French Akeron LP missile makes debut from Tiger helicopter
France conducted the first test of the Akeron LP anti-tank guided missile from a Tiger helicopter. Here's what distinguishes this European competitor to the famous Hellfire.
According to OCCAR, the first successful firing of the MAST-F (Akeron LP) missile from a Tiger helicopter took place at the DGA research center range in Cazaux on March 19. The test assessed the launch safety from the helicopter, considering the impact of the rotor.
The Akeron LP missile is a larger developmental version of the Akeron MP missile, with a range of up to 12 miles. This makes it a competitor to the U.S.-developed successor to the AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, the AGM‑179 JAGM, or the Israeli Spike NLOS missiles.
Akeron LP — the French next-generation successor for the worn-out HOTs
The Akeron LP missile is expected to feature a radio communication link instead of a fiber optic cable connecting the missile to the launcher, as seen in the infantry version. The LP version is anticipated to weigh less than 88 pounds, and the missile measures 5.9 feet including the launch container.
It is noteworthy that it is a "fire-and-forget" type missile, with the option for manual guidance or changing the target in flight if necessary. An advanced guidance system, which includes a daytime camera and a fourth-generation infrared sensor (known as IIR), lets it independently search and identify targets like tanks, similar to the FGM-148 Javelin.
Different from others, the French have chosen an uncooled sensor. This theoretically provides less precise targeting but eliminates the need for gas-cooled containers or the larger battery required for thermoelectric cooling based on the Peltier effect.
It is also noteworthy that development of the Akeron began in 2011, while the Javelin was designed in the 1990s. The latest version of the Javelin also features an uncooled sensor.
Additionally, the French have incorporated the option for laser beam reflection guidance, which allows the missile to hit targets with well-camouflaged thermal signatures. This feature enables the destruction of any type of target, regardless of conditions. Moreover, the tandem-shaped charge warhead, with a diameter of 5.9 inches, is capable of penetrating more than 3 feet of steel armor equivalent, even when protected by reactive armor.
