Kongsberg tests first Australian made missile launcher

Defence contractor Kongsberg has announced that its first Australian manufactured launcher for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) capability has successfully completed a Blast Test Vehicle (BTV) firing in Port Wakefield, South Australia.

This activity has been performed as part of deliveries under Project SEA 1300 Phase 1 – Navy Guided Weapons.

This BTV firing was the final element of the ‘First of Type’ testing of an Australian-built NSM launcher, assembled from Australian manufactured components in KONGSBERG’s new production and maintenance facility in Mawson Lakes, South Australia.

The BTV, which comprises a NSM Booster Rocket Motor and a dummy missile, is used to test the full launcher functionality in a live firing event.

The launcher canister has been produced by Aerobond Defence, an Adelaide based advancedcomposite and sheet metal manufacturing company, whilst the frame and rail were manufactured by Marand Precision Engineering in Melbourne.

Complex precision machined components for the launcher were manufactured by Australian Precision Technologies (APT) in Melbourne and QPE Advanced Machining in Adelaide.

Kongsberg Defence Australia’s Managing Director John Fry said: “This successful BTV firing from an Australian-made launcher is a key milestone in the delivery of the NSM capability to the Royal Australian Navy.

“It now allows Kongsberg Defence Australia to commence full-rate production of Australian-made NSM launchers for the NSM programme.”

The BTV firing was performed at the Commonwealth Joint Proofing Experimental Unit (JPEU) at Port Wakefield.

Picture: Kongsberg Defence Australia