Meteor missile integration
Europe (UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Sweden - multinational development) · Development ongoing; integration onto Typhoon (Tranche 2 and 3) and F-35B (targeted mid-2020s, delayed to early 2030s).
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchMeteor is a collaborative European project, demonstrating successful multinational defence development. - Its ramjet propulsion provides a significant advantage over traditional rocket motors, offering a larger no-escape zone. - Integration onto the F-35B has faced delays, highlighting the complexities of integrating advanced weapons onto fifth-generation aircraft.
Key engineering challenges
Developing a ramjet-powered missile for sustained high speed and extended range. - Integrating the missile onto multiple diverse fighter platforms (Typhoon, F-35B, Rafale, Gripen). - Ensuring interoperability and seamless communication between the missile and aircraft systems. - Overcoming delays in integration, particularly for the F-35B.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Sweden (partner nations)
- Lead contractor
- MBDA
- Lead designers
- MBDA
- Project type
- upgrade / new capability integration
- Scale
- Active radar guided BVRAAM; ramjet-powered for sustained high speed; large "no-escape zone"; integrated on Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, Saab Gripen, and planned for F-35B.
- Disciplines
- Missile engineering; radar guidance; propulsion (ramjet); systems integration; aeronautical engineering
- Standards & frameworks
- NATO standards for air-to-air missiles.
Sources: Wikipedia: Meteor (missile) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteor_(missile)) - MBDA: METEOR (https://www.mbda-systems.com/products/air-dominance/meteor) - Think Defence: Meteor Missile (https://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/docs/meteor-anti-aircraft-missile/) - UK Defence Journal: Meteor integration on F-35B delayed from 2027 to early 2030s (https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/meteor-integration-on-f-35b-delayed-from-2027-to-early-2030s/)