Thales's Lightweight Multirole Missile to enter production
13 April 2011
Following three years of development, Thales UK’s Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) will now move forward into full development, qualification and initial production following contract award by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Qualification testing will take place during 2012 with production starting at the end of the year, and deliveries scheduled to commence in 2013. LMM will first enter service with the UK Armed Forces aboard the new Wildcat Lynx helicopter.
Specific activities covered under the MoD contract include the design, development and qualification of the laser beam rider version of LMM, together with production of an initial quantity of 1,000 missiles.
LMM is a low-cost, lightweight missile, the development of which began in 2008. It has been designed to be launched from a variety of air, sea and land platforms against a wide range of threats.
The LMM programme has made significant progress since its launch. Development is at an advanced stage and Thales has conducted successful guidance control firings in recent months, including for the first time a semi-active laser (SAL) version.
In parallel with the UK MoD programme, Thales plans to continue the development of the LMM suite of missiles for land, sea and air launched applications.
A full-scale model of the LMM was exhibited at LAAD on the UK Trade & Investment Defence & Security Organisation Stand (number 060).
Thales has a long association with air defence missiles, such as Javelin, Starburst and Starstreak, and LMM is part of the company’s plan to enter in other lightweight missile sectors.
– ENDS –
Notes to editors
Core characteristics of LMM:
Low cost
Precision strike out to ranges of >6km – low collateral damage
Wide range of targets – land, sea & air
Launch from Lightweight air, land & sea platforms
Summary
Diameter 76mm
Length 1.3m
Max range 6000m >> 8000m
Max mach ~1.5
Max weight 13kg
Min range 400m
Wing span .26m
Warhead weight 3.0kg
Propulsion 2 Stage solid propellant
Multi-mode guidance
Laser beam riding and/or semi active laser
IR terminal homing
INS/GPS
Laser proximity sensor
Modular warhead options
Low cost
About Thales and Thales UK
Thales is a global technology leader for the defence & security and the aerospace & transport markets. In 2010 the company generated revenues of £11.2bn (€13.1bn), with 68,000 employees in 50 countries. With its 22,500 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers as local partners.
Thales UK employs 8,000 staff based at 40 locations. In 2010 Thales UK's revenues were around £1.5bn.
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