On 7th June 2010, a successful test firing proved the capability of MBDA’s MPCV system (Multi Purpose Combat Vehicle) to carry out a salvo firing to counter a saturating air attack, the most demanding of air attack scenarios.
To put MPCV through its paces, a test firing scenario was configured to evaluate the capabilities of the system to engage and intercept two different targets approaching simultaneously from different directions, simulating a saturating attack carried out by enemy aircraft. The test took place in the presence of a delegation with representatives from South America, the Middle East and Europe at the French DGA (Direction Générale de l’Armement) Biscarosse test range in South West France.
Two Mistral 2 missiles were launched against two Banshee targets flying at low altitude. During the firing the targets were successfully detected, and tracked by the MPCV’s infrared fire control. They were then destroyed by the Mistral 2 missiles.
The first intercept took place at a range of 4,100 meters, the second at 2,500 meters. Following the test firing, MBDA’s test team was able to confirm that the MPCV system operated nominally and that both Mistral 2 missile engagement sequences were successfully carried out. With this proof of the system’s salvo firing capability, final MPCV validation in its air defence version is now complete.
Initial MPCV development is based on a turret manufactured by Rheinmetall Defence Electronics GmbH Germany on the Sherpa 3A all-terrain armoured vehicle manufactured by Renault Trucks Defense as well as VHF PR4G-F@stnet communications by Thales Communications. In parallel to these developments, MBDA is actively working on adapting the MPCV to meet the specific needs of several export customers.
With industrial facilities in four European countries and within the USA, MBDA has an annual turnover of EUR 2.6 billion and an order book of EUR 12 billion. With more than 90 armed forces customers in the world, MBDA is a world leader in missiles and missile systems.
MBDA is the only group capable of designing and producing missiles and missile systems that correspond to the full range of current and future operational needs of the three armed forces (land, sea and air). In total, the group offers a range of 45 missile systems and countermeasures products already in operational service and more than 15 others currently in development.
