MBDA develops Mistral Atlas-RC
MBDA has developed a new short range air defence system called Mistral Atlas-RC, the company announced on 15 March.
The new system is based on a remotely controlled turret, equipped with two Mistral missiles and a latest generation thermal sight, capable of being mounted on light armoured vehicles.
Atlas-RC can be operated from within the vehicle’s cabin or remotely via a fully mobile workstation with a 360° revolving, motorised turret.
The system has been developed in response to the Spanish Ministry of Defence’s requirements to modernise its existing Mistral launchers. In this instance the system could be mounted on a light armoured vehicle such as the Spanish Army’s high mobility tactical vehicle, the URO VAMTAC ST5.
Compatible with all versions of the Mistral missile, Atlas-RC provides fire-and-forget capability, and high kill probability against fixed and rotary wing aircraft and UAVs. The system can be integrated into a coordinated fire control network and is adaptable to third party communication systems. The system can be operated by a single soldier and is air-transportable on aircraft such as the A400M and C-130.
MBDA Spain will develop, produce and support this system, along with the participation of the Spanish defence industry supply chain.
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