Taurus has completed the first flight trial of the image- assisted navigation system for the KEPD350 long-range stand-off missile.
During the trial earlier this month, the KEPD350 was captive- carried on a Panavia Tornado and the infrared (IR) seeker identified 19 out of 20 predefined waypoints on the ground, says EADS subsidiary LFK. Taurus is an LFK/Saab- Bofors Dynamics joint venture.
As well as IR image-based waypoint navigation, the KEPD350's Tri-Tec system also uses inertial, GPS satellite and terrain following navigation systems.
A full free-flight test of the missile is planned for the second half of this year when all the sensors will be exercised as a complete system from launch to impact.
A German Government decision on the procurement of the weapon is due before the parliamentary summer recess. The contract covers weapon development. If a go-ahead decision is made shortly, the KEPD350 will enter service on German air force Tornadoes in late 2002/early 2003.
Source: Flight International