Denel Dynamics Umbani

Design

The modular kit consists of a number units that are attached to a standard Mk80-series bomb. A guidance system and large tail fins are the most basic form of the system, optional folding wings and a rocket motor may be added to increase the stand-off range up to 120 km or add a low-level launch capability.

Range using different configurations:

• Standard bomb kit - 40 km
• With folding wing kit - 120 km
• With wing kit and Extended Range (ER) module - 200 km

Guidance

The weapon's all-weather, day and night capability is due to the GPS–INS guidance system. Increasing accuracy to a claimed 3m CEP is possible by adding an imaging infrared or a semi-active laser seeker terminal guidance system.

Testing and qualification

The system was first tested on the Atlas Cheetah, later an Aerosud-owned former South African Air Force (SAAF) Dassault Mirage F1 was used after the Cheetah retired. The system has been integrated on the SAAF's BAE Hawk Mk120 lead-in fighter trainer aircraft. Qualification on the SAAF's Saab JAS 39 Gripen was not considered due to the high costs associated with integration on a supersonic aircraft. The Gripens have been armed with GBU-12 Paveway II bombs instead.

Sales

The manufacturer has expressed optimism at the export potential of the system following qualification on the Hawk as a number of air forces worldwide operate Hawks.

An unnamed country has placed an order worth ZAR1.2 billion for the weapon. Although the SAAF has funded most of the development costs of the weapon system it has not yet placed a firm order for any.

Tawazun Dynamics, the joint venture company created by Denel and Tawazun, has been awarded a US$492.74 million contract from the United Arab Emirates Air Force for precision guided munitions (PGMs) for its Mirage 2000-9 fighters. The fighter jets will receive the Tawazun Dynamics developed Al Tariq bomb guidance kit which is the renamed Denel Dynamics Umbani.

Joint venture

On September 20, 2012, at the Africa Aerospace and Defence 2012 show in Pretoria, South Africa, Denel Dynamics announced a joint venture with the EDGE Group of the United Arab Emirates. Their collaboration aims to develop and manufacture a range of precision weapons. The initial product from this partnership will be a variant of the Umbani known as the "Al-Tariq,"marking the inaugural offering from the newly established EDGE Group company.

References

References

1. "Umbani Brochure". Denel Dynamics.
2. (2004-09-28). "Africa Aerospace and Defence - Debut appearance for Umbani guided bomb". Flightglobal.com.
3. Martin, Guy. (2 September 2016). "South African guided weapons {{!}} defenceWeb".
4. (2011-07-28). "Umbani becomes first SA weapon trailed off Hawk". DefenceWeb.
5. (2011-09-06). "SAAF funds Umbani". DefenceWeb.
6. (2010-05-19). "Umbani for Hawk". DefenceWeb.
7. Campbell, Keith. "Creamer's Engineering News". Martin Creamer.
8. (2012-09-21). "Denel and Tawazun join forces - Africa Aerospace & Defence 2012 | IHS Jane's". Ihs.com.
9. "Al Tariq-LR (Long-Range) Precision-Guided Munition (PGM), UAE".