SOSTAR-X released to service, test campaign started
The European SOSTAR-X programme for the development and demonstration of an advanced airborne ground surveillance radar system has started flight testing.
After conclusion of the SOSTAR-X mission system ground integration being performed in Friedrichshafen, Germany, aircraft installation and ground testing were completed in Woensdrecht, NL. On 28 th April 2006, the Fokker 100 "SX" received its "Release to Service" after having passed successfully performance and EMI/EMC flight tests.
On 04th May, 2006, the Fokker SX 100 went airborne in Woensdrecht and landed after a four hours test flight. In parallel The Netherlands Army were simultaneously controlling the requested fixed and moving targets. During the flight all sensor modes were tested and the collected raw data were stored. The data were afterwards disseminated to industry for analysis and evaluation. First evaluation of test results showed that the mission test flight was very successful and all expectations were exceeded.
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Anbei noch zwei Großaufnahmen (Quelle: EADS):
http://www.eads.com/web/pressdbdata/de/1024/content/OF00000040950509/8/09/41350098.jpg
http://www.eads.com/web/pressdbdata/de/1024/content/OF00000040950509/4/09/41350094.jpg