Rheinmetall Expands Loitering Munitions Capabilities

At the recent DSEI in London, Rheinmetall Electronic Solutions showcased an innovative portfolio of loitering munitions. Among the highlights was the FV-104, a fixed-wing system developed entirely in-house, alongside the Hero line of munitions—a collaborative effort with the Israeli company Uvision.

Strategic Entry into Loitering Munitions

Rheinmetall’s foray into the loitering munitions sector began in late 2021 with a partnership with Uvision to produce the Hero family of systems in Europe. This collaboration involved RWM Italia, the Italian arm of Rheinmetall, which established a production facility in Sardinia. Plans for an additional manufacturing line in Germany are currently underway, underlining Rheinmetall’s commitment to enhancing European defense capabilities.

Model Insights: FV-014 and Hero 120

On display was a scaled representation of the Hero 120, complementing the introduction of the FV-014. The ‘F’ in FV-014 denotes its fixed-wing design, with the numerical designation reflecting the vehicle’s launch mass of approximately 14 kg.

• Design Evolution: The FV-014 departs from Uvision’s signature cruciform folding wings for a more conventional configuration. This alteration aims to enhance manufacturability while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency. The backward-folding wings facilitate transportation within a launch container, while the distinct empennage and electric motor power a three-blade propeller.

Performance Specifications

The FV-014 is launched via a booster from its container, subsequently deploying its wings for flight. Key specifications include:

• Endurance: Over 60 minutes
• Range: 100 km, comparable to the Hero 120
• Warhead: A 5 kg High-Explosive Dual-Purpose (HEDP) warhead designed for maximum versatility against both armored targets and softer fortifications. This warhead provides an impressive penetration capability of 600 mm against rolled homogeneous armor.

The fixed-wing design allows for rapid penetration into target areas, providing operators with ample time for reconnaissance and tactical decision-making.

Operational Flexibility and User Control

The FV-014 is designed for adaptability, particularly in GNSS-denied environments. It retains a man-in-the-loop capability, enabling operators to refine targeting parameters and abort missions when necessary. Furthermore, Rheinmetall touts the FV-104’s proficiency in swarm operations, positioning it as a formidable asset in modern combat scenarios.

Market Readiness

The FV-014 is on the brink of market introduction, having successfully undergone flight testing. As defense operations increasingly prioritize unmanned systems capable of executing precision strikes while improving operator oversight, Rheinmetall’s latest offerings stand to significantly enhance military effectiveness.

Following this exhibition, stakeholders in defense and military procurement should closely monitor Rheinmetall’s developments and consider the strategic implications of integrating these advanced loitering munitions into their operational arsenals.

Photography credits to P. Valpolini.