Take off for LFK NG and IRIS-T

Thursday, 19 June, 2008

In partnership with MBDA Deutschland/LFK, Diehl BGT is developing an new generation surface-to-air missile for the German Army. Lenkflugkörper Neue Generation (LFK NG) will take over the short-range coverage of up to 10km in the System Flugabwehr (SysFla) ground-based air defence network. It will protect fixed installations such as camps and airfields, as well as provide escort protection for mobile forces.

LFK NG is a lightweight missile with an advanced imaging and infrared seeker with full hemispherical coverage. An automatic lock-on capability and datalinked target information allows it to engage highly agile targets, as well as those that may be hidden from the launcher, such as terrain-masked helicopters.

A dual-pulse motor fires once for launch boost, and then again on approach to the target to provide extra end-game energy. The missile can be launched vertically or directionally, and is being considered for the air-to-air role on Germany's Tiger helicopters.

Diehl BGT is also tailoring its IRIS-T air-to-air missile to surface-launched applications. The IRIS-T SLS is a minimum-change missile launched from vehicle-mounted, aircraft-style rails, while IRIS-T SL is a medium-range canister-launched version with a larger rocket motor, a datalink and a nose cone to reduce drag during the fly-out.