Thales UK has unveiled THOR, the first weapon systems of its type. Produced by Thales UK's air systems facility in Belfast, THOR is a new vehicle mounted Multi Mission System, and is the only weapon system to combine surface-to-air and surface-to-surface capabilities within one lightweight launcher.

Defence and security forces across the globe are faced with an increasing variety of conventional and asymmetric threats. Following consultation with many military users Thales UK has developed THOR as a multi-role force protection system, which can be deployed rapidly and operated with ease in warfare or against terrorist threats.

The THOR system comprises a four-missile turret with an integral stabilised sighting system, high performance TV camera and thermal camera to provide a 24-hour capability. These latest generation sensors have been designed to detect small signature targets and they are integrated with an Automatic Target Tracker to ensure a fully automated target engagement and tracking process. The launcher features a modular design and weighs less 500kg, as such it can be integrated onto a range of wheeled or tracked vehicles.

Highlighting THOR's versatility, Millar Crawford, managing director of Thales UK's air systems business, commented: "When it comes to effect and flexibility, THOR offers more than any other system. It can be mounted on a variety of vehicles, utilise a number of weapon systems and counter an array of different threats. For multi-role force protection, THOR breaks the mould."

Thor's fully open systems architecture means that a variety of surface to air and anti-armour missiles can be integrated into the system. The primary missile is Starstreak - a unique multi-role laser guided missile, with a speed in excess of Mach 3 and a range greater than 6 kilometres. While the prime role of Starstreak is in anti-aircraft missions, the system has successfully demonstrated capability against both ground armoured targets and structures.

THOR interfaces with the overall force network for operation in a command and control structure or, if required, can be operated in autonomous mode. With the ability to plug and fight, THOR can be linked with radar systems such as Page, or passive sensors such as ADAD. In addition THOR has can be provided with a new on-board UHF Alerter, which Thales is designing, to provide a low cost early warning capability.

Thales UK
19.09.2005