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2017-11-09

Unmatched Precision Strike Capabilities

TAURUS KEPD 350E weapon system is a global leader in its segment

By Sakha Pramod
Photo: Ali Hamad Al Jneibi

TAURUS Systems GmbH (TSG) was founded in 1998 by its shareholders MBDA Deutschland GmbH of Germany and Saab Dynamics AB of Sweden. The company acts as prime contractor and design authority for the TAURUS KEPD 350E weapon system. The expertise of TSG covers all aspects regarding the development and manufacture of stand-off weapon systems ranging from initial concept studies to fully developed, ready-to-operate integrated system solutions, such as ‘effects-based operations’. On an important international level, TSG has formed a subsidiary in Korea to better serve emerging customers across Asia and recently opened an office in Abu Dhabi to match its growing global profile. Oliver Kessler, Head of Representation Office, Abu Dhabi, and Director New Business Asia talks to Nation Shield on the unique features and strike capabilities of TAURUS KEPD 350E.

How is Taurus, a JV from Saab Dynamics and MBDA being received worldwide?
TAURUS Systems today is accepted globally as a world leader in stand-off weapon systems segment. Not only because of the marketing support of our shareholders, the reputation given us by our legacy customers Germany (on Tornado) and Spain (on EF-18) but also because of our latest success in South Korea where TAURUS is now operational on Korean Airforce’s F-15K aircraft. We are the first and only European weapon system selected and procured by Korean Air Force. It was achieved during an elongated selection process during which different deep strike missiles were compared and assessed. Now being fully integrated and operational on internationally operated platforms and having superior capabilities make us a viable candidate for advanced Air Forces all around the world. This is also one foremost reason why TAURUS has recently inaugurated a Representation Office in Abu Dhabi.

How is TAURUS KEPD 350E superior to its peers in strike capability and precision?
To answer that question it is mandatory to look into several performance features of the Weapon Systems like range, navigation and warhead system. Due to the missile range, which is beyond 500km, missions can be planned in a way that allows releasing the missile outside an area that would pose a threat for the A/C and its crew (e.g. Air Defence Systems). These Air Defence Systems are not only posing a threat to A/C and crew but also to a cruise missile in flight. If a cruise missile is detected and engaged by an Air Defence System it can be shot down. This must be avoided for a strategic weapon system. Most manufacturers try to counter this threat by minimizing the Radar-Cross-Section of the respective missile. Unfortunately, this is negated by modern and more advanced radar systems. TAURUS counters such threat by avoiding any direct line-of-sight detection by an Air Defence Radar by flying extremely low, using the environment as cover (e.g. utilizing valleys and mountains as screen). This is possible due to the powerful turbofan engine and the very accurate navigation system and its sensors (GPS, Radar Altimeter and IR Seeker). Especially the IR Seeker - beside the GPS - is the reason for the precision during final attack as automatic target recognition is utilized (for defeating targets above ground) as well as utilizing landscape reference patterns (for defeating underground targets). Last but not least there is the powerful 480kg tandem warhead which is purpose designed to neutralize high-value targets by penetration (e.g. buried hardened bunkers , aircraft shelters, bridges or runways) or by air-burst (e.g. Air Defence sites or soft skinned vehicles in the open). So, looking on the above described features and the combination of them, it is clear why TAURUS is superior to other weapons and also the reason why we are currently in talks with several interested customers around the world.

What is so special about Taurus’ void-sensing fuze?
The unique functionality which makes this fuze special is that it “counts” layers by sensing the void between the concrete layers of each floor (e.g. in a bunker). This enables the warhead to detonate in a pre-defined level even if the exact characteristics of the concrete are unknown. This is impossible with other weapons equipped with impact- or time-delayed fuzes.

How does its GPS independence make it more efficient?
In addition to the IR Seeker and the Radar Altimeter, the GPS is part of the navigation system of TAURUS. All three sensors are constantly used to update the Inertial Navigation System (INS) of the missile during flight. In case GPS signal is missing or jammed, the INS still has two other “working” sensors in order to achieve an exceptionally accurate navigation from release to target. This so-call TRITEC navigation system is unique and gives redundancy compared to systems which mostly only utilize two sensors.

How does its modular concept help future enhancements?
The modular concept was introduced during design and development in order to allow different types of payloads in one and same airframe. Basically the airframe consists of interchangeable compartments that hold all the subsystems and components of the missile, including the fuel. This modularity allows us to adapt the missile to upcoming requirements (e.g. enhanced sensors or user specific demands) or limitations (e.g. shorter missile for aircraft with restrictions in payload capacity).

Is TAURUS KEPD 350E special in having more than 500km range?
Yes. Other worldwide available systems are not only lacking the range (most of them have only half the range), but have limited penetration or blast-fragmentation only and/or lack the accurate navigation (precision or survivability of missile) of the TAURUS KEPD 350E.

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