IDEX 2009 :Roketsan shows latest LRAT

Roketsan (Hall 10, Stand A13) is expanding its product range to include precision missiles and is showing at IDEX its latest Long Range Anti-Tank (LRAT) missile, named UMTAS in Turkey, and the 2.75in Laser Guided Missile (LGM). LRAT is being developed to meet the requirements of the Turkish Land Forces Command to arm the future T-129 attack helicopter, of which 50 are expected to be built.

It has a range of between 0.5km out to 8km and is fitted with a tandem high explosive anti-tank warhead to neutralise targets fitted with explosive reactive armour. Other types of warhead are said to be under consideration.LRAT has a launch weight of 35kg and is fitted with an imaging infrared seeker that features lock-on-before launch and lock-on-after launch capability. Each helicopter will carry two pods each of four LRAT on their stub wings, or a mix of weapons.

Roketsan was awarded an initial YTL50m (US$37m) 26-month study contract, which was followed by a fullscale development contract expected to be completed by mid-2011. The 2.75in LGM will also be carried on pods by the T-129 attack helicopter and Roketsan is responsible for integrating the weapon onto this helicopter. According to the company, the design and development stage was completed last year, as were flight tests and qualification. Production is scheduled to start by the end of this year.

The LGM is seen as a low-cost alternative to more expensive missiles such as LRAT, and is ideal for neutralising soft skin and lighter armoured vehicles.

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