MBDA is gearing up for windtunnel tests this autumn of the new configuration of its Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), as it pushes ahead for the weapon's first aerial firing in two years' time.
Following last December's signing of the Meteor contract by France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the UK, a preliminary design review earlier this year confirmed that a new, wingless aerodynamic configuration was the way forward.
Following this decision, MBDA is currently cutting metal for a full-scale model of the missile, which is designed to have a range in excess of 100km (54nm) and a speed of Mach 4-plus. This model will be used for missile-aircraft fit trials, while a sub-scale model will be used for this autumn's windtunnel trials. Software testing is ongoing and MBDA aims to utilise technology from its Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (Asraam).
Test firing of Meteor's ramjet engine is scheduled for the second half of 2004, while the first firing will be from a Saab Gripen at Sweden's Vidsel range in summer 2005. A model of the missile is on display on the Eurofighter stand in the static park.
Source: Flight Daily News