MBDA is in the process of freezing the final definition of the MPCV (Multi Purpose Combat Vehicle) in readiness for its series production. Two Mistral missile firings carried out at the end of 2009 served to validate this automatic system in its air defence configuration. This definition freezing represents the final technical step before moving into series production which should be launched in the very near future.
In parallel to preparing the system for production, MBDA is finalising the software development of MPCV’s various functions, in particular its integration within a command and coordination network via the MCP (Mistral Coordination Post) command and control system (C2) also conceived and produced by MBDA. The totality of these functions will be validated in spring and autumn 2010.
Initial MPCV development is based on the Sherpa 3A all-terrain armoured vehicle manufactured by Renault Trucks Defense as well as VHF [email protected] 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.
Background Information
MBDA launched the development of MPCV in 2006. MPCV features a multi-purpose missile turret, which in its first version, is the anti-air configuration with a launcher deploying four, ready-to-fire, Mistral missiles with four other missiles stored within the vehicle.
The turret is equipped with an EOSS (Electro-Optic Surveillance Sensor) enabling the passive surveillance, detection and tracking of the target even when the vehicle is in motion. Similarly, the MPCV is perfectly adapted for providing escort defence to other armoured or mechanised units as well as civilian (refugees, VIPs) or military convoys.
The MPCV turret, which is also equipped with a self-defence machine gun, can be remote controlled at a distance of up to 50 metres allowing its crew to operate the system from sheltered or specially equipped positions during drawn out deployments.
The anti-armour variant of MPCV features the same turret and EOSS sensor and will also be able to fire four missiles from a specifically developed launcher. The integration and validation of this anti-armour variant will start in the coming months.
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.
MBDA is jointly held by BAE Systems (37.5%), EADS (37.5%) and Finmeccanica (25%).
