Anti-tank missile system MMP (France)
In the new 2017, the French Armed Forces intend to implement several new programs related to the rearmament of combatant units. One of these projects involves the scope of anti-tank missile systems. At present, several systems of this class are in service with the French army, including obsolete models. This year, ground forces will need to receive the first copies of the MMP, which is proposed as a replacement for older systems.
The MMP project (Missile Moyenne Portée - “Medium-Range Missile”) was developed by MBDA Missile Systems from 2009 on a proactive basis. Initially, the aim of the work was to determine the general features of the appearance of a promising anti-tank complex, but later on the project objectives were updated. In 2010, the French Defense Ministry held a competition, which resulted in the purchase of American-made Javelin ATGMs, finding the domestic systems of similar use obsolete. After that, the MMP complex was proposed to be done in view of the replacement of old French weapons.
MMP complex in position
In the future, the company-developer was able to interest the Ministry of Defense, which resulted in state support for the project. Finally, in December 2013, the first official contract for the future supply of serial missiles and launchers for them appeared. In accordance with the signed document, MBDA will have to transfer 400 portable launchers and 2850 missiles to the customer. Start supplying serial weapons planned in 2017 year. As recent events and reports show, the contractor is on schedule, so the first MMP products will be handed over to the army over the next few months.
It should be noted that at the time of signing the contract with the French army, MBDA did not have time to bring the project Missile Moyenne Portée to the testing stage. Only in 2014, tests of the warhead and other components of the promising missile took place. At the same time they conducted the first trial launch in a special tunnel. In the same year, a prototype model of a new ATGM was first demonstrated to the general public. The venue for the "premiere" of the complex was the exhibition Eurosatory 2014. It should be noted that in the year 2014 for the first time showed the entire complex assembly. The first demonstration of a model of a promising rocket took place even earlier, in 2011.
Rocket in the assembly shop
In the early stages of creating a new project, the designers of MBDA Missile Systems formed an interesting list of requirements for a rocket and a launcher. In determining the technical assignment, the experience of local conflicts of recent decades was taken into account, during which the existing ATGM mastered several new “professions”. During the recent wars, anti-tank missiles were actively used not only to combat enemy armored vehicles, but also during the destruction of strongholds or firing points, including in urban areas. In addition, the optimal position for launching a rocket is often located inside a building.
MMP rocket requirements were defined as follows. The complex should have the minimum possible weight and dimensions, allowing its transportation by calculation forces. The equipment of the complex should ensure the use of missiles at any time of the day and in any weather conditions. It was also required to provide for the possibility of re-targeting the rocket during the flight and searching for targets after launch. To expand the list of possible firing positions and reduce risks for the calculation, the shock wave at launch should be reduced. The missile was supposed to hit a variety of targets, from tanks to fortifications, destroying the selected object and causing the minimum possible collateral damage.
As the published information shows, all the tasks were successfully solved. According to the developer, the MMP rocket complex uses various technical ideas and solutions, as well as special algorithms to expand the range of tasks while maintaining acceptable performance. One of the ways to solve the tasks and reduce the cost of finished products has become a new approach to the choice of the element base. It was decided to use the so-called. COST-components, with acceptable characteristics differing in relatively low cost.
Rocket layout
The main element of the MMP complex is a rocket of the same name. Its design, in general, corresponds to the look of modern weapons of this class. The rocket with a total length of less than 1,3 m has a cylindrical body with a maximum diameter of 140 mm. The head fairing is used, which accommodates a part of the guidance and control equipment, as well as a compact leading charge of the warhead. The central compartment is dedicated to the placement of the main charge and a solid fuel engine. In the tail there is one more compartment of equipment and a compact starting accelerator. For stabilization and control in flight, the rocket has two sets of X-shaped planes. In the transport position, they are located inside the housing; after leaving the launch canister, they are opened by turning back.
