Article Posted on : - Oct 26, 2010

Anti-air SIMBAD-RC turret prototype. Photo:MBDA

PARIS (BNS): MBDA is all set to for the first ground-based dynamic tests of anti-air SIMBAD-RC turret prototype by year-end.

The production of the first prototype was launched at the end of summer 2010.

During the course of 2011, this prototype should in turn be mounted on the ship of an overseas partner in order to carry out a full programme of tests.

The launch will enable the functionality and performance of this new version of the twin-MISTRAL missile launcher to be validated.

“Navies throughout the world are witnessing a change in their operational scenarios and have to take into consideration new asymmetric threats. With this new programme, MBDA is showing that it is fully in tune with a market that is changing more and more,” Antoine Bouvier, CEO of MBDA, stated.

SIMBAD-RC is a weapon system comprising one or two twin-MISTRAL missile (very short range anti-air missile) turrets, remotely controlled from a small operating console sheltered from bad weather conditions.

It is capable of ensuring the anti-air defence of all types of vessels, especially small patrol boats and large logistics ships, against a wide range of threats ranging from anti-ship missiles and combat aircraft to smaller surface threats such as fast inshore attack craft (FIAC).