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Paris Air Show 2015
International Paris Air Show
15 - 21 June 2015
Paris - Le Bourget, France
 
 
 
New SSA-1101 Gerfaut close air support system for military airlifter highlighted at Paris Air Show
 
Three French companies, Rafaut, AA/ROK and Sagem are partnering to propose an innovative close air support system for military transport aircraft. In development since 2011, the SSA-1101 Gerfaut system is being showcased on a C-130 aircraft scale model at Paris Air Show 2015. The idea of the concept is to combine the long range of a C-130 Hercules aircraft with Sagem's AASM/Hammer standoff weapon system to cover tactical and special operations.
     
Three French companies, Rafaut, AA/ROK and Sagem are partnering to propose an innovative close air support system for military transport aircraft. In development since 2011, the SSA-1101 Gerfaut system is being showcased on a C-130 aircraft scale model at Paris Air Show 2015. The idea of the concept is to combine the long range of a C-130 Hercules aircraft with Sagem's AASM/Hammer standoff weapon system to cover tactical and special operations. SSA-1101 Gerfaut system fitted with Sagem's AASM Hammer missile on a C-130 Hercules at Paris Air Show 2015
     
The SSA-1101 Gerfaut (an underwing pylone specifically designed to carry four AASM/Hammer missiles) is an inexpensive and simple way to carry out missions from a tactical transport aircraft. Any C-130 Hercules projected to achieve transport missions become able to deliver accurate ammunition in a few hours.

The SSA-1101 Gerfaut is therefore an emergency pre-positioned means able to respond a sudden deterioration of a situation, or to carry out occasionnal strikes during stabilization phase / crisis end. SSA-1101 Gerfaut is based on the performance of the Hammer preicision guided munition from Sagem. The Hammer is propelled and offers absolute certainty of hitting the target tens kilometers away, even if it is fired from a turboprop aircraft at low speed.

The SSA-1101 Gerfaut is positioned under the wings of the C-130 Hercules instead of the external fuel tank. The system requires neither modification of the airframe, nor integration with the aircraft navigation system. The aircraft then retains its full transport capacity.

Equipped with the SSA-1101 Gerfaut, the C-130 Hercules offers a 10-hour air support over the battlefield. Implemented from austere airfields, the fire support is delivered close to the operations. The flight attitude (FL250) preserves the aircraft against ground-to-air threats encountered on low intensity conflicts, such as MANPADS weapons systems.

In terms of cost/efficiency, the SSA-1101 Gerfaut preserves fighters and tankers potential. It helps to optimize the technologies depending on the theatre of operations. The flight potential of the Sagem Hammer makes it one of the most economic ammunition for combat air patrol missions.
     
Three French companies, Rafaut, AA/ROK and Sagem are partnering to propose an innovative close air support system for military transport aircraft. In development since 2011, the SSA-1101 Gerfaut system is being showcased on a C-130 aircraft scale model at Paris Air Show 2015. The idea of the concept is to combine the long range of a C-130 Hercules aircraft with Sagem's AASM/Hammer standoff weapon system to cover tactical and special operations. SSA-1101 Gerfaut underwing pylone fitted on a C-130 Hercules
     
The SSA-1101 is based on reliable, tried and tested technologies. The Sagem Hammer has been used on Rafale and Mirage F-1 for many years, several dozen missiles have been fired successfully. The Rafaut AUF2, which is the SSA-1101 Gerfaut adaptor, has been in-service on different types of combat aurcraft for many years. Constantly modernized, it can implement the most modern weapons. The SSA-1101 is derived from a tried and tested solution which has tens of Sagem Hammer shots to its credit.

The French military will soon start an overhaul program of its fleet of 14 C-130 Hercules military airlifters, with the renovation of the avionics in order to fly in civilian airspace, overhauling of the wingframe, and tactical integration thanks to new optronic systems. Moreover, the French Defense Ministry is considering the order of 4 more Hercules aircraft. Then the question is: integrate the Gerfaut system on the new aircraft or add this upgrade on the overhauling program of the existing fleet?

Issues appeared also about the missile to be deployed on C-130 Hercules. An interest for the Griffin exists, to support special purpose missions. The Hammer system, already in service, is more powerful and may be deployed in a wider spectrum of missions.

The Gerfaut weapon system is being offered to the french market exclusively, but according to AA/ROK's representative, undisclosed countries from the Middle-East expressed interest for it two years ago. However, these potential customers are waiting for French Air Force to commit to the system before placing any order.