After the test campaign at the Interforces Polygon of Salto di Quirra (PISQ) in Sardinia, the new target drone Mirach-40 (M-40) of Leonardo has obtained authorization to be used by the Aeronautical Armaments Division and for the Airworthiness (ARMAEREO). The M-40 is now ready for operational use under a three-year service contract between Leonardo and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), which kicked off in January this year.
The M-40 is the latest model of Leonardo's 'Mirach' aero-target family. These are systems that simulate enemy threats allowing air, naval and ground forces to train with air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles, such as Stinger, Aster and Aspide. By simulating airborne threats or guided missiles, the M-40 allows training of armament and radar operators against realistic targets.
For 20 years Leonardo has operated, at the Salto di Quirra polygon, the aero-targets Mirach 100 / 5 on behalf of the Italian Armed Forces for training and validation of weapons systems, as part of a service contract . Based on the latest agreement signed with the NSPA, the company will continue to use the Mirach-100 / 5, integrating the new M-40 into its activities.
The M-40 is unique in terms of design, as it is designed to provide medium-high performance at costs comparable to those of competitors' basic drones. It is capable of realistically simulating a variety of aircraft and missiles, including radar, infrared (IR) and visible threats. To ensure the most realistic performance possible, the M-40 can perform sea-skimming missions at very low altitudes, flights with tight formations and "high-G" maneuvers. As a service managed by Leonardo, the M-40 mono-engine will offer significant savings to the customer, thanks to the low costs and full autonomy of 60 minutes.
Leonardo's aero-targets production dates back to the '70 and grows with the certification of the Mirach 100 / 5 from ARMAEREO in the 1998. Since then this product has become an integral part of the equipment of many armed forces including those of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, Algeria, Argentina and Israel.
