| TAURUS KEPD 350 | |
|---|---|
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| Type | Long-range air-to-surface missile |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2005 |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | TAURUS Systems GmbH |
| Unit cost | 950,000 EUR |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 1400 kg |
| Length | 5100 mm |
| Diameter | 1080 mm |
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| Warhead | 499 kg, Mephisto (Multi-Effect Penetrator, HIgh Sophisticated and Target Optimised) |
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| Engine | Williams P8300-15 Turbofan |
| Wingspan | 2064 mm |
| Operational range |
over 500 km[1] |
| Flight altitude | 30–40 m |
| Speed | Mach 0.80~0.95 |
| Guidance system |
IBN (Image Based Navigation), INS (Inertial Navigation System), TRN (Terrain Referenced Navigation) and MIL-GPS (Global Positioning System) |
| Launch platform |
Typhoon, Tornado, Gripen, F/A-18 |
TAURUS KEPD 350[2] is a German/Swedish air-launched cruise missile, manufactured by TAURUS Systems and used by Germany and Spain. TAURUS Systems GmbH is a partnership between LFK (EADS/MBDA) and Saab Bofors Dynamics.[3]
Contents |
Overview
The missile incorporates stealth characteristics and has an official range in excess of 500 kilometres (311 mi)[4]. Taurus is powered by a turbofan engine at mach 0.8~0.9 and can be carried by the Tornado, Eurofighter Typhoon, Gripen and F/A-18 aircraft.
The double 499-kilogram (1,100 lb) warhead called Mephisto (Multi-Effect Penetrator, HIgh Sophisticated and Target Optimised) features a precharge and initial penetrating charge to clear soil or enter a bunker, then a variable delay fuse to control detonation of the main warhead. The missile weighs about 1,400 kg (3,086 lb) and has a maximum body diameter of 1 metre (3.3 ft). Intended targets are hardened bunkers, command, control and communications; airfield facilities; port facilities; AMS/ammunition storage; ships/submarines in ports and bridges.
The missile also includes counter measures as a self-defence mechanism.
Mission planners program the missile with the target, air defence locations and planned ground path, then the missile uses a low terrain-hugging flight path guided by INS, IBN, TRN and GPS to the proximity of the target, although it is capable of navigating over long distances without GPS support [5]. Once there the missile commences a bunt (climb) manoeuver to an altitude intended to achieve the best probability of target acquisition and penetration. During the cruise flight a high resolution infra-red camera can support the navigation by using IBN and is also used for GPS-free target attack. The missile attempts to match a camera image with the planned 3D target model. If it can't, it defaults to the other, navigation systems, or, if there is a high risk of collateral damage, it will steer to a pre-designated crash point instead of risking an inaccurate attack with undesired consequences.
Export
Spain's military bought 43 missiles. The integration of the TAURUS in the Spanish Air Force service line has been certified by the successful completion of a dedicated test campaign in South Africa, carried out in May 2009.[6] Other countries have also expressed interest in the precision stand-off guided missile system.[citation needed]
Operators
Germany- 600 ordered for the Luftwaffe for €570 million[7]
Spain- 43 ordered for the Spanish Air Force.[8]
See also
References
- ^ "Taurus Systems GmbH". whttp://www.taurus-systems.de. http://www.taurus-systems.de/html/kepd350.html. Retrieved 2007-09-03.
- ^ Target Adaptive Unitary and Dispenser Robotic Ubiquity System / Kinetic Energy Penetrator and Destroyer
- ^ "Gripen Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft, Sweden". www.airforce-technology.com. http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/gripen/. Retrieved 2007-07-17.
- ^ "Tairus Systems GmbH". whttp://www.taurus-systems.de. http://www.taurus-systems.de/html/kepd350.html. Retrieved 2007-09-03.
- ^ "Defence Update". whttp://www.defense-update.com. http://www.defense-update.com/products/k/KEPD350.htm. Retrieved 2008-05-06.
- ^ "El Ejército del Aire incrementa su capacidad operativa con la integración del misil TAURUS en el F-18". http://www.ejercitodelaire.mde.es/ea/pag?idDoc=45DC0A9DED8AD579C12575C4005016F0. Retrieved 2009-06-15.
- ^ "EADS N.V.". http://www.eads.com/. http://www.eads.com/1024/de/pressdb/archiv/2002/de_20020808_taurus_d.html. Retrieved 2007-09-11.
- ^ http://www.mde.es/dgam/principalesprogramasaym.htm#M3
External links
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