Thales announced firing test of the X-Fire high-mobility MLRS mounted on a Zetros 8x8 truck, shortly after the firing test of the FLP-T-150 artillery rocket.
Thales, partnered with ArianeGroup (Best known for the M51 SLBM) for the FLP-T programme of France, completed the first firing tests for the X-Fire high mobility MLRS.
X-Fire prototype fired Thales’ 68mm X-Fum training rocket, serving the purpose of validating the basic fire control functionality. It should be noted that X-Fire will mainly use the FLP-T-150 guided artillery rocket, which can reach a range of 150 km.
X-Fire adopts a similar layout to M142 HIMARS as a truck-based MLRS with a rapid reloading mechanism and slight concealment of the munitions. It is seen that Zetros 8x8 has been picked as the platform for X-Fire.
The Thales+ArianeGroup team-up is competing with MBDA+Safran for the FLP-T programme, aiming to succeed the US-made M270 MLRS. The programme has started with an indigenous artillery rocket development (FLP-T-150 vs Thundart). Still, it is expected to evolve towards rockets of other ranges to provide several options of fire volume, range, and effect.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
