MBDA's new Mars ER anti-ship missile successfully completed its final test launch at the end of November 2021.
Carried out at an Italian shooting range in Sardinia, this is a fundamental shot in the system validation process, which has shown a very high level of performance and total reliability.
A standard telemetry missile with all functional capabilities and production hardware was used for validation. The only exception was the use of an inert warhead instead of an explosive. The ground launch system used was also in its final hardware and software configuration.
Using its mission planning software, the missile performed a long-range skimming flight, making three main turns and an up and down maneuver during the last turn. It then followed a straight path to the trigger point of the RF seeker. Target identification, selection and tracking was extremely fast and proportional guidance started soon after. During its terminal phase, the missile successfully performed the anti-artillery maneuver, hitting the target just above the waterline, at high transonic speed. This confirmed the exceptional effectiveness of the Mars ER terminal guide with its new solid-state RF seeker.
The test also showed how the turbojet engine of the Marte ER performs excellently both for the ignition phase in flight and for the level of thrust.
This validation is the latest in the development path of the Mars ER, which will go live early next year.
