The AKERON RCX50 was developed in less than two years and was self-financed by MBDA. The company said the contract shows its ability to respond to armed forces requirements and adapt to changes on the battlefield.
MBDA said the system offers simplicity of use and operational flexibility. It also said AKERON RCX50 has an optimised cost for mass production and use.
The development of the system highlights MBDA’s ability to adapt and innovate in the field of short-range remotely controlled ammunition. The company said AKERON RCX50 is now ready for mass production.
“The signing of the AKERON RCX50 contract with the DGA highlights our ability to innovate quickly and to respond effectively to the operational needs expressed by the forces,” said Stéphane Reb, EVP Programmes and Managing Director France of MBDA. “This success demonstrates our agility and expertise, illustrated by the development of the AKERON RCX50, carried out in collaboration with Novadem, in less than two years.”
“This ammunition represents an advance in terms of precision and effectiveness, thus contributing to the security and sovereignty of our nations,” Reb said. MBDA said the system is based on initial work on the SPHINX demonstrator carried out under the COLIBRI project.
AKERON RCX50 is MBDA’s short-range remotely controlled ammunition. The company said it was designed from start to finish as a weapon system and provides a tactical advantage to armed forces in the field.
The system was developed with Novadem, an innovative small and medium-sized enterprise specialising in aerial robotics. Novadem has designed and manufactured drone solutions for civil and military markets for 20 years.
MBDA said its cooperation with Novadem made it possible to develop the remotely controlled ammunition within tight deadlines. The company said its remotely controlled ammunition combines the precision, reliability, agility and mass required for high-intensity conflicts.
MBDA and Delair are also joining forces with KNDS France to offer AKERON RCH170. That system is being proposed as part of the ongoing competition for medium-range remotely controlled ammunition.
MBDA describes itself as a multinational European group and a global leader in complex weapon systems. The company has more than 20,000 employees and is owned by Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo.
