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France is to modernise a batch of 50 MM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles, replacing the existing solid-propellant rocket motor with a new powerplant. Exocet entered service in the mid-1970s, the early models of which were powered by an SNPE Vautour composite boost motor with a burn time of 2.4sec and an SNPE Epevier alloy-cased cast double-base propellant sustainer with a maximum burn time of 93sec. Last year, Aerospatiale Matra Missiles warned users of the MM38 that the Angouleme plant where these motors are manufactured was likely to close due to declining orders. The 50 missiles earmarked for modernisation have been in French Navy service for almost 30 years, so have the highest priority for updating. From 2003 onwards, the navy will order similar modernisations of more recent members of the Exocet family. Preliminary discussions have begun with Aerospatiale Matra Missiles on possible modernisation of the electronics of the Exocet. In the oldest missiles, this hardware reflects the technologies of the late 1960s, and the guidance systems are thus fairly primitive compared to those in current missiles. Around 100 missiles could be updated to a modernised standard. The French Navy also plans to order a new batch of around 30 MM40 missiles, which will be delivered later in the decade. These too will be regularly upgraded to maintain their combat-effectiveness. Last year Aerospatiale Matra Missiles announced three new versions of the weapon - the MM40 Block 2 Mod 1, Mod 2 and Mod 3. These use technology drawn from the ANF programme and the Vesta technology-demonstration programme which is developing the ramjet powerplant to be used on the new ASMP-A cruise missile. The MM40 Block 2 Mod 1 currently in production has a laser-gyro inertial navigation system from the Vesta vehicle, plus a new INS and a modernised version of the existing seeker. These changes are intended to enhance navigation accuracy, improve target discrimination and extend the life of the missile by offering greater reliability.
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S p o n s o r :
Land Based Air Defence Strategic Weapon Systems Naval Weapon Systems Armour and Artillery All the World's Aircraft Fighting Ships
DEFENCE Allies assess implications of EP-3E in Chinese hands Aries Photo Gallery 'Bridges of Friendship' brings out some rare naval sightings AIR FORCES USMC report casts doubt about future of Osprey 'Smart' payloads offered for Russian air-launched rockets Boeing considers feasibility of plasma-based weapons LAND FORCES China markets Type W99 mortar Djibouti to get Caspir APCs Myanmar heat turned up with SAMs from China NAVAL FORCES Russia's navy looks to show the flag again France will modernise its Exocets UAE commits to missile boat |
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