DART Guided Ammunition in the STRALES System

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Photo Credit: LEONARDO

Main Components

  • 76/62 naval gun
  • OTO DART guided ammunition
  • Radio Frequency Guidance System – electronics and antenna for in-flight projectile guidance.
STRALES System. Photo Credit: LEONARDO

System Features

  • Effective against multiple manoeuvring targets in both Air Defence and Anti-Surface roles
  • Cost-effective solution with missile-level accuracy
  • Add-on kit compatible with existing OTO 76/62 gun mounts
  • Operates as a stand-alone system once target position and stabilization data are available
  • Compatible with any Combat Management System
  • All-weather functioning

Gun Shield & Electronics

  • New gun shield with watertight cover
  • Cover automatically removed to deploy guidance antenna
  • Electronic control unit housed in OTO 76/62 New Control Cabinet

Projectile (OTO DART)

  • Weight in barrel: 4.2 kg
  • Weight in flight: 3.5 kg
  • Length: 660 mm
Photo Credit: LEONARDO

Fuse Functions

  • Anti-air proximity
  • Surface proximity
  • Impact
  • Delay impact

Fuse Characteristics

  • Programmable during flight via RF beam
  • Electronic Countermeasure (ECM) capability
  • Low altitude operation
  • Self-destruction feature
  • Altimetric guidance

System Performance

  • Effective operating range: greater than 8 km
  • Initial velocity: 1100 m/s
  • Maneuverability: up to 40g

Multiple Feeding Kit (MF)

  • Up to 20 ammunition types selectable
  • Interchangeable with 76mm standard and double feeding systems
  • 89 rounds ready-to-fire

How the DART Ammunition Works

Firing and Initial Trajectory

  • The DART projectile is fired from the gun at a very high velocity of approximately 1100 m/s.

  • This speed ensures rapid engagement and minimizes reaction time for incoming threats.

Guidance Beam Acquisition

  • Once ejected from the barrel, the projectile enters a Command Line of Sight (CLOS) guidance system.

  • A guidance antenna mounted on the gun emits a constant RF guidance beam (Ka-Band) directed toward the target.

  • The projectile locks onto this beam to establish its guided trajectory.

In-flight Correction

  • The projectile is equipped with two small canard wings on its forward section for flight control.

  • Radio receivers located in the aft section detect the guidance beam pattern.

  • An onboard system translates these signals into corrective maneuvers, steering the projectile to remain within the beam.

  • Capable of performing high-G maneuvers (up to 40G), allowing interception of agile and supersonic threats.

Target Engagement

  • The DART projectile carries a programmable 3A microwave proximity fuze.

  • This fuze activates the warhead at the optimal moment for maximum effectiveness.

  • The warhead contains pre-fragmented tungsten cubes, designed to inflict lethal damage on targets.

  • Effective against low-flying sea-skimming missiles, Drone, and fast-moving boats.

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