The test was carried out with an inert warhead. The ground-based launching system was also used in its final hardware and software configuration.
The missile carried out a long-range sea-skimming flight using its mission planning software. It made three main turns and a pop-up/dive manoeuvre during the last turn. A straight segment then followed up to the RF seeker activation point. According to the release, target identification, selection, and tracking were fast, and proportional guidance started soon.
The missile performed its anti-Close-in Weapon Systems manoeuvre during its terminal phase, hitting the target just above the waterline at high transonic speed. This confirmed the effectiveness of Marte ER’s terminal guidance with its new solid-state RF Seeker.
The firing also showed Marte ER’s turbojet engine behaviour for “in-flight start time” and thrust level.
This firing was the last one in the development path of Marte ER, which will enter into operation early next year.
