MBDA completes SIMBAD-RC trial

MBDA has successfully completed two Mistral firings using a SIMBAD-RC firing post, the company announced on 17 March, marking the last technical milestone before customer deliveries begin.

The firings - performed using ten-degree and 50-degree angle of elevation - validated the interface between the missile and the new twin-launcher, and confirmed the system’s ability to carry out salvo firings. The correct departure of the missile from the firing post was also confirmed. Tests in different mechanical and climatic environments will complete the qualification of the system.

The remotely-controlled SIMBAD-RC turret is a short-range naval air defence system that is designed to defend patrol vessels and support craft against threats such as unmanned air vehicles, anti-ship missiles and fighter aircraft.

Each turret supports two ready-to-fire missiles. The turrets are remotely-operated to allow the operator to remain under cover, thereby ensuring longer operational availability in case of a combat alert.

Antoine Bouvier, chief executive officer, MBDA, said: ‘The SIMBAD-RC programme illustrates how MBDA helps customers leverage their previous acquisitions. Starting from a market standard such as the Mistral missile, of which more than 17,000 have been produced and are in service in nearly 30 countries worldwide, we have built a simple to operate and highly automated system that greatly improves the operational use of the missiles already in service.’