MBDA has unveiled a new wingless configuration for the Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile with windtunnel testing to begin in the third quarter this year.
The new arrangement draws heavily on wingless body-lift lessons derived from the design of the MBDA ASRAAM missile, and introduces skid-to-turn engagement in the terminal phases of flight.
Additional modifications include a smaller tail fin cluster and a lengthening of the intake duct leading edges to improve airflow for the ramjet engines.
The missile will continue to use bank-to-turn profiles for mid- course flight. MBDA says that the changes are intended to give the missile "the smoothest body we can". Further minor design changes may emerge after windtunnel tests, but MBDA says "we have got the shape. It is not going to change a great deal." Construction of a full-scale test-article for the tunnel programme is under way. The revised configuration was approved by the six-nation Meteor consortium during preliminary design reviews earlier this year.
Source: Flight International
