BVLOS Missile Target Designation Performed by Drone

By Mike Ball / 25 Jan 2021

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

Drone missile target designation

MBDA has successfully performed the first demonstration of its LynkEUs Dismounted system, which pairs an MMP anti-tank missile system in infantry configuration with a Novadem NX70 drone that is linked via radio to the missile system. The drone can be used to detect and identify remote targets and supply co-ordinates for the missile.

The demonstration was carried out with the support of the French Army and of the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA – French Procurement Agency) at the Canjuers military camp in the south of France. The drone, operating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), enabled the detection and identification of a tank and communicated its coordinates to the MMP firing station, thus demonstrating the ability to engage a target not directly seen by the operator.

The missile was locked on to the target during its flight by the MMP operator, after detecting the tank via the video stream from the MMP seeker, which was continuously transmitting to the firing station via fibre optics. The demonstration successfully concluded with a direct hit on the target.

Philippe Gouyon, Military Advisor at MBDA, commented: “This firing also concludes a year-long tactical evaluation conducted with the Army and Novadem exploring all the capabilities of the system and thus, allows MBDA to propose an MMP / drone combination that meets the needs of remote observation and target designation of contact units.”

“These experiments notably included real-time engagement simulations in virtual reality but also combining, in the field, real equipment (drones and weapon terminal) and MMP simulators implemented by Land Forces units. We are very satisfied with the results of this work, which made it possible to understand the forces’ needs to finalize the system carrying the BLOS capability for dismounted combat.”

Find manufacturers of BVLOS Technology for Unmanned Systems >>

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Orbital UAV Unveils Advanced Power Management System for Heavy Fuel Engines

Orbital UAV has launched its new Power Management System (PMS), delivering advanced electrical control, protection, and remote start capabilities for heavy fuel drone engines

May 14, 2025
Submersible ROVs Enhancing Underwater Security for Customs & Border Protection

Deep Trekker explores the expanding role of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) in enhancing the capabilities of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agencies around the world

May 14, 2025
Persistent Systems Enhances Army Sensor Networks with MANET Technology

Persistent Systems’ Wave Relay® MANET has been selected to enhance U.S. Army CBRNE operations by enabling real-time sensor data sharing and threat response

May 14, 2025
IoT Tech Expo North America to Spotlight AI, 5G & Automation

The IoT Tech Expo North America is returning to Santa Clara in June 2025, bringing together global experts to address trends in AI, 5G, and automation

May 14, 2025
Product Spotlight: Durable Lightweight Lithium-Ion Batteries for UAVs

American Lithium Energy (ALE)'s energy-dense lithium-ion battery cells combine high power output with built-in safety features, ideal for UAV and eVTOL applications in challenging environments

May 14, 2025
eVTOL Aircraft Enhanced by Embention Autopilot System

Embention will deliver flight control systems to eVTOL developer Erium Aerospace, advancing safe, autonomous, and sustainable urban air mobility

May 14, 2025

Featured Content

Product Spotlight: Durable Lightweight Lithium-Ion Batteries for UAVs

American Lithium Energy (ALE)'s energy-dense lithium-ion battery cells combine high power output with built-in safety features, ideal for UAV and eVTOL applications in challenging environments

May 14, 2025
SAE Media Group Releases Agenda for Counter UAS Middle East & Africa 2025

The inaugural Counter UAS Middle East & Africa 2025 will gather global defense leaders in Amman to explore threats, technologies, and strategies shaping regional drone defense

May 13, 2025
New Tactical Grade IMU from Inertial Labs for UAVs & Guided Munitions

Inertial Labs has launched the IMU-H100, a compact, tactical-grade MEMS IMU designed to enhance precision navigation for UAVs and guided systems

May 08, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.