Taurus KEPD 350: Difference between revisions

 

Mission planners program the missile with the target, air defence locations and planned ground path, then the missile uses a low terrain-hugging flight path guided by [[Image Based Navigation]], [[Terrain Reference Navigation]] and [[Global Positioning System|GPS]] to the proximity of the target. Taurus is the world's only precision stand-off guided missile system that is capable of navigating over long distances without GPS support. Once there the missile commences a bunt (climb) manoeuver to an altitude intended to achieve the best probability of target acquisition and penetration. During the bunt, the nose cone is jettisoned to allow a high resolution infra-red camera to see the target area. The missile attempts to match the target image with the planned target. If it can't and there is a high risk of collateral damage, it will steer to a pre-designated crash point instead of risking an inaccurate attack with undesired consequences.

 

Taurus is also attracting great interest in other countries. Spain's military bought 43 missiles while Canada and Australia have also expressed interest in the precision stand-off guided missile system.