The MMP rocket is proposed to be supplied, stored and used together with the transport-launch container. The latter is a plastic pipe with a length of 1,4 m with hermetic end caps and fixtures for mounting on the launcher. For greater convenience of operation, TPK has a carrying handle and shock absorbers made of soft material at the ends, preventing impacts during transport or storage. During the entire storage period, the rocket in TPK does not need any maintenance. The container with the rocket weighs 15 kg.
At the head of the rocket body are the guidance systems of the original composition. Specific requirements for the combat capabilities of the product led to the use of a combined pointing head with a camera and an uncooled infrared unit. In addition, in some situations, the rocket must use the built-in inertial navigation system. The used combined guidance equipment has led to the need for two-way communication between the rocket and the launcher. To do this, the MMP project used fiber optic cable stored on a coil in the tail section of the rocket.
Test run
The rocket of the new type is equipped with a solid-fuel engine and a starting accelerator. A compact tail booster is used to eject the rocket from the transport and launch container and initial acceleration. A characteristic feature of the launch of a rocket is a significant reduction in the amount of emitted gases, which, among other things, makes it possible to use MMP anti-tank systems not only in open spaces, but also in rooms. It also reduces the risks for fighters who are in close proximity to the launcher. After moving away from the launcher for a certain distance, the cruising engine is turned on with full thrust. Parameters thrust and rocket speed has not yet been specified. According to the developer, the rocket is able to fly at a distance of up to 4,1 km.
To date, only a portable launcher has been developed for use by infantry. In the future, MBDA plans to design and offer customers a modified version of such a product, designed for mounting on self-propelled equipment. Apparently, the changes will be minimal and will affect only the design of the supports and the power supply system.
The infantry launcher offered to customers is a portable system with a full set of necessary equipment. For placement on different surfaces, the unit has an adjustable tripod. On the latter, all other units are mounted. To the left of the vertical axis of the installation, a single block of optical-electronic equipment is placed, which is responsible for finding targets and controlling the rocket. On its right side there are attachments for missiles TPK. Interestingly, the container with the ammunition is set at a certain angle to the horizon, because of which the rocket must be fired along an ascending trajectory.
The control unit has its own magnetic compass and satellite navigation system. There is a television camera, thermal imager and laser range finder. The signal from the opto-electronic devices is displayed in the operator's sight. The installation and the rocket are controlled with several levers and a set of buttons. Commands are transmitted to a fully digital control system, which is responsible for communication with the flying missile and the formation of control pulses. The same devices are responsible for receiving and processing the video signal from the onboard systems of the rocket. The portable launcher also has its own power source.
According to reports, the MMP anti-tank missile system has three modes of operation, expanding the range of tasks and increasing the efficiency of its use. The first - “shot and forgotten.” In this case, the operator selects the target and takes it to the automatic tracking. After the launch team, the electronics of the complex independently monitors the movement of the target and suggests a rocket at it. If necessary, can be used semi-automatic mode. In this case, the operator retains the aiming mark on the target, and the automatic system displays a rocket on it.
Of particular interest is the LOAL mode (Lock On After Launch - “Capture after launch”). For firing according to this method, the operator must have data of external targeting. Not seeing the target, the calculation should aim the rocket at the area of the attacked object and launch. After the missile approaches the target, the operator can independently find it using a camera or a thermal imager signal. After that, the target is taken to the accompaniment and attacked. The presence of two optical channels allows you to use a rocket at any time of the day.
For the destruction of targets of various types of missile MMP carries a tandem cumulative warhead. According to the manufacturer, the warhead can penetrate up to 1000 mm of homogeneous armor or a concrete object up to 2 m thick. If necessary, the rocket can be used in the "kinetic" mode. To reduce collateral damage, the operator can turn off the fuse, after which the destruction of the target is carried out exclusively by the energy of the ammunition. It is alleged that the new high-power combat unit allows anti-tank systems to fight both obsolete or modern tanks, as well as various fortifications, buildings, firing points, etc.
Major design work under the Missile Moyenne Portée program was completed in 2013-14, after which tests of the new weapon began. During the tests, a large number of ground-based equipment tests were performed, as well as several dozen missile launches in various configurations and for various purposes. According to the results of all the necessary checks, the prospective anti-tank complex was recommended for serial production.
