MBDA, On 19th November 2007, the final qualification launch of Teseo MK2/A was successfully carried out, representing a major milestone in this anti-ship missile’s development programme.
Teseo MK2/A was launched from the Italian Navy ship Luigi Durand De La Penne. In simulating a scenario confined to a limited area with four-way points and four turns (two of which were virtually 180°), the launch characteristics were particularly complex and demanding. The test parameters also called for the re-vectoring of the target and the subsequent updating of the missile seeker’s search logic. The timing and area parameters of the re-vectoring were calculated automatically by the launch system’s mission planning.
Teseo MK2/A flew a distance of approximately 120km which was covered in 415 seconds. The missile followed its planned sea-skimming trajectory with the maximum of precision, arriving at its approach phase to the target at an angle of only 3°. A direct hit was registered against the target, with impact occurring at the lowest planned altitude at the end of the homing phase.
The Italian Navy was involved in the test with Admiral Giuseppe Lertora, who witnessed the launch proceedings, expressing his appreciation for the excellent work carried out by MBDA Italia. Fabrizio Giulianini, Managing Director and CEO of MBDA Italia said: “With this launch we have successfully completed the qualification phase of this weapon system, a system which represents an important part of our history and technological heritage.
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The conclusion of this campaign will bring us some very interesting commercial opportunities, not only in our domestic market but especially in our export market. The Teseo/Otomat missile already has a significant installed base of over 1000 missiles that have been sold or are currently in service with navies across the world”.
As part of its modernization programme, Teseo MK2/A (which will be marketed as Otomat MK2 Block IV on the export market) has had all its discovery/tracking and navigation components completely digitalized. This will allow Teseo MK2/A to confront naval threats not only in open water (blue water) but also in littoral warfare situations (brown water) that are more common than the present asymmetric conflicts.
With an annual turnover exceeding EUR 3 billion, a forward order book of over EUR 13 billion and over 70 customers world-wide, MBDA is a world leading, global missile systems company. MBDA currently has 45 missile system and countermeasure programmes in operational service and has proven its ability as prime contractor to head major multi-national projects.
MBDA is jointly owned by BAE Systems (37.5%), EADS (37.5%) and Finmeccanica (25%).
