MHAMS
Modular Heavy Antitank Missile System | |
---|---|
Type | Anti-tank missile |
Place of origin | Meridon |
Service history | |
In service | 2016-present |
Used by | Meridon Defense Forces |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | Ausaine Corporation |
Specifications | |
Weight | 32lb, missile in launch tube 12lb, Missile Command Component 44lb, ready to fire |
Diameter | 130mm |
Warhead | Tandem high-explosive anti tank warhead, 16lbs- 1,050mm RHA penetration |
Detonation mechanism | Contact fuse |
Engine | solid fuel rocket |
Operational range | 2.5 miles (manportable), up to 10 miles launched from airborne platforms |
Flight ceiling | 500ft in top-attack mode, 200ft in direct attack |
Speed | Subsonic |
Guidance system | Infrared homing/ predicted line of sight, electro-optical/television guidance, laser guidance |
Steering system | Top attack, direct attack, |
Launch platform | Infantry, vehicles, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft |
The MMB-74 Modular Heavy Antitank Missile System (MHAMS) is a Meridonian guided anti-tank missile system developed by the Ausaine Coporation. Capable of engaging with both fire-and-forget and command guidance, it is additionally capable of non-line of sight (NLOS) or lock-on after launch (LOAL) modes of engagement. Replacing older man-portable antitank systems such as the ATNG and wire-guided system such as TOW in vehicle mounts, it is designed as a modular system with variants designed for employment by ground troops, aircraft, and vehicles.
Overview
MHAMS is a system designed both to increase component commonality across a variety of Meridonian antitank systems employed at tactical levels and to increase the lethality of such systems and the survivability of their operators. MHAMS is unique in that in can employ three modes of guidance- in the fire and forget mode, it employs infrared guidance. With man-in-the-loop guidance, it is able to be guided via television/electro-optical systems via optical fiber cable and; in certain variants, can be fired utilizing laser guidance. MHAMS employs two flight profiles- top attack, which is intended to defeat armor; and direct attack, which is intended against either fortifications, helicopters, targets under obstructions, or targets too close to conduct a top-attack profile. Top attack guidance has the missile follow a lofting profile with an apex of 500ft above ground level before pitching downwards towards the target. Direct attack will route the missile on a flat trajectory towards the target. Both flight profiles are capable of engagement using both fire-and-forget (via infrared and/or PLOS) and man-in-the-loop guidance (via electro-optical/TV).
MHAMS employs a soft-launch system, with a separation booster extracting the rocket from the launcher before the main charge ignites to deliver the missile to its target. MHAMS missile tubes are disposable, while command systems are reusable. Manportable MHAMS are also capable of being fired remotely via a cable connection from the launcher unit to the MCC at distances of up to 200 feet from the missile- missiles employed in this manner can utilize both man-in-the-loop and fire-and-forget guidance modes. MHAMS missile tubes contain extendable bipods that enable the system to be propped up for launch in this manner.
Users
- Meridon- In service with the Meridon Defense Forces.