Diehl Defence has unveiled a model of its FEANIX light remote carrier (LRC).
Called FEANIX, which stands for Future Effector – Adaptable, Networked, Intelligent, Xpendable, