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The Common Rail Launcher (CRL) is a highly robust and capable missile launcher developed to carry and release a range of modern missile form a number of combat aircraft. Its unique modular construction gives high reliability and low life costs as well as reduced initial acquisition costs, thought life support costs including training, spares, support and maintenance.
The Common Rail Launcher offers users additional capabilities beyond conventional rail only missile launcher systems, offering the constrained carriage of gas bottles for seekers cooling air suppliers as well as a ballasted rear section which is interchangeable with the BOL 539 chaff dispenser system.
The Common Rail Launcher had been in service with the Harrier for over 20 years and has been combat proven in the harsh conditions of both recent Gulf conflicts.
Benefits
- Carriage of a range of missiles up to 650lbs
- Adaptable to suit missile or aircraft
- Rapid role change
- High reliability/low maintenance
- Accommodate countermeasure dispensers
- On-board gas generation (HiPPAG) or bottle
- Digital interface for latest missiles
- No pylon adaptors required
- Internally mounted electric power supply
Installations
The Common Rail Launcher design ensures minimum integration effort for future upgrade of aircraft, missile type or mission. It is ideally suited for current and next generation air launched missiles and has the potential to interface with both Western and Eastern aircraft and missile types.
CRL is currently integrated on the following platforms:
- Sea Harrier
- GR7 Harrier
- GR9 Harrier
- F-2 Aircraft
Weapons integration
The Common Rail Launcher is currently capable of deploying the following weapons:
- AIM 120 AMRAAM
- AIM 9 Sidewinder
- Skyflash
- ASRAAM
Weapons of a similar class could be readily integrated on to the Common Rail Launcher for future capability.
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