MBDA is displaying two new configurations of its fifth-generation land combat weapon system, Missile Moyenne Portee (MMP), at Eurosatory 2014 that is taking place at the Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition centre in Paris, France.
The first variant includes an MMP missile mounted on the multi-purpose combat vehicle (MPCV), while the other is being displayed in collaboration with Nexter T40 turret.
The company has been conducting feasibility studies to integrate the MMP system on a land combat version of the MPCV since 2012.
In addition, feasibility studies are being carried out with Nexter for integration of the missile onto the T40 turret, which is being developed for a 40mm telescoped canon munition as part of the French Army’s Engin Blindé de Reconnaissance et de Combat (EBRC) armoured reconnaissance and combat vehicle project.
In development since 2009, the MMP is a lightweight, next-generation surface attack missile system designed for destruction of both stationary and moving ground targets, including tanks, armoured and non-armoured vehicles and infrastructures with minimum collateral damage.
MBDA Land Systems head Jean-Paul Faye said: "MMP was conceived from the outset to be network enabled thanks to an infantry firing post equipped with functions, including location, orientation and telemetry.
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By GlobalData"These capabilities allow the system to share the tactical situation within the deployed combat unit and to engage both visible and concealed targets, as well as non-line-of-sight targets.
"These characteristics, which are currently unique for such a lightweight missile and for this class of performance, will enable combat vehicles to be endowed with increased strike and rapid reaction capabilities, features associated with extensive liberty of manoeuvre."
MPCV’s turret sensors, including electro-optical, navigation, telemetry, were found to be better suited for MMP deployment by the initial studies, which highlighted the requirement for addition of electronic interface to the existing system to handle sensor signals.
In addition, the company is expected to adapt the firing console already developed for the air defence version of MPCV, in the vehicle cabin to MMP’s specific characteristics.
Initial simulations have indicated that the missile in its tube will be capable of withstanding the mechanical and climatic environment conditions associated with carriage on the turret.
Results have prompted the company to launch studies into the definition of a family of launchers that can deploy two or four munitions and offer rapid fire and reloading capabilities within an operational context.
Image: MMP is a next-generation surface attack missile designed for destruction of both stationary and moving ground targets. Photo: © MBDA 2014.