Rheinmetall has successfully launched its loitering munition system FV-014 from the Containerized Missile Launcher, a modular multi-launcher for guided missiles and loitering munitions, the company announced on Thursday. Both the Containerized Missile Launcher and the FV-014 loitering-munition system are in-house developments. The product demonstration had already taken place in July at the National Testing Center for Unmanned Aerial Systems of the German Aerospace Center in Cochstedt, Saxony-Anhalt.
As part of a customer demonstration, the FV-014 was launched, according to the press release, both from a standstill and while moving from a Rheinmetall HX truck. During the demonstration, the system reportedly carried out several simulated mission profiles and attack flights. With the successful testing, Rheinmetall underscored its competence in modern loitering-munition systems and achieved another important milestone in expanding its portfolio of unmanned effectors for different ranges.
Mobile deployment, modular launch containers
According to the manufacturer, the FV-014 was developed for high mobility on the modern battlefield. It combines reconnaissance, target identification, and precise effect in a single system and is designed for engagement ranges of up to 100 kilometers. Modern sensors, networking capability, and a high degree of autonomy providing robustness against GNSS disruptions enable deployment even in demanding scenarios.
The launch occurs from a transport and launch container using a booster. These launch containers can be modularly integrated into the Containerized Missile Launcher, which, depending on the chosen container model, can accommodate up to 18 FV-014 units. After ejection, the aircraft deploys its folding wings and enters aerodynamic flight. With a flight duration of up to 70 minutes, the operator has ample time for reconnaissance, target selection, and the decision on the use of force. Control is via a ground station with a permanent human-in-the-loop concept.
FV-014 against armored and unarmored targets
The FV-014 is a loitering munition system with a launch weight of around 22 kilograms, including a payload of about six kilograms. The integrated HEDP warhead (High-Explosive Dual-Purpose) has a penetration capability of more than 60 centimeters of rolled homogeneous armor steel and is effective against both armored and unarmored targets as well as infrastructure.
An electrically powered propeller enables a stealthy approach. In addition, the FV-014 is designed with a reduced radar and infrared signature. In addition to precise single strikes, the system supports swarm operations to simultaneously engage multiple targets or to “saturate,” i.e., to deliberately overwhelm enemy protection systems. Prospectively, deployment on mobile vehicle platforms and naval units is envisioned.
Operating locally, by radio or satellite communications
The Containerized Missile Launcher is a modular launch platform, among other things for the FV-014 loitering munition system. It is based on a standardized ISO container of any size and can be deployed both stationary and on mobile platforms, for example a Rheinmetall HX truck, as well as on seagoing units. The connection to command and information systems (C4I) enables flexible firing by a local operator, via radio or via satellite communications.
An integrated power supply ensures reliable long-term operation, even in remote deployment areas. By consistently using commercially available standard components (COTS), lifecycle costs would be reduced. In addition, the system has the capability for remote activation as a so-called “sleeper system.”