MBDA Missile Systems announced the launch of production of MMP-type missiles and launchers in June last year. In the foreseeable future, it was planned to bring the serial assembly of the complexes at the required pace, and then begin the delivery of finished products to the launch customer in the person of the French ground forces. As stated, the first serial MMP ATGMs should have been sent to the army in 2017. For several years, the army wants to get four hundred rocket launchers and 2850 missiles for them.
New missile systems are considered as a replacement for obsolete MILAN systems, which were put into service about 40 years ago. In addition, MMP ATGMs can at least complement slightly newer ERYX products used by the army since the early nineties. With the successful implementation of all existing plans, the French ground forces will be able to visibly upgrade their arsenals of portable anti-tank weapons. At the moment, the newest and most sophisticated complex of this kind is the import system Javelin, and in the foreseeable future, the domestic MMP will complement it in this role.
At the moment, only one contract for the supply of MBDA MMP complexes is known. The first and so far the only customer of such weapons is France. A promising missile system was repeatedly demonstrated at exhibitions of weapons and military equipment, where it could attract the attention of potential buyers from other countries. However, as far as is known, until the interest of foreign armies has led to the signing of contracts for the supply of weapons.
Judging by the published data, the newest French ATGM MMP is of great interest both from a technical point of view and in connection with the original concept underlying the project. Previous systems of this class were created with the aim of fighting the enemy’s armored vehicles, and the attack of various structures was only an additional function. In the case of the Missile Moyenne Portée complex, the task of the designers was initially to create a universal system with a multi-purpose rocket. Published information shows that MBDA specialists managed to find ways to create such weapons.
Nevertheless, it will be possible to speak with confidence about the correctness of the ideas and solutions applied only after the application of a promising complex in real combat conditions. MMP systems are still far from such checks, but the early start of arms deliveries to the army and the continuation of a number of armed conflicts may contribute to sending anti-tank systems to the front line.
On the materials of the sites:
http://mbda-systems.com/
http://armyrecognition.com/
http://army-technology.com/
http://janes.com/
The MMP project (Missile Moyenne Portée - “Medium-Range Missile”) was developed by MBDA Missile Systems from 2009 on a proactive basis. Initially, the aim of the work was to determine the general features of the appearance of a promising anti-tank complex, but later on the project objectives were updated. In 2010, the French Defense Ministry held a competition, which resulted in the purchase of American-made Javelin ATGMs, finding the domestic systems of similar use obsolete. After that, the MMP complex was proposed to be done in view of the replacement of old French weapons.
MMP complex in position
In the future, the company-developer was able to interest the Ministry of Defense, which resulted in state support for the project. Finally, in December 2013, the first official contract for the future supply of serial missiles and launchers for them appeared. In accordance with the signed document, MBDA will have to transfer 400 portable launchers and 2850 missiles to the customer. Start supplying serial weapons planned in 2017 year. As recent events and reports show, the contractor is on schedule, so the first MMP products will be handed over to the army over the next few months.
It should be noted that at the time of signing the contract with the French army, MBDA did not have time to bring the project Missile Moyenne Portée to the testing stage. Only in 2014, tests of the warhead and other components of the promising missile took place. At the same time they conducted the first trial launch in a special tunnel. In the same year, a prototype model of a new ATGM was first demonstrated to the general public. The venue for the "premiere" of the complex was the exhibition Eurosatory 2014. It should be noted that in the year 2014 for the first time showed the entire complex assembly. The first demonstration of a model of a promising rocket took place even earlier, in 2011.
Rocket in the assembly shop
In the early stages of creating a new project, the designers of MBDA Missile Systems formed an interesting list of requirements for a rocket and a launcher. In determining the technical assignment, the experience of local conflicts of recent decades was taken into account, during which the existing ATGM mastered several new “professions”. During the recent wars, anti-tank missiles were actively used not only to combat enemy armored vehicles, but also during the destruction of strongholds or firing points, including in urban areas. In addition, the optimal position for launching a rocket is often located inside a building.
