MBDA (Hall 2C) has launched study work on two new versions of its proven Marte Mk 2S air-launched anti-ship missile. One is designed to be integrated on Alenia Aermacchi's M-346 advanced jet trainer/light attack aircraft to meet the requirements of an undisclosed customer.

"We have launched the studies with internal funding," says Antonio Perfetti, chief executive of MBDA Italy. "It is a strategy of MBDA to show customers the robustness of our intention to develop."

The first new variant, the Mk 2S-A, is intended for carriage by light strike aircraft, such as a combat version of the M-346 recently selected by the United Arab Emirates. "We have a potential customer, but it's too early to say," confirms MBDA.

A prototype of the M-346 on display at Finmeccanica's outside exhibit area is shown with the Marte weapon system and MBDA's dual-mode Brimstone air-to-surface missile and PGM 500 bomb -possible weapons options for the UAE.

Some flight development work has already been conducted with the Mk 2S-A, and MBDA also identifies the Alenia Aermacchi MB-339 and the AMX strike aircraft jointly developed with Embraer as other candidate airframes. The weapon weighs around 260kg (570lb), and has an effective range of up to 45km (24nm).

The company is also working on an extended-range version of the weapon for use by helicopters such as the AgustaWestland AW101 and NH Industries NH90, both of which are already platforms for the Mk 2S weapon system.

The introduction of a turbojet engine will enable the subsonic missile to fly faster and achieve an extended range of up to 100km. A new seeker will add radar or imaging infrared guidance, and the design also includes a datalink, says MBDA. The new design has a reduced launch weight of under 300kg.

Perfetti says it will take one year to complete current activities on the S-A variant. "The study will get to a mature level; after this we can see the requirements of the customer. The technology roadmap is prepared, and there are no constraints."

Source: Flight Daily News

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