MBDA recently announced it is in the process of freezing the final definition of the MPCV (Multi Purpose Combat Vehicle) in readiness for its series production.
MBDA is jointly held by BAE Systems–37.5 percent, European Aeronautic Defence and Space–37.5 percent and Finmeccanica–25 percent.
Two Mistral missile firings at the end of 2009 served to validate this automatic system in its air defense configuration. Freezing the final MPCV definition is the final technical step before moving into production, which is expected to begin in the near future.
Additionally, in parallel to preparing the system for production, MBDA is finalizing the software development of MPCV’s various functions, in particular its integration within a command and coordination network via the MCP (Mistral Coordination Post) command and control system (C2) also conceived and produced by MBDA.
The integrated system will be validated in spring and fall of 2010.
Initial MPCV development is based on the Sherpa 3A all-terrain armored vehicle manufactured by Renault Trucks Defense as well as VHF PR4G-F@stnet communications by Thales Communications.
In parallel to these developments, MBDA is actively working on adapting the MPCV to meet the specific needs of several export customers.
MBDA launched MPCV development in 2006. MPCV features a multi purpose missile turret, which, in its first version, is the anti-air configuration with a launcher deploying four, ready-to-fire, Mistral missiles with four other missiles stored within the vehicle. The turret is equipped with an Electro-Optic Surveillance Sensor (EOSS) enabling the passive surveillance, detection and tracking of the target even when the vehicle is in motion. Similarly, the MPCV is perfectly adapted for providing escort defense to other armored or mechanized units as well as civilian or military convoys. The MPCV turret, also equipped with a self-defense machine gun, can be remote controlled at a distance of up to 50 meters, allowing its crew to operate the system from sheltered or specially equipped positions during drawn out deployments.
The anti-armor variant of MPCV features the same turret and EOSS sensor and will also be able to fire four missiles from a specifically developed launcher. The integration and validation of this anti-armor variant will start in the coming months.