Mızrak-U

External images

Launch and Warhead test

Dual-Stage antitank Warhead

Mızrak-U^[2] formerly UMTAS (Uzun Menzilli Tanksavar Sistemi) is a long range air-to-surface anti-tank missile developed by Turkish armor and missile manufacturer Roketsan.^[3]

Background

UMTAS program was initiated in 2005 by Turkey's Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM), specifically to provide T-129 ATAK combat helicopters with an indigenous guided missile. Following successful completion of Phase-1 under the Design Contract dated 29 September 2005 with Roketsan, Phase-2 Development Contract was signed between SSM and Roketsan on 31 July 2008. The project is being carried out in accordance with the Phase-2 contract.^[4]

Description

UMTAS missile features "fire and forget" and "fire and update" infrared guidance with a tandem anti-armor warhead. It is capable of engaging targets at 8 kilometers.

LRAT, which is also adaptable to land platforms, has the following capabilities:^[1]

• Lock-on before and after launch
• Can be used in day or night and in adverse weather conditions
• Tandem warhead, effective against reactive armors
• Insensitive munition characteristics against liquid fuel fire and bullet hits
• Communication of seeker image to the user and command by user using Data Link.

Roketsan is also planning to produce versions of the missile that can be land vehicle-launched and intends to offer the UMTAS for export.

Development

Rocketsan is leading the development of a new anti-tank missile to arm the Turkish Army's TAI/AgustaWestland T-129 ATAK combat helicopters. The weapon is known currently as UMTAS (Uzun Menzilli Tanksavar Projesi, or the Long Range Anti Tank system/LRAT). The UMTAS programme was launched by Turkey's Undersecretariat of the Defence Industry in 2005, specifically to equip the ATAK. A three-step schedule for design, development and production was set out, extending to the end of this decade. The initial design phase was put under contract in September 2005 and was completed in early 2008. Phase 2 (development) work was placed under contract in July 2008. This work is expected to continue to 2011 or 2012. The UMTAS project has been shown in drawings and model form, but with little information released on its development status. Rocketsan is looking to produce versions of the missile that can be vehicle-launched, as well as air-launched, and also intends to offer the UMTAS for export.^[1]

References