THE PARTNERS in the multi-national third-generation anti-tank weapon system (TRIGAT) have completed development of the medium-range version of the missile.
The final major milestone in the development phase was achieved in mid-June, with warhead-qualification tests involving four successful firings, destroying 1m2 (10.7ft2) targets at almost 2km (1nm) range.
"Warhead performance exceeded specification against the most advanced armours designed for future battle tanks," says Euromissile Dynamics Group.
According to Werner Figge, programme manager for the medium-range TRIGAT at German partner Daimler-Benz Aerospace, 200 missiles and 20 firing posts will now be delivered to the armed forces of the three main participating nations - France, Germany and the UK - for technical and operational trials due to begin in the third quarter.
Deliveries of operational systems will start in 1998. The participating nations, including Belgium and the Netherlands, need a total of 70,000 missiles.
The development programme has cost DM650 million ($470 million) to date, says Figge.
Source: Flight International