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On September 22, 2008, Diehl BGT Defence’s GPS/INS-guided glide missile HOPE for the first time demonstrated its full operational performance during a test campaign of the Federal Office for Military Technology and Procurement (BWB).
Following a successful gliding flight, the glide missile proved its extraordinary target precision through a direct hit. The glide missile was dropped from a Tornado of the German Air Force, operated by the Federal Armed Forces Technical Center WTD 61 in Manching.
The performance demonstration was managed by the Federal Armed Forces Technical Centers WTD 61 and WTD 91 in Manching and Meppen. The Swedish Procurement Agency FMV made available its Vidsel test range.
The glide missiles of Diehl BGT Defence meet the system capability requirements of the German Air Force for an economic medium-range armament concept. Different warheads are employed to achieve target-adapted effectiveness and to avoid accompanying damage as best as possible.
This armament concept was developed in close cooperation between Diehl BGT Defence and the Air Force’s Command Staff as well as the subordinate Air Force´s Command and Weapon System Command on the basis of a capability analysis conducted by the Air Force.
The Eurofighter’s role adjustment focuses on glide missiles because their expanded stand-off capability enables the Eurofighter to engage heavily protection targets in a cost-advantageous manner with the same effectiveness as stealth aircraft which are much more expensive and drop short-range weapons directly above the target.
Equipment of the Eurofighter with glide missiles therefore marks a significant capability improvement, which will help achieve superior competitiveness in export.
The Diehl Defence Holding combines the Diehl Group’s defence and vehicle business. The corporate division achieves sales of 656 million Euros with 3064 employees (Trends 2008). The company Diehl BGT Defence concentrates its product and technology portfolio on guided missiles, ammunition solutions, reconnaissance-, surveillance and protection systems.
