TDA expands Aculeus portfolio

[Zarvan]

TDA's Induction Laser-Guided Rocket is scheduled to enter service on the French Army Light Aviation Tiger HAD in 2019-20. Source: TDA
Key Points

• Final qualification of the Aculeus HE-MM scheduled for March 2017
• TDA is also evaluating a surface-to-surface capability for the Aculeus LG for land and maritime platforms

With final development of its Aculeus LG induction laser-guided rocket (ILGR) system now under way for the French Army, TDA Armements, a Thales Group subsidiary, is set to introduce two new unguided variants to its family of 68 mm Aculeus induction rockets.

TDA's induction rocket system is an innovative concept that marries the Aculeus munition with the TDA-designed, purpose-built Telson digital launcher, launched in June 2015. Fully inert during the storage, logistics, and carry phases, the ignition and activation of the rocket, including transfer of the code, computing data, and rocket motor firing order is received in encrypted format from the launcher via a digital interface with the munition within 35 milliseconds of separation. The wireless technology eliminates the risk of Foreign Object Damage, misfires, and accidental electromagnetic ignition. It also prevents the rockets being used as improvised explosive devices or by enemy rocket launcher systems.

The current in-service Aculeus inventory includes non-guided practice and practice marker (Aculeus P and P&M) rounds, and a non-guided multi-dart variant, Aculeus MD-36 (36 darts), designed to engage columns of light armoured vehicles.

In July 2016 the company was awarded a three-phase contract from the French Defence Procurement Agency (Direction générale de l'armement: DGA) to design, qualify, and launch serial production of an initial batch of 68 mm Aculeus LG induction laser-guided rockets (ILGRs). A corresponding contract was also awarded to integrate the Aculeus LG on the French Army Light Aviation (Aviation Légère de l'Armée de Terre: ALAT) Airbus Helicopters Tiger HAD (Hélicoptère d'Appui Destruction)-standard combat platforms. The rocket is scheduled to enter French service in 2019-20.

The Aculeus LG weighs 8.8 kg and is just over 1.4 m in length.

Want to read more? For analysis on this article and access to all our insight content, please enquire about our subscription options ihs.com/contact




To read the full article, Client Login
(328 of 1004 words)

http://www.janes.com/article/66527/tda-expands-aculeus-portfolio