MILAS
Ship-borne anti-submarine weapon system
The threat
The activities of submarine shipyards and the intensity of submarine sales on the international market, linked with the ambitions of several navies to increase their capability in submarine warfare, forecasts an increasing threat in several specific areas in the world over the next ten years. The MILAS weapon system answers the requirement of those navies who want to keep their naval surface forces out of the reach of enemy capabilities.
Operational requirement
Aside from their force projection role, modern naval forces also need to control their maritime areas and protect their surface ships. These operations generally include three different aspects: air defence against aircraft and missiles, surface defence against enemy warships, and defence against submarines.
Anti-submarine warfare missions are probably the most difficult ones as their success depends largely on detection dictated the clearness and homogeneity of the sea. However, recent progress in the capabilities of modern sonars and in signal processing allow surface ships to identify and classify submarine threats at ranges in excess of heavyweight torpedo range. These performances can be obtained by very low frequency active and passive sonars which combine long range detection and high accuracy.
The MBDA solution
MILAS is an all weather anti-submarine warfare weapon system derived from the OTOMAT MK2 missile system. The system is designed to carry and release an MU-90, or similar lightweight torpedo, close to the designated submarine position, as indicated by the ship sonar or by a co-operating ASW helicopter or MPA.
When launched from surface ships, MILAS transports 300 kg, 324 mm diameter light torpedoes. It is capable of launching its torpedo at distances of up to 35 km in all directions and with very good precision, thus optimising the probability of destroying the enemy submarine.
The performances of the MILAS missile make it unique in the world. Ships equipped with MILAS will be capable of neutralising a hostile submarine from a stand-off distance within a very short time. The system has demonstrated its operational superiority compared with helicopters armed with torpedoes, which either have a much longer reaction time, or are unable to operate in rough seas.
MAIN FEATURES and ADVANTAGES
Lighter workload
MILAS requires low maintenance and reduced crew on board.
Complementary with ASW helicopters
With torpedo delivery accomplished by MILAS, the on board helicopter is fully available and operational to complete other naval missions such as surface warfare, logistics missions and search and rescue.
Optimisation of the latest generation of sonar
Deep sonars and low frequency sonars have performances well above the range of tube launched torpedoes.
MILAS is able to deliver a torpedo at stand-off ranges in accordance with sonar performances.
Range
MILAS long range provides the launching ship and the escorted naval formation permanent and effective defence against the submarine, be it conventional or nuclear.
Fast reaction time
Fired within a very short firing sequence, MILAS is able to deliver a torpedo over a detected submarine (less than 3 minutes to deliver a torpedo).
Permanence
The firing of MILAS requests only a push button action. Only one operator is required to operate the system This can be done under routine alert, day and night and in adverse weather conditions.
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
MILAS firing is controlled from the CIC by means of a dedicated console linked to the ship’s combat system. The firing sequence is highly automated and so only one operator is required.
The MILAS system comprises:
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1 control console fed with the ship's sonar information which performs mission planning functions, including torpedo delivery point and search parameters setting for the torpedo; |
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1 re-vectoring assembly able to provide information to the MILAS in flight thus giving it the advantage over manoeuvring submarine; |
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up to 12 MILAS missiles installed on twin fixed launchers. |
ACTION PROCESS
1 - Submarine detection
Submarine detection is carried out by hull and deep sonars which can be active or passive. Dependent on bathythermic conditions, today’s sonars have long range detection capabilities.
2 - Analysis and target designation
After analysis and classification of the sonar contact, a target designation is sent to a dedicated MILAS console. An automated and very short firing sequence is then started.
3 - MILAS in flight
Due to its inertial navigation and its in-flight re-vectoring capability, the torpedo is delivered to the immediate vicinity of the submarine.
4 - Attack
When in the water, the torpedo activates its own sonar detection and then proceeds to the attack and destruction of the submarine in a fully autonomous mode.
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
MISSILE
Lightweight torpedo carrying missile with a 360° gyro-deviation capability, high torpedo delivery accuracy and in-flight re-vectoring in order to cope with manoeuvring targets.
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long range, |
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short reaction time, |
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weight: 800 kg (including torpedo). |
TORPEDO
The MILAS missile is compatible with major lightweight torpedoes in service and in development:
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MU 90 (Eurotorp), |
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A 244 S (Eurotorp), |
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Mk 46 Mod 2 & Mod 5 (Alliant), |
FIRING SYSTEM
Easy to install modular firing system compatible with both small and large, existing and new ships (corvettes, frigates and destroyers):
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day-and-night capabilities, |
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single operator system, |
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automatic parameter calculation, |
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fixed container-launchers, |
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4 to 12 launchers per firing system. |
TWO-LAUNCHER INSTALLATION
The launching installation is made up of several launching containers fixed onto the deck. This allows for a great deal of flexibility in choosing the dedicated space.
CONTAINERS
Containers are capable of several launches. They are also used for housing, transportation and storage on board.
Status of programme
The MILAS programme has been developed in co-operation between France and Italy.
MILAS is in operational service with the Italian Navy. |
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Weight 800 kg (torpedo included) |
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Diameter 0.46 m |
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Length 6 m (torpedo included) | |
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