Thales shows off its new Lightweight Multi-role Missile
15 July 2008
A complete departure from typical missile development programmes, LMM has been designed from the outset with low cost being the key driver. Based on proven technologies and off-the-shelf components, LMM has been optimised to take on a wide range of targets on the ground, in the air and at sea.
So what makes LMM special? Firstly the target set for this missile is extensive - from static installations, wheeled or tracked vehicles (although not MBTs), to unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) and helicopters to fast in-shore attack craft and landing craft. Add to this the fact that the missile can be integrated onto an equally varied set of platforms, including ground vehicles, UAVs, helicopters or ships, providing the operator with an easy to use system offering precision strike with low collateral damage. Initially the missile will be offered with laser beam riding guidance, although there will also be a semi active laser variant. The system will be offered with a 3kg blast fragmentation warhead, but also a shaped charge to provide maximum effect against the wide target set.
The LMM programme began in January 2007. In this short space of time it has made rapid progress, with the most recent flight test proving to be 100% successful. The missile launched, roll-stabilised, performed a controlled gather into the beam, and guided out to maximum range, at which time it was commanded to aerodynamically and explosively cut down. All missile hardware, software and guidance control functions operated as expected and the telemetry information received during the flight will be invaluable for the on-going development programme. This was a tremendous achievement by all involved, especially given the challenging timeframes set. It is expected that the missile will enter full production around 2011.
The official launch of the missile took place at the Honourable Artillery Company in London on the evening of the 2 June 2008, with a large selection of dignitaries and prospective customers from the UK and overseas present. Guests were able to see the missile integrated onto a variety of land, sea and air platforms and heard some very positive words of support from Lt General Andrew Figgures, Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff - Equipment Capability (UK) and Rear Adm Amjad Hussain, Director General Weapons, of the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Speaking at the product launch Rear Adm Amjad Hussain said: "This is exactly the kind of programme that does all the things we are looking for. By being tri-service and working in three domains we have one solution, one training solution, one set of maintainers, one supply chain, one set of spare parts, one stockpile and the ability in the future to insert technology as we move forward."
The announcement made on 15 July 2008 by the Rt Hon Baroness Taylor of Bolton, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, announcing a number of funded assessment phase programmes as part of the MoD's Complex Weapon sector initiative (involving Team Complex Weapons), involves LMM and is a major boost for the programme, which will now receive MoD funding to commence full-scale development of the missile.
As part of this sector-wide assessment phase, Thales UK has been awarded a contract for 12 month's work to integrate LMM onto the Future Lynx reconnaissance helicopter, making LMM the weapon of choice for the Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapon (FASGW) Light programme.
Steve Hill, Vice President and Managing Director of Thales UK's air systems business, says: "LMM has to date been a major success. Our novel approach to the design of this product has been well received by the MoD, providing us with a footprint in the marketplace from which we hope to build significantly."
Thales is holding a press briefing on LMM on Thursday 17 July, at 1115-1145 in our Press Suite.
About Thales and Thales UK
Thales is a leading international electronics and systems group, addressing defence, aerospace and security markets worldwide. Thales' leading-edge technology is supported by 22,000 R&D engineers who offer a capability unmatched in Europe to develop and deploy field-proven mission-critical information systems. To this end, the group's civil and military businesses develop in parallel and share a common base of technologies to serve a single objective: the security of people, property and nations. The group builds its growth on its unique multi-domestic strategy based on trusted partnerships with national customers and market players, while leveraging its global expertise to support local technology and industrial development. Thales employs 68,000 people in 50 countries with 2007 revenues in excess of £8.3 bn.
Thales UK employs 9,000 staff based at more than 50 locations. In 2007 Thales UK's revenues were over £1.2 bn.
Press contact:
Thales UK
Kathryn Bell
Mob: +44 7813 903274
Thales UK, Air Systems
Denise Clarke
Mob: +44 (0)7711 428434
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