MBDA’s Miniature Missile Complete First Test Flight

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The first firing trial of MBDA's Kleinflugkörper (KFK) miniature missile. Photo: MBDA
The first firing trial of MBDA's Kleinflugkörper (KFK) miniature missile. Photo: MBDA

The first firing trial of MBDA's Kleinflugkörper (KFK) miniature missile. Photo: MBDA
The first firing trial of MBDA’s Kleinflugkörper (KFK) miniature missile. Photo: MBDA
MBDA performed the first test flight The KFK missile on 19 September 2012 at the military training centre in Baumholder, Germany. On this test the miniature missile demonstrator performed two successful unguided firings, with the missile travelling the planned distance in each case. The test was attended by German officials.

Under the project supervision and funding of MBDA Germany, MBDA with the support of various government offices has been financing the a Kleinflugkörper (Small Missile) Technology Demonstration Programme. The current phase spans over one year and is funded by the MBDA. The missile concept was developed by building on the mission experience of the German Bundeswehr and more generally on the lessons learned from recent conflicts. 

The small missile addresses evolving requirements for an affordable, compact and lightweight precision multipurpose weapon that can be carried and operated by a single soldier. The KFK concept is positioned as a complimentary weapon to existing existing shoulder-fired infantry weapon systems, enabling the dismounted infantry to engage different targets with high precision at the relevant combat ranges, with high precision, with minimal exposure to the operator.

“We are pursuing this project drawing on multinational capabilities across MBDA. This multinational approach is particularly interesting in view of the shrinking budgets in Europe’s defence markets. MBDA is breaking new ground here with respect to the rapid, multinational implementation of innovative solutions for international customers” explains Peter Heilmeier, Market and Business Development Director at MBDA Germany.