Daimler-Benz Aerospace (Dasa) missiles subsidiary LFK has carried out a German defence ministry-sponsored study of a sea-launched variant of its KEPD 150 missile as a potential Harpoon replacement for the navy.
The navy is looking for an anti-ship missile system for its forthcoming new frigates and corvettes, and LFK is proposing the container-launched KEPD 150-SLM Kinetic Energy Penetrating Destroyer. The missile is a development of the longer-range KEPD 350 now being developed to meet the stand-off missile requirement for Germany's Panavia Tornados and Eurofighter EF2000s. It is capable of attacks on seaborne and land-based targets.
The missile will have a rocket booster attached at the exhaust nozzle of the usual KEPD turbojet engine to give it zero-length launch capability. An earlier concept for the missile, which proposed a booster mounted under the body, has been revised.
The KEPD150-SLM is expected to have a range of 270km (170 miles) compared with the Taurus KEPD 350's range of at least 350km. The sea-launched variant also carries the Taurus' Mephisto penetrating warhead.The KEPD 150-SLM will have an active radar rather than infrared seeker, with LFK favouring the unit used in the LFK/Thomson-CSF AS34 Kormoran missile on cost grounds.
No final decision has yet been made on a turbojet powerplant, although the 6.6kN (1,450lb)-thrust Williams International P8300 remains a leading candidate. An alternative engine from French manufacturer Microturbo is also being considered because of concern over US export restrictions.
Sweden remains interested in the air-launched KEPD150 for its Saab JAS39 Gripen, while weapons group Bofors is to have a one-third stake in Taurus Systems, the new joint venture company being set up with LFK to manage the programme. The missile is also being proposed in Australia, where an official request for tender is expected by the end of this year, as well as in Spain and Italy.
LFK says that Italy's requirement should be clarified this year, and Alenia could later become a partner in Taurus Systems.
Source: Flight International
