Douglas Barrie/LONDON
Gilbert Sedbon/PARIS
MATRA HAS BEGUN design and development work on a stealthy next-generation hypersonic attack missile, with wind tunnel models of the design having already been tested.
The ramjet-powered missile has a highly chinned fore-section, with the nose section blending into a flattened wing body plan-form. The ramjet intake is mounted under the fuselage, as are two rear fuselage-mounted stabilisers.
The company describes the project as being for an advanced cruise missile, with the emphasis on stealth. An in-service date of around 2010 is projected. The saw-tooth trailing edge, intended to reduce radar-scattering surfaces, typifies the stealth design. Matra has now established a study group to progress the project.
Aerospatiale is also looking at hypersonic long-range standoff attack missiles, potentially aimed at meeting the same future requirement.
A preliminary design specification for the Aerospatiale missile suggests a launch weight of 1,400kg, with a launch altitude down to 300ft (100m).
A solid booster would be used to increase the velocity, until ramjet operation was viable, at which point the missile would climb to a 100,000ft cruise altitude. A maximum range of some 2,000km (1,100nm) is suggested.
One of the problems for missiles with such cruise velocities are, the thermodynamic issues associated with, the heating of the seeker cover.
The projected Aerospatiale design weight of 1,400kg would allow it to be carried on types in the class of the Dassault Rafale combat aircraft due to enter service with the French air force at the turn of the century.
Source: Flight International
