Fire Point, having introduced new missiles to Ukraine’s arsenal, has announced the FP-7.x anti-ballistic missile developed from the recently tested FP-7 TBM.
Ukraine’s Fire Point is proceeding to the air defence development phase, which it previously foreshadowed for the FP-7 tactical ballistic missile (TBM).
Fire Point Co-Founder Denys Shtilierman announced the new air defence missile’s development on social media, providing details on the missile’s specifications and how it will work.
FP-7 is known to be externally based on the 5V55 air defence missile from the S-300 air defence system, for not only better high-speed handling, but also a provision for development into an air defence missile.
Measuring 7.25 m long and 530 mm in diameter, FP-7.x will have a speed envelope between 1500 m/s and 2000 m/s (Translates to Mach 5 and Mach 6.7 at high altitudes). The high speed is one of the key requirements for a ballistic missile interceptor. The guidance will be a combination of semi-active RF and IIR seekers. Judging from the figures, it is understood that FP-7.x is aimed at TBM and possibly SRBM threats. Compared to missiles like PAC-3 and Aster-30, which employ thruster-assisted manoeuvring for hit-to-kill or a very close approach, FP-7.x is more likely to employ a larger fragmentation warhead and, as a simpler solution, more similar to PAC-2 GEM-T.
Considering the high speeds involved, an IIR seeker able to withstand hypersonic speeds is one of the key challenges, aside from guidance algorithms. One could look at the seeker design from THAAD employing active heat shielding through expelling inert gases around the exterior to have an idea of how the seeker will work.
For the larger picture, the battery structure, there will be a long-range search radar with the options laid out as SAAB Giraffe 8A/4A, Thales Ground Master 400, or Hensoldt TRML-4D; illumination radar for midcourse guidance as either one of Weibel GFTR-2100/48 or Leonardo KRONOS Land; and other vehicles (Fire control, communication, reloading...).
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
