Composite prototype MMP launch tube produced

Australian company Airspeed has produced the first composite prototype missile launch tube for MBDA’s MMP missile.

The prototype has been produced as part of a contract with MBDA to explore alternative manufacturing methods for the MMP anti-tank guided weapon.

The launch tube is manufactured from toughened, pre-impregnated carbon fibre using four axis filament winding, an advanced winding technique offering repeatability and high part quality. Layers of carbon fibre were wound, in helical and hoop windings to create a robust structure.

MMP is being offered for Australia’s LAND 400 Phase 2 programme. If successful with LAND 400, MBDA’s vision is for MMP to be built, maintained and evolved in Australia. MBDA hopes to include Australian companies in its global supply chain for MMP and, in the future, for other MBDA systems.

Airspeed designs and manufactures composite structures for a number of military programmes, including low drag electronics pods which incorporate design features that allow the rapid integration of mission payloads on military fast jets, UAS and helicopters.

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