dean, Lead Engineer - Tactical & Training Products from Flight Refuelling Limited.

As well as providing the MRAs, Roke Manor Research has also supplied the associated electronics, including a GPS tracking system.

"Roke’s MRA Mk IV is ideal for use in unmanned aircraft such as Towed Targets because it is small, robust, lightweight and provides accurate low-level height positioning vital for successful target location," says Jason Hall, Avionics Skill Group Manager from Roke Manor Research. "The technology has enabled FRL to improve the performance of its Towed Targets which resulted in its contract with FRA being renewed."

About Roke Manor Research

Owned by Siemens, and recognised as a worldwide centre of excellence for research and development, Roke Manor Research specialises in the fields of electronics sensors and communications. With 50 years’ experience in radio systems consultancy, integrated solutions and product design, it has the breadth of technology and skill customers can rely on to meet all their wireless communications needs. Visit www.roke.co.uk for more information.

About Flight Refuelling Limited

Flight Refuelling and Sargent Fletcher form the Refuelling and Auxiliary Mission Equipment Division of Cobham's Aerospace Systems Group. The division offers a comprehensive portfolio for the design and integration of refuelling systems, external fuel tanks, weapons carriage and release, tactical UAV's, aerial targets and ATC systems. Visit www.cobham.com for more information.