Airbus Military C295 demonstrates release of Marte missile

210313C295MisilMarte-9866 — The release of the Matre missile from a C295 extends the mission capability of the aircraft. (Airbus Military)

Airbus Military and missile manufacturer MBDA have successfully demonstrated the release of an inert Marte MK2/S anti-ship missile from a C295 maritime patrol aircraft. The flight was the last of a series of trials performed in a collaboration between Airbus Military and MBDA to validate the aerodynamic integration of the Marte on the C295, its handling qualities and performance tests.

The installation of weapons under the wings provides new operational capabilities to the C295 maritime patrol aircraft. In the anti-submarine warfare role, the C295 is already in service carrying the MK46 torpedo.

The Marte Mk2/S is already integrated on the AW-101 and Naval NH90 helicopters in service with the Italian navy and integration activities for the Marte ER on the Eurofighter Typhoon are currently underway.

The MBDA Marte MK2/S missile is an all-weather, medium-range sea-skimming anti-ship weapon system capable of destroying small vessels and heavily damaging major vessels.

MBDA is jointly held by BAE Systems, EADS and Finmeccanica.