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Doug Richardson
Guided firings of the Roketsan UMTAS (Uzun Menzilli Tanksavar Fuze Sistemi) anti-tank missile, which is planned as the main armament of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) T129 attack helicopter, have now been completed, the Turkish company told Jane's during the recent DSEi exhibition in London.
Production is expected to begin next year.
The missile uses imaging infrared (IIR) guidance, but Roketsan revealed it is also working on a laser-guided version.
The company's Orta Menzilli Tanksavar Sistemi (OMTAS) anti-tank missile is still in full-scale development. Intended for use by ground forces it will be fired either from vehicle-mounted launchers or infantry-crewed tripod mountings. Recent flight trials, using rounds not fitted with the IIR seeker, have demonstrated the weapon's control and guidance characteristics. Fully-guided missiles are due to be tested in 2012. Qualification trials are scheduled for 2013 and are expected to clear the missile for low-rate production.
Roketsan is planning to sign a production contract for its Cirit semi-active laser (SAL) guided 70 mm rocket. Low-rate initial production has already started and deliveries are expected by end of the year. Full-rate production is expected next year and the company is already negotiating with several potential export customers. Trials of the Cirit rocket started in 2006 and about 100 ballistic rounds, control and guidance test missiles and qualification missiles had been fired by the time development and flight qualification was completed in 2008.