First Launch of the IDAS Missile System from a Submerged Submarine
On 29 May 2008, the fiber optic IDAS guided missile (IDAS = Interactive Defence and Attack System for Submarines) was launched for the first time from a submerged submarine. The missile was successfully launched by U33, a class U212A submarine for a test flight over the Western Baltic Sea.
After a boresight of the inertial system of the missile by the navigation system of the submarine, the IDAS system was ejected from a torpedo tube. While still under water, IDAS unfolded its wings and fins and ignited its motor. After several seconds of submerged travel, IDAS broke through the water surface and began a controlled flight. Contrary to normal operation, the test did not involve a flight motor and was, therefore, completed in a controlled glide. During the entire flight duration, data and images of the integrated video camera were transmitted to the submarine using an optical fiber.
The IDAS guided missile has been designed primarily to provide a submerged submarine with the means to engage antisubmarine warfare helicopters. In a typical scenario, the helicopter uses a dipping sonar to search the submarine and antisubmarine torpedoes to engage it. In the past, the submarine had to stay passive, but now the IDAS system provides the option of active defense.
Other targets of the IDAS missile could be low-flying aircraft, vessels and littoral targets. Since there is a permanent data link between submarine and missile in the form of the optical fiber, it is now possible to transmit current target data. The operator on board of the submarine can thus influence missile trajectory and target selection at any time.
The test firing provided the opportunity to verify the entire functional chain – from the ejection of the missile from the torpedo tube of a submerged submarine until the entry into a stable flight phase. All mechanical interfaces proved to be reliable, the optical fiber remained intact despite the impacting stresses and the data exchange between submarine and missile functioned correctly.
The research and technology project achieved its objectives nine months ahead of schedule. This was possible only due to the good and dedicated cooperation of all offices involved on the part of industry, the German Navy and the armaments organization. The positive result is a precondition for the start of an international development and procurement program.
