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.
More from Land Warfare
-
![US Army chooses Textron Systems and Griffon Aerospace in final showdown for FTUAS]()
US Army chooses Textron Systems and Griffon Aerospace in final showdown for FTUAS
The US Army plans to procure a Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS) to replace the Textron Systems RQ-7Bv2 Shadow tactical UAV currently in service with the US Army's Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs). The FTUAS is being developed under the wider Future UAS (FUAS) programme.
-
![Lockheed Martin signs Australian air and missile defence system deal]()
Lockheed Martin signs Australian air and missile defence system deal
Air 6500 Phase 1, worth AU$500 million (US$326 million), will result in a sovereign system that can provide greater situational awareness and help to defend against hostile aircraft and missiles. It will sit at the core of Australia’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence programme.
-
![Rheinmetall wins communications deal that could be worth up to €400 million]()
Rheinmetall wins communications deal that could be worth up to €400 million
The systems have been purchased under a special fund which has already been tapped into for the purchase of 60 CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters worth up to €8 billion (US$8.7 billion) and thousands of Rheinmetall Caracal airmobile special operations vehicles worth €1.9 billion.
-
![The Philippines looks to Israel for military equipment amid South China Sea tensions]()
The Philippines looks to Israel for military equipment amid South China Sea tensions
The southeast Asian country has been enhancing its military readiness by procuring advanced Israeli defence platforms and systems.
