MMP (Missile Moyenne Portée- Medium Range Missile) is a new generation surface attack missile system designed for the French Army. The MMP development programme was initiated by MBDA Systems in 2009, to replace France’s Milan wire-guided anti-tank missile.
The entire MMP development programme is funded by MBDA, and is scheduled to be completed by 2017.
The MMP is a lightweight man-portable missile that can be installed on tracked and wheeled vehicles. It offers enhanced preciseness and considerable automation in striking targets. It is capable of destroying both stationary and moving targets.
MMP development and production history
Sagem was selected for the development and production of firing post and infrared seeker for the MMP in June 2010.
In December 2011, the French Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) awarded a risk reduction contract to MBDA. The contract is to confirm the technical options behind the critical equipment involved in the missile, and its firing post.
MBDA began the MMP integration trials for the French Army under the risk reduction contract in June 2013. The full-rate production contract of the missile is expected to be awarded in 2014.
MBDA carried out several tests on the MMP on a variety of surfaces to confirm the restricted space-firing capability of the missile. This capability ensures the safety of the missile system operator.
The capability of the MMP’s warhead to strike against a new generation of explosive reactive armour was also tested by MBDA. The company has also validated MMP’s firing post ergonomics and architecture.
Nexter is currently studying regarding the provision for integrating the MMP on the CT-40 canon turret.
Warhead and design features of MMP
The MMP is designed to reduce the collateral damage risk. The missile is equipped with rapid reaction capability to respond quickly. It is capable of destroying new generation main battle tanks (MBTs).
The missile is designed to have a maximum range of 4,000m. It has an overall length of 13m, diameter of 0.14m, and weight of 15kg (inclusive of tube).
The MMP missile is network centric warfare (NCW)-compatible. The fire and forget mode of the missile will help to reduce fire-control burden. The man controlling the loop and lock-on after launch (LOAL) modes improves the precision strike capability of the missile, which can even be fired from inside a building. The firing sequence of the MMP is rapidly repeatable.
The MMP is installed with a multi-purpose tandem warhead. The warhead can penetrate 1,000mm of rolled homogeneous armour (RHA), and 2,000mm of concrete.
MMP firing unit details
The MMP comes with a completely digitalised firing unit. The firing unit is fitted with a latest generation Band 2 infrared (IR) and also includes a day camera and laser range finder. It is also equipped with a GPS and magnetic compass for direction and guidance.
The firing unit weighs approximately 11kg (including tripod and battery). It works as an autonomous unit when installed with battery, but can be connected to an external power source if required.
Sensors on MMP
The MMP is installed with a dual mode seeker (infrared and optical) to guide it towards the target. The missile is fitted with Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and inertial measurement unit (IMU) for calculating and reporting its velocity and direction.
The laser range finder aboard the missile allows precise determination of the distance of the target. The missile is controlled by using the real-time data link.
Propulsion system on MMP
The MMP is powered by a two stage propulsion system.
Fuente: http://www.army-technology.com
