MBDA touts Viper performance

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HUNTSVILLE, Ala., April 18 (UPI) -- Multinational missile-maker MBDA Inc. reports its GBU-44/E Viper Strike munition performed successfully during testing in the United States.

The glide bombs, dropped from a U.S. Marine KC-130J at a Naval Air Warfare Center in California, scored multiple direct hits on targets, the company said.

"Viper Strike provides the right characteristics needed to support our warfighters in both current and future fights -- high precision and agility to hit moving and stationary targets in complex terrain and with very low collateral damage," said Jerry Agee, president and chief executive officer of MBDA.

The GBU-44/E Viper Strike is a glide that can be dropped from extended range. It uses GPS-aided navigation and a semi-active laser seeker to reach its target. It also features a new fast attack software load for striking time-sensitive targets. MBDA said.

The company said the aircraft used in the testing was equipped with a new, pressurized "derringer door" launcher, which uses a side door in the fuselage so standoff precision guided munitions can be fired and reloaded while the aircraft remains pressurized.

MBDA -- owned by BAE Systems, EADS and Finmeccanica -- is producing the munition at its facility in Huntsville, Ala.