The Taurus Systems KEPD 350 stand-off missile has completed its first free flight after being released from a German air force Panavia Tornado at the Swedish test range at Vidsel.
Taurus, a joint venture between Germany's DaimlerChrysler Aerospace and Bofors Missiles of Sweden, says the missile "fully met" performance targets in terms of aerodynamics and propulsion and navigation systems, and demonstrated its maximum range.
A first flight over the sea had been planned initially, but progress in the development programme meant it was "possible to refrain from this interim test and give preference to the more demanding free flight test over hilly terrain", adds Taurus. The KEPD 350 is designed to fly at speeds in excess of Mach 0.8 at low altitudes.
The missile is being developed for German Eurofighters and Tornados from 2002, and is offered for export in competition with Matra BAe Dynamics' Storm Shadow.
Source: Flight International