The test took place at the National Test Centre for Unmanned Aerial Systems at the German Aerospace Centre in Cochstedt, Saxony-Anhalt. The FV-014 completed simulated operational profiles and attack flights during the demonstration.
Rheinmetall developed both the FV-014 and the Containerized Missile Launcher in-house. The company is expanding its portfolio of unmanned weapon systems designed for different operational ranges.
The FV-014 combines reconnaissance, target identification and precision strike functions in one system. It is designed for operational ranges of up to 100 kilometres and flight endurance of up to 70 minutes.
The system uses sensors, network connectivity and a high degree of autonomy to improve resilience against GNSS interference. Rheinmetall said the munition is designed to engage armoured and unarmoured targets under demanding battlefield conditions.
The FV-014 is launched from a transport and launch container using a booster before deploying its folding wings. Depending on the selected configuration, the Containerized Missile Launcher can carry up to 18 FV-014 munitions.
Operators control the system through a ground station with permanent human-in-the-loop oversight. They can identify and track targets, authorise attacks and abort missions when operational conditions change.
The FV-014 has a launch weight of about 22 kilograms, including a payload of approximately six kilograms. Its High-Explosive Dual Purpose warhead has a stated penetration capability of more than 600 millimetres of solid armour steel.
An electric propeller is designed to reduce acoustic signature during approach, while the airframe is intended to have reduced radar and infrared signatures. Rheinmetall said the FV-014 can conduct individual strikes and swarm operations against multiple targets or defensive systems.
The Containerized Missile Launcher is based on a standardised ISO container and can operate from fixed positions, mobile land platforms and naval vessels. A 20-foot configuration can carry up to 18 FV-014 munitions and connect with command, control, communications, computers and intelligence systems.
Launch commands can be issued locally, through a radio link or by satellite communications. Rheinmetall said the launcher also uses commercial off-the-shelf components and includes an integrated power supply and remote-activation capability.
Rheinmetall plans future deployment of the FV-014 from additional mobile land platforms and seagoing units. The Cochstedt demonstration marked another test of the company’s approach to combining mobile launch platforms with longer-range loitering munitions.
