OCCAR announced a new firing test for France’s new AKERON LP long-range ATGM at a sea target, which verified the laser seeker and datalink functionality.
AKERON LP’s new test with a sea target -following a launch and telemetry test from an Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopter a year ago- demonstrated the functionality of the laser seeker and the two-way datalink.
This test is likely to be followed by man-in-the-loop (MITL) guidance tests, considering the transition to a testing phase involving seekers.
AKERON LP, developed as a new long-range ATGM for French service, has a range between 8 km and 20 km, depending on the trajectory (Straightforward/Lofted/Dive-Down), and carries a multi-purpose tandem HEAT warhead with 1000+ mm RHA penetration.
The guidance package consists of a tri-mode seeker (Laser+TV+IIR) and two-way datalink for target updates and MITL engagements through TV or IIR seekers.
In addition to helicopter-borne use, thanks to its non-line of sight (NLOS) engagement capability, AKERON LP will be used in the EU’s MARSEUS fire support vehicle programme. So far, Type X and DRAILER UGVs have been integrated with eight-round launchers during the demonstrations for the programme.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