MMP rocket requirements were defined as follows. The complex should have the minimum possible weight and dimensions, allowing its transportation by calculation forces. The equipment of the complex should ensure the use of missiles at any time of the day and in any weather conditions. It was also required to provide for the possibility of re-targeting the rocket during the flight and searching for targets after launch. To expand the list of possible firing positions and reduce risks for the calculation, the shock wave at launch should be reduced. The missile was supposed to hit a variety of targets, from tanks to fortifications, destroying the selected object and causing the minimum possible collateral damage.
As the published information shows, all the tasks were successfully solved. According to the developer, the MMP rocket complex uses various technical ideas and solutions, as well as special algorithms to expand the range of tasks while maintaining acceptable performance. One of the ways to solve the tasks and reduce the cost of finished products has become a new approach to the choice of the element base. It was decided to use the so-called. COST-components, with acceptable characteristics differing in relatively low cost.
Rocket layout
The main element of the MMP complex is a rocket of the same name. Its design, in general, corresponds to the look of modern weapons of this class. The rocket with a total length of less than 1,3 m has a cylindrical body with a maximum diameter of 140 mm. The head fairing is used, which accommodates a part of the guidance and control equipment, as well as a compact leading charge of the warhead. The central compartment is dedicated to the placement of the main charge and a solid fuel engine. In the tail there is one more compartment of equipment and a compact starting accelerator. For stabilization and control in flight, the rocket has two sets of X-shaped planes. In the transport position, they are located inside the housing; after leaving the launch canister, they are opened by turning back.
The MMP rocket is proposed to be supplied, stored and used together with the transport-launch container. The latter is a plastic pipe with a length of 1,4 m with hermetic end caps and fixtures for mounting on the launcher. For greater convenience of operation, TPK has a carrying handle and shock absorbers made of soft material at the ends, preventing impacts during transport or storage. During the entire storage period, the rocket in TPK does not need any maintenance. The container with the rocket weighs 15 kg.
At the head of the rocket body are the guidance systems of the original composition. Specific requirements for the combat capabilities of the product led to the use of a combined pointing head with a camera and an uncooled infrared unit. In addition, in some situations, the rocket must use the built-in inertial navigation system. The used combined guidance equipment has led to the need for two-way communication between the rocket and the launcher. To do this, the MMP project used fiber optic cable stored on a coil in the tail section of the rocket.
Test run
The rocket of the new type is equipped with a solid-fuel engine and a starting accelerator. A compact tail booster is used to eject the rocket from the transport and launch container and initial acceleration. A characteristic feature of the launch of a rocket is a significant reduction in the amount of emitted gases, which, among other things, makes it possible to use MMP anti-tank systems not only in open spaces, but also in rooms. It also reduces the risks for fighters who are in close proximity to the launcher. After moving away from the launcher for a certain distance, the cruising engine is turned on with full thrust. Parameters thrust and rocket speed has not yet been specified. According to the developer, the rocket is able to fly at a distance of up to 4,1 km.
To date, only a portable launcher has been developed for use by infantry. In the future, MBDA plans to design and offer customers a modified version of such a product, designed for mounting on self-propelled equipment. Apparently, the changes will be minimal and will affect only the design of the supports and the power supply system.
The infantry launcher offered to customers is a portable system with a full set of necessary equipment. For placement on different surfaces, the unit has an adjustable tripod. On the latter, all other units are mounted. To the left of the vertical axis of the installation, a single block of optical-electronic equipment is placed, which is responsible for finding targets and controlling the rocket. On its right side there are attachments for missiles TPK. Interestingly, the container with the ammunition is set at a certain angle to the horizon, because of which the rocket must be fired along an ascending trajectory.
