MBDA introduces ATLAS-RC low-altitude air defense missile system

On March 17, within the framework of the HOMSEC 2017 military fair, the European manufacturing group MBDA introduced the new ATLAS-RC low-altitude air defense missile system. The new air defense system is designed to be easily mounted on many different types of vehicles and uses Mistral 2 shoulder-fired air defense missiles.

ATLAS-RS prototype mounted on a light military vehicle chassis. Photo: Internet.

According to MBDA representative, the development of ATLAS-RC complex is to meet the requirements of the Spanish Ministry of Defense for a new line of air defense weapons and modern thermal imaging targeting system. With its compact configuration, ATLAS-RC is completely suitable for mounting on the URO VAMTAC ST5 military vehicle of the Spanish Army.

Compared to the standard ATLAS version, the ATLAS-RC complex is more optimal in terms of crew protection and simplifies complex control. Specific information on the technical and tactical characteristics of the ATLAS-RC complex has not been published.

The strength of ATLAS-RC is the use of 2 Mistral 2 missiles with "fire-forget" capability. Immediately after locking the target and launching, the missile's self-guided seeker will automatically control, the gunner does not need to intervene and can escape to avoid being attacked. The Mistral 2 missile weighs 18.9 kg, of which the 3 kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead is equipped with tungsten alloy balls with high penetration ability. In tests, the hit rate of the Mistral 2 missile reached over 96%. ATLAS-RC is highly appreciated when dealing with low-altitude helicopters or drones.

Military experts say that, in addition to the Spanish Army, the ATLAS-RC system will be a valuable upgrade option for countries in need of mobile, compact and highly effective low-altitude air defense weapons. This is also an upgrade option for the armies of countries that currently own the ATLAS air defense missile system.

According to Quandoinhandan