| TAURUS KEPD 350 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Long-range air-to-surface missile |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2005 |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | TAURUS Systems GmbH |
| Unit cost | 950,000 EUR |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 1,400 kg |
| Length | 5.1 m |
| Diameter | 1.08 m |
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| Warhead | 500 kg, Mephisto (Multi-Effect Penetrator, HIgh Sophisticated and Target Optimised) |
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| Engine | Williams P8300-15 Turbofan |
| Wingspan | 2.064 m |
| Operational range |
over 500 km[1] |
| Flight altitude | 30–40 m |
| Speed | Mach 0.80~0.95 |
| Guidance system |
IBN (Image Based Navigation), INS (Inertial Navigation System), TRN (Terrain Referenced Navigation) and MIL-GPS (Global Positioning System) |
| Launch platform |
Typhoon, Tornado, Gripen, F/A-18 |
TAURUS KEPD 350[2] is a German/Swedish air-launched cruise missile, manufactured by TAURUS Systems and used by Germany and Spain. TAURUS Systems GmbH is a partnership between LFK (EADS/MBDA) and Saab Bofors Dynamics.[3]
Contents |
The missile incorporates stealth characteristics and has an official range in excess of 500 kilometres (300 mi)[4]. Taurus is powered by a turbofan engine at mach 0.8~0.9 and can be carried by the Tornado, Eurofighter Typhoon, Gripen and F/A-18 aircraft.
The double 500-kilogram (1,100 lb) warhead called Mephisto (Multi-Effect Penetrator, HIgh Sophisticated and Target Optimised) features a precharge and initial penetrating charge to clear soil or enter a bunker, then a variable delay fuze to control detonation of the main warhead. The missile weighs about 1,400 kg (3,100 lb) and has a maximum body diameter of 1 metre (3.3 ft). Intended targets are hardened bunkers, command, control and communications; airfield facilities; port facilities; AMS/ammunition storage; ships in ports/at sea and bridges.
The missile also includes counter measures as a self-defence mechanism.
Mission planners program the missile with the target, air defence locations and planned ground path, then the missile uses a low terrain-hugging flight path guided by INS, IBN, TRN and GPS to the proximity of the target, although it is capable of navigating over long distances without GPS support [5]. Once there the missile commences a bunt (climb) manoeuver to an altitude intended to achieve the best probability of target acquisition and penetration. During the cruise flight a high resolution infra-red camera can support the navigation by using IBN and is also used for GPS-free target attack. The missile attempts to match a camera image with the planned 3D target model. If it cannot, it defaults to the other navigation systems, or, if there is a high risk of collateral damage, it will steer to a pre-designated crash point instead of risking an inaccurate attack with undesired consequences.
MBDA Deutschland has also proposed an anti-ship variant.[6]
Spain's military bought 43 missiles. The integration of the TAURUS in the Spanish Air Force service line has been certified by the successful completion of a dedicated test campaign in South Africa, carried out in May 2009.[7] Other countries may also order TAURUS.[8]
MBDA has offered Tauras KEPD 350 to the Indian Air Force for its Su 30 MKI fighter jets.