MBDA Touts Turbojet Marte
Click here for more news / Clique aqui para mais notícias
By Douglas Barrie
LE BOURGET
European missile manufacturer MBDA is studying the development of a turbojet-powered derivative of its Marte anti-ship missile to extend the product’s life.
The addition of a turbojet engine would increase the missile’s engagement envelope to in excess of 100 kilometers (62.5 miles), near tripling he weapon’s range. European and U.S. engine options have been examined, with Microturbo and the U.S. Williams possible options. In the case of the later, however, this could risk export restrictions from Washington, so a European option is likely preferred.
Study work has also included the option of replacing the present missile’s I-band radar seeker with an imaging infrared (IIR) sensor. The IIR sensor option would build on work originally carried out by the company’s Italian business for the Defense Ministry’s Teseo missile project. A datalink could also be integrated to provide man-in-the-loop operation were that required by a customer.
Development of the Marte ER (extended range) would take around three years, according to Giulano Cottini, a senior advisor with the company. This would include test clearance of the missile. The missile will use a bifurcated intake configuration to allow for greater maneuverability, and to reduce the risk of intake blanking. Study work into the Marte ER began at end of 2006.
As well as offering considerably greater range Marte ER, the missile would also have a higher cruise speed than the sold-propellant powered weapon, says Cottini.
Alongside the Marte ER, MBDA is also looking at version of the Marte Mk2/S for air-launch from fixed-wing aircraft, and in particular the Aermacchi M346 advanced jet trainer. Cottini says MBDA is already in discussions with Aermacchi about clearing the missile, the Marte Mk2/S-A, on the M346. The aircraft has so far been selected by Italy and the United Arab Emirates, with the latter country interested in expanding the aircraft role beyond that of advanced jet trainer.
MBBA is also working on an Anglo-French helicopter air-launched anti-ship missile program, the FASGW-Heavy/ANL, though Italian company executives say the two missile families are not direct competitors. The Marte is a heavier class of weapon.
