The Brazilian Navy is looking to purchase a pre-production batch of 10 MANSUP (Míssil Antinavio Nacional de Superfície) combat surface-to-surface anti-ship missiles, an industry source familiar with the programme recently told Jane’s .
The navy wants to sign a contract in late 2019 and begin production in early 2020, the source added. Unlike earlier test missiles, this tranche of missiles will be the first to include a warhead.
Brazil has already test-fired two of the three MANSUP prototypes it has produced to date, with the third and last to be launched in June. (Victor Barreira)
Two qualification missiles, which also are designated as prototypes, fitted with a telemetry unit were launched in November 2018 and March 2019 from Barroso (V34) corvette and Niterói-class frigate Independência (F44), respectively. The third prototype is scheduled for launch in June from a yet undefined surface ship.
The missile is being developed in four different phases, which started in 2009, by a team formed by the Brazilian Navy and local privately-owned companies Fundação Ezute, Avibras Indústria Aeroespacial, SIATT Engenharia, Indústria e Comércio, and Omnisys Engenharia. The Navy Technological Center in São Paulo (CTMSP) was responsible for developing the inertial measurement unit (IMU).
The supplier of the high-explosive blast and pre-fragmented warhead is yet to be identified, Jane’s was told.
The sea-skimming fire-and-forget all-weather missile also features transonic speed, inertial guidance, solid propellant rocket motor, and terminal active radar homing.
MANSUP, which is part of the Esporão programme co-ordinated by the Navy Weapon Systems Directorate (DSAM), also includes the development of the MANAER air-launched anti-ship missile.
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