The control unit has its own magnetic compass and satellite navigation system. There is a television camera, thermal imager and laser range finder. The signal from the opto-electronic devices is displayed in the operator's sight. The installation and the rocket are controlled with several levers and a set of buttons. Commands are transmitted to a fully digital control system, which is responsible for communication with the flying missile and the formation of control pulses. The same devices are responsible for receiving and processing the video signal from the onboard systems of the rocket. The portable launcher also has its own power source.
According to reports, the MMP anti-tank missile system has three modes of operation, expanding the range of tasks and increasing the efficiency of its use. The first - “shot and forgotten.” In this case, the operator selects the target and takes it to the automatic tracking. After the launch team, the electronics of the complex independently monitors the movement of the target and suggests a rocket at it. If necessary, can be used semi-automatic mode. In this case, the operator retains the aiming mark on the target, and the automatic system displays a rocket on it.
Of particular interest is the LOAL mode (Lock On After Launch - “Capture after launch”). For firing according to this method, the operator must have data of external targeting. Not seeing the target, the calculation should aim the rocket at the area of the attacked object and launch. After the missile approaches the target, the operator can independently find it using a camera or a thermal imager signal. After that, the target is taken to the accompaniment and attacked. The presence of two optical channels allows you to use a rocket at any time of the day.
For the destruction of targets of various types of missile MMP carries a tandem cumulative warhead. According to the manufacturer, the warhead can penetrate up to 1000 mm of homogeneous armor or a concrete object up to 2 m thick. If necessary, the rocket can be used in the "kinetic" mode. To reduce collateral damage, the operator can turn off the fuse, after which the destruction of the target is carried out exclusively by the energy of the ammunition. It is alleged that the new high-power combat unit allows anti-tank systems to fight both obsolete or modern tanks, as well as various fortifications, buildings, firing points, etc.
Major design work under the Missile Moyenne Portée program was completed in 2013-14, after which tests of the new weapon began. During the tests, a large number of ground-based equipment tests were performed, as well as several dozen missile launches in various configurations and for various purposes. According to the results of all the necessary checks, the prospective anti-tank complex was recommended for serial production.
MBDA Missile Systems announced the launch of production of MMP-type missiles and launchers in June last year. In the foreseeable future, it was planned to bring the serial assembly of the complexes at the required pace, and then begin the delivery of finished products to the launch customer in the person of the French ground forces. As stated, the first serial MMP ATGMs should have been sent to the army in 2017. For several years, the army wants to get four hundred rocket launchers and 2850 missiles for them.
New missile systems are considered as a replacement for obsolete MILAN systems, which were put into service about 40 years ago. In addition, MMP ATGMs can at least complement slightly newer ERYX products used by the army since the early nineties. With the successful implementation of all existing plans, the French ground forces will be able to visibly upgrade their arsenals of portable anti-tank weapons. At the moment, the newest and most sophisticated complex of this kind is the import system Javelin, and in the foreseeable future, the domestic MMP will complement it in this role.
At the moment, only one contract for the supply of MBDA MMP complexes is known. The first and so far the only customer of such weapons is France. A promising missile system was repeatedly demonstrated at exhibitions of weapons and military equipment, where it could attract the attention of potential buyers from other countries. However, as far as is known, until the interest of foreign armies has led to the signing of contracts for the supply of weapons.
Judging by the published data, the newest French ATGM MMP is of great interest both from a technical point of view and in connection with the original concept underlying the project. Previous systems of this class were created with the aim of fighting the enemy’s armored vehicles, and the attack of various structures was only an additional function. In the case of the Missile Moyenne Portée complex, the task of the designers was initially to create a universal system with a multi-purpose rocket. Published information shows that MBDA specialists managed to find ways to create such weapons.
Nevertheless, it will be possible to speak with confidence about the correctness of the ideas and solutions applied only after the application of a promising complex in real combat conditions. MMP systems are still far from such checks, but the early start of arms deliveries to the army and the continuation of a number of armed conflicts may contribute to sending anti-tank systems to the front line.
On the materials of the sites:
http://mbda-systems.com/
http://armyrecognition.com/
http://army-technology.com/
http://janes.com/
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