EDGE, a global leader in advanced technology and defense, has unveiled the ‘X RANGE,’ a Middle East multi-domain testing, evaluation, and training range facility for defense, aerospace, and commercial products. Introduced on the opening day of Dubai Airshow 2023, the X RANGE is a comprehensive facility offering end-to-end, cutting-edge testing services and facilities for platforms, systems, and subsystems spanning air, land, sea, and electronic warfare (EW) domains.
This facility will feature modular advanced testing capabilities, incorporating industry-leading mobile equipment and instrumentation to provide detailed data and analysis. X RANGE focuses on expediting the development of various technologies, including infantry weapons, smart weapons, autonomous systems, naval vessels, C4I systems, ISTAR systems, and EW solutions. While initially serving internal requirements, there are plans for X RANGE to be commercially accessible to third-party clients in the near future.
Situated on a highly secure 350km² island, the X RANGE features extensive facilities, including a 3,800m runway for large aircraft and a 1,200m runway for unmanned aircraft, with a permanently closed air danger area extending to 10,000ft, extendable to higher altitudes. The island boasts an urban training village for special operations rehearsals, a comprehensive digital communications network covering the entire island, and a dedicated shoreline for marine and landing exercises.
The testing capabilities of X RANGE encompass a broad spectrum, including conventional land and air munitions, EW energy weapons, signal jammers, and more. These tests utilize high-precision video, advanced telemetry, and data acquisition systems. Multiple asset surveillance and tracking instruments and cutting-edge hemispheric tracking radars enhance testing precision. The facility employs passive radio frequency monitoring to create a controlled RF environment, facilitating scientific testing of EW products.
Future enhancements to X RANGE will include provisions for unmanned aircraft performance and missile flight guidance tests. The range will cater to helicopter fire testing, environmental stress tests for land vehicles, and complex situation testing for maritime platforms. Additionally, it will offer surface platform performance analysis, including ranging and magnetic signatures. The facility is designed to conduct navigation, targeting, communication evaluations, and functionality tests under diverse conditions and scenarios.
Post Image Credit- EDGE
