C295 MPA successfully releases Marte missile

The Airbus Military C295 maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) has successfully demonstrated the release of an instrumented MBDA Marte MK2/S anti-ship inert missile as part of a series of trials to validate the integration of the missile onto the aircraft.

The Marte missile was installed under the wing of the C295 MPA for the demonstration, which aimed to validate the aerodynamic integration of the missile on the C295, and test its handling qualities and performance. Airbus Military said that the success of the trial provides further proof of the operational versatility of the Marte missile.

The MBDA Marte MK2/S missile is a fire-and-forget, all-weather, medium-range sea-skimming anti-ship weapon system, equipped with inertial mid-course guidance and radar homing terminal guidance, and capable of destroying small vessels and heavily damaging major vessels. The missile has a weight of 310kg and is 3.85m long.

Airbus Military and MBDA are collaborating on the integration to provide new operational capabilities to the C295 MPA, to allow the aircraft to perform new missions in response to evolving customer requirements. In the anti-submarine warfare role, the C295 is already in-service carrying the MK46 torpedo.

The Marte Mk2/S is already integrated on the AW-101 and the NFH (Naval NH90) helicopters in service with the Italian Navy. Integration activities for the Marte ER on the Eurofighter Typhoon are currently underway.