Airbus fires laser-guided rockets from H145M
Airbus Helicopters has demonstrated the ability to fire 70mm laser-guided rockets (LGR) from its H145M helicopter, the company announced on 31 January.
The firings of the Thales FZ275 LGR were carried out in December 2017 at the Älvdalen military test range in Sweden.
The L3 Wescam’s MX-15D electro-optical system with embedded laser designation enabled a deviation of less than one meter for all rockets fired at a distance of up to 4.5km.
The 70mm laser-guided air-ground rocket enhances the H145M’s engagement capabilities. It meets precision strike requirements, reducing the risk of collateral damage.
The tests are part of Airbus Helicopters’ HForce development strategy to boost the H145M mission capability.
Raymond Laporte, test pilot at Airbus Helicopters, said: ‘The laser-guided rockets from Thales performed incredibly well especially taking into consideration the weather conditions we experienced during the trials which were far from ideal with a lot of moisture in the air.’
Final qualification of the ballistic HForce system on the H145M is scheduled for end of 2018, while the laser-guided rockets are planned for end 2019.
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