Tim Furniss
A European industry team led by Matra BAe Dynamics, is promoting the virtues of its Meteor missile to meet the needs for the next generation European medium range air-to-air missile (MRAAM).
The first step toward this objective is to meet the requirement to provide the UK with a Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAN) for 232 Eurofighters EF2000s.
This contract is expected to be awarded in "mid to late 1999", says Matra BAe Dynamics.
The European team is up against Raytheon. If selected, for MRAAM, the Meteor would eventually give European air forces "total air superiority" for the next 30 years, providing the 620 EF2000 ordered so far with "oustanding beyond visual range air defence capability" from "a missile with combat performance far in excess of current system".
The team also includes Daimler Benz Aerospace, Alenia, CASA, GEC Marconi and Saab.
This European group provides "-a unique opportunity for a joint European programme, deriving many benefits including shared development and aircraft integration costs and interoperability."
The Meteor would also be flown on the Swedish Gripen, orders for which now stand at 204.
Source: Flight Daily News
