Thales,
The French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) awarded an upstream study program in December 2008 to the temporary company grouping consisting of Nexter Munitions (representative) and TDA, a subsidiary of Thales, for the design and manufacture of a Metric Precision artillery Ammunition demonstrator (MPM).
The aim of this upstream study program (Programme Etudes Amont or PEA) is the procurement of low-cost technological units for navigation, piloting, guidance, acquisition and detection (semi-active laser sensor), which can be integrated in several types of ammunition (120mm mortar, tank artillery, 155mm artillery, GMLRS rockets and 68mm helicopter rockets).
This SAL terminal guided ammunition is designed for use in operational engagements, particularly of an urban nature, and should allow for the metric precision treatment of one-off and overlapping targets. These targets are designated in the last seconds of ballistic flight by a laser designator, operated through a means of observation (ground-level observation, aircraft etc.) During this designation phase, the auto-director will detect the spot back-scattered by the target, and supply the information to the guidance system which then develops piloting orders and thus ensure terminal metric precision. On top of this, target designation will be effected by the same type of designator, regardless of the ammunition (artillery, mortar, tank etc.).
The main operational objective being sought is precision improvement in order to limit collateral damage, alleviate logistics and fire in the vicinity of friendly forces. This upstream study program will end by 2012 with demonstrative 120mm mortar fire.
Nexter Munitions, subsidiary of Nexter Systems, develops and manufactures large calibre ammunition for armoured vehicles and artillery systems. Nexter Munitions also manufactures medium calibre ammunition for land, air and sea applications, as well as warheads and missile safety devices. Turnover in 2007 was to the order of 130 million Euros. Nexter Systems managed a turnover of 587 million Euros in 2007, 17% of which is dedicated to research and development.
Thales is an electronics and systems global leader. The Group serves the Aeronautical, Space, Defense and Safety markets around the world, supported by a global technology and pace-setting services offer. Thales managed a turnover of 12.3 billion Euros in 2007.
TDA Armements SAS, a subsidiary of Thales, is one of the Europe's leading weapons systems suppliers. Its range of products includes Rocket System for aircraft and helicopters, Force Protection Systems and Mortar Systems.
