Thales (Hall 2, B165) is continuing the assessment phase of its efforts to integrate its lightweight multi-role missile (LMMS) with the AgustaWestland AW159 Lynx Wildcat utility helicopter, and expects to sign an agreement covering the next stage later this year.
The British armed forces' first Lynx Wildcat is due to make its debut flight on 13 November. Formerly referred to as the Future Lynx, the new aircraft will be delivered to the British Army and Royal Navy between March 2012 and 2016 under a combined production deal for 34 and 28 helicopters each.
The LMMS is compatible with Thales' very short-range air defence missile Starstreak, in use by UK forces since 1997. Steve Hill, vice-president and managing director of Thales UK's air systems division, estimates the LMMS' price at approximately 60% of that of the Starstreak. As such, it is intended as a "low-cost" missile, attractive to budget-constrained forces.
A "generic weapon" based on off-the-shelf technology, the LMMS is suitable for "most targets" but not main battle tanks or fast-moving jets, according to Hill, who notes that the Starstreak is capable of hitting more agile targets. The LMMS is deployable from unmanned air vehicles as well as helicopters. It arms BAE Systems' Fury, an armed reconnaissance and close air support UAV unveiled at last year's Farnborough air show. The laser beam-riding weapon will incorporate a two-stage rocket motor; a 3kg (6.6lb) blast fragmentation, shaped charge warhead; and a laser proximity sensor.
The weapon is in the second phase of a four-phase development process. Phase two focuses on development of the optical fuse and redesign of the rocket motor and warhead. Development of a semi-active laser seeker will follow in the third phase, and development of novel seekers in the fourth.
While phase one was entirely funded by Thales, the company has received support from the UK government during phase two, says Hill.
The first production unit of the LMMS will be delivered to the UK "at the back end of 2011". Hill says Thales is in discussions with other countries, including some outside Europe, as it looks to win export orders for the weapon.
Source: Flight Daily News
