The Greek Ministry of National Defence has ordered the Autonomous Freeflight Dispenser System (AFDS) stand-off weapon from Daimler-Benz Aerospace (Dasa) missile subsidiary LFK. The weapon will equip Greek Vought A-7 Corsairs, McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantoms and Lockheed Martin F-16s.
The AFDS is a development of the German/Swedish DWS 39 weapons dispenser system used by the Swedish air force. The missile has been enhanced with a high-altitude launch capability, radar altimeter and a new combined inertial navigation/global positioning system, as well as being adapted for various NATO aircraft.
The missile can attack targets at ranges of up to 20km (12 miles) depending on altitude. It can carry a range of submunitions which allow it to be used in the anti-runway, area denial or anti-tank roles.
Dasa and Sweden's Bofors have formed the Taurus Systems joint venture, to be based in Schrobenhausen, Germany. Dasa's LFK missiles subsidiary holds 67% of the company, with the remainder going to Bofors. The venture will manage powered stand-off missile programmes for weapons with a range exceeding 60km.
Source: Flight International
