Successful IDAS missile firing from submerged submarine

The submarine missile IDAS (Interactive Defence and Attack system for Submarines), equipped with an optical wave guide, performed a successful test flight from the German submarine U33 of the state-of-the-art Submarine Class U 212A in the western part of the Baltic Sea on May 29, 2008. 

During all phases of the test flight, IDAS showed a convincing performance. After adjusting the missile´s inertial system aided by the submarine´s navigation system, the missile was ejected from the torpedo tube. Under water it spread its wings and rudders and started its engine to penetrate the water surface a few seconds later and ascending to a pre-planned altitude to move into a controlled flight stage. Differing from an operative scenario, the test was ended in a controlled glide flight. During the entire flight, data and images of a video camera were transmitted to the submarine via the optical wave guide.   

This test firing proved that IDAS can be employed from a submerged submarine.  All mechanical interfaces proved reliable while data transmission via optical wave guide functioned smoothly.

High-ranking Navy officers from several interested countries witnessed the event as observers on an accompanying vessel expressed recognition of the German Navy, participating Bundeswehr centers and industrial companies.

Having proved a successful test firing from a submerged submarine, ARGE IDAS of Diehl BGT Defence, Howaldtswerke Deutsche Werft and Kongsberg, in a joint effort with the German Navy as well as the Federal Office for Military Technology and Procurement, passed a further successful milestone in this innovative missile program – nine months earlier than foreseen in the contract. 

The next steps in the IDAS project consist in drawing up outstanding phase documents and initializing the international development program.  

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