MBDA Completes Successful PARS-3 Missiles Test Series

May 24, 2011 By Tamir Eshel DEFENSE UPDATE

MBDA has recently conducted a successful series of test firing of the PARS 3LR guided anti-missile, carrying a live warhead. The missile was launched from a German Army Tiger helicopter. Three missiles were fired, scoring three hits. MBDA Deutschland conducted the campaign on the test range in Vidsel, Sweden. The three PARS 3 LR firings were part of a MBDA Deutschland export campaign. The guided missile system is on the short list for a procurement project of the Indian Army. MBDA’s PARS 3LR and RAFAEL Spike LR have already been shortlisted for the final phase of weapon selection for the Indian Army attack helicopters.

Two of the missiles were fired from hovering position, at an altitude of about 10 meters above treetops. The helicopter first fired at a stationary target around 7,000 m away. The second missile was fired just a few moments later at a target travelling at approximately 40 km/h., about 700 meters away. To make this shot, the Tiger turned 180° and assumed a firing position at an altitude of about 300 ft. Both PARS 3 LR missiles hit the targets precisely at their centers. The third missile was fired the next day while the Tiger was flying forward at high speed. The Tiger fired on a stationary target around 7,000 m away while the helicopter was flying at a speed of 180 km/. This guided missile also hit its target at the optimum point of impact.

The PARS 3 LR guided missile is manufactured by PARSYS, a joint venture of LFK GmbH (MBDA Deutschland) and Diehl BGT Defence. The German Army has already authorized series production of 680 PARS 3 LR guided missiles. This guided missile system is the future main armament of the Tiger support helicopter.