The call for projects launched by the Defense Innovation Agency (AID) was won by a trio consisting of Nexter (KNDS) for the ammunition, EOS for the drone and Traak for the anti-jamming technology. Together, these three companies must create, in 18 months, a remotely operated roundel munition presented under the name of Larinae.
But unlike American versions like the Switchblade or Turkish versions like the TB2, this French drone will be multimission. In addition to being able to destroy an armored vehicle thanks to an anti-tank charge, you will be able to carry out reconnaissance and observation missions, and even not carry out an attack in certain cases. Larinae will then return to her base to land vertically.
12 months to create an explosive version
If it has to target an armored vehicle, the vector will explode to project a 2-3 kg charge capable of piercing armor with metric precision, Jean-Marc Zuliani said. The attacks will be piloted by an operator at a distance of at least 80 km with an autonomy of 3 hours. An optronic system allows it to detect a moving vehicle 15 km away during the day and 3 km away at night.
The three companies must first present a “passive” demonstrator, that is, without an explosive charge in 18 months. If this prototype is validated, they will have between 6 and 12 months to prepare a version equipped with an active head.
They were given another imperative, that of not exceeding a unit cost of 200,000 euros. “We will not be on top,” said Alexandre Tharaud, remotely operated munitions manager at Nexter.
Source: BFM TV
