Diehl Defence says it has started development work on an air-to-surface variant of the Raytheon AIM-9L air-to-air missile, which it believes could "contribute effectively to the multi-role capability of theEurofighter" for the German air force.
On show for the first time at ILA, the purpose of the laser-guided Sidewinder, or "LaGS", is to engage "lightly armoured surface targets in the air-to-surface, close air support and urban close air support roles", the German guided weapons specialist says.
By replacing the missile's infrared seeker with a semi-active laser, the design does not affect the AIM-9's total weight or centre of gravity, so no changes to its aircraft interfaces or rail launcher are required, removing the need for a customer to "shoulder considerable expenses for re-integration", it says. "The planned modification of the available guided missile will generate a new qualified product in the shortest possible time."
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/ila-diehl-lags-ahead-with-eurofighter-offer-376236/