Loitering munition system with 62-mile range launched from containerized platform

The system is controlled via a user-friendly ground station with permanent human-in-the-loop control.RheinmetallA well-known arms manufacturer company successfully launched a loitering munition system from a containerized platform. Rheinmetall tested FV-014 loitering munition system from a Rheinmetall HX truck, both from a stationary position and whilst moving. The company revealed that both the Containerized Missile Launcher and the FV-014 loitering munition system are in-house developments.Developed for highly mobile operations on the modern battlefield, the FV-014 combines reconnaissance, target identification and precision strike capabilities within a single system. System integrates state-of-the-art tech The system offers operational ranges of up to 62 miles (100 kilometres). Rheinmetall revealed that the system integrates state-of-the-art sensor technology, network capability and strong resilience to GNSS interference through a high degree of autonomy enable deployment even in demanding operational scenarios. The system is suitable for engaging both armoured and unarmoured targets.Launching took place from a transport and launch container using a booster. These launch containers can be integrated into the Containerized Missile Launcher on a modular basis. Depending on the selected container model, this launcher can accommodate up to 18 FV-014. After ejection, the aircraft unfolds its folding wings and transitions to aerodynamic flight. With a flight duration of up to 70 minutes, the operator has sufficient time for reconnaissance, target selection and decision making for the attack, according to a press release. Rheinmetall also highlighted that the product demonstration took place in July at the National Test Centre for Unmanned Aerial Systems at the German Aerospace Centre in Cochstedt, Saxony-Anhalt. Rheinmetall also revealed that the system is controlled via a user-friendly ground station with permanent human-in-the-loop control. This enables the operator to identify and track targets, launch precise attacks and abort the mission, if necessary in order to respond to changing operational conditions. The FV-014 is a modern loitering munition system with a launch weight of around 22 kilograms, including a payload of approximately six kilograms. The integrated HEDP (High-Explosive Dual Purpose) warhead has a penetration capacity of more than 600 millimetres of solid armour steel and is equally effective against armoured and unarmoured targets, as well as infrastructure, as per the release. Rheinmetall also highlighted that an electrically powered propeller guarantees a quiet approach. Furthermore, the FV-014 is designed for a reduced radar and infrared signature. In addition to precise single strikes, the system supports swarm operations to simultaneously engage multiple targets or to ‘saturate’ by deliberately overstraining enemy defence systems. Future deployment from mobile land vehicle platforms and seagoing units is planned. The company also pointed out that Containerized Missile Launcher is a highly flexible, modular designed launch platform, amongst other things, for the FV-014 loitering munition system. It is based on a standardised ISO container of any size. It can be deployed both in a stationary configuration and on mobile platforms, such as a Rheinmetall HX truck, as well as on naval vessels. In the 20-foot configuration, a Containerized Missile Launcher can accommodate up to 18 FV-014 and is fully compatible with existing transport, logistics and operational platforms. Connection to command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I) systems enables flexible launch by a local operator, via radio link or satellite communication, according to the press release.Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Prabhat, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, is a tech and defense journalist. While he enjoys writing on modern weapons and emerging tech, he has also reported on global politics and business. He has been previously associated with well-known media houses, including the International Business Times (Singapore Edition) and ANI.