Test firings of the fibre-optic guided missile system Polyphem prove functional capabilities of latest technologies.
Paris/Munich, 01 June 2001
The German LFK-Lenkflug-körpersysteme GmbH (EADS/LFK), a subsidiary of EADS European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company is presenting its fibre-optic guided missile system Polyphem during the Aerosalon Le Bourget 2001 (16 to 24 June 2001).
At several test firings and system trials of Polyphem, the functional capabilities of all the latest technologies used in this fibre-optic guided missile system have been proved. The development work on the missile has thus successfully completed an important stage. Through the use of a modular concept, the Polyphem family offers a broad spectrum of cost-saving solutions for the tasks of both Navy and Army.
The latest test firings at the German Army's Meppen test range and at the EADS/LFK plant Schrobenhausen near Ingolstadt (Germany) in autumn 2000 completely fulfilled the expectations with regard to aerodynamic behaviour, the fibre-optic link between missile and firing post, the newly developed folding fins, the booster engine, the self-destruction system and the multifunction warhead.
At several firings, the tests focused on components that have been improved since the last free flight in 1997. These include:
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the upgraded booster engine,
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the fibre optic bobbin for long ranges,
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the new aerodynamic missile configuration for improved agility,
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the novel fin geometry with new folding mechanism,
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the self-destruct device and
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the modified launching tube.
In Schrobenhausen, the terminal effectiveness of the new multipurpose warhead was proved for deployment against sea targets, against reinforced concrete targets and against targets of steel.
"The successful tests have proved EADS/LFK's techno-logical competence and what the company can achieve in collaborative projects with its European partners. There are now no further doubts about the operability of this missile concept, which is unique in the world", stated Werner Kaltenegger, CEO of EADS/LFK, in an assessment of the successful demonstrations. In 2001, the tests are due to be continued and will include two free flights over long ranges. Production engineering can be started within only a few years.
In conjunction with the German shipyard HDW and Kongsberg (Norway), EADS/LFK is proceeding with the development of the submarine launched variant of Polyphem, named Triton. This missile system is unique in the world as for the first time in history a missile will be available to submarines which allows self defence against both, sea targets and aerial targets (helicopters, MPAs). In addition Triton can engage any type of target ashore (coastal batteries, harbour facilities, etc.).
Many navies have expressed their interest in deploying Triton with their submarine fleets. Currently the Triton is undergoing a serial of trials. The results of the most recent tests confirm that Triton will fulfil the challenging objectives. The validation and demonstration phase will begin with firings from underwater platforms, followed by test launches from a diving submarine (Type HDW-206).
The army version of Polyphem is undergoing development by the three industrial partners EADS/LFK, Aerospatiale Matra Missiles and Italmissile within the framework of the Trifom (Trilateral Fibre Optic Missile) programme. In addition, EADS/LFK is responsible for the development work on this missile system, which is also to be deployed from ships, submarines and helicopters as well as for coastal defence tasks. Polyphem can be used by day or by night to engage moving (including airborne) or stationary targets. The operator can intervene in missile control from a protected position at a great range at any time so as to alter the automatically identified and selected targets, or to abort the mission.
Apart from its great range capability (up to 60 kilometres), Polyphem excels through its high accuracy and image processing, thus preventing collateral damage. The German Navy plans to arm its new K 130 class corvettes with this light missile system.
Person to contact:
Wolfram Lautner
Tel. +49-89-3179-2549
Fax +49-89-3179-3871
Precio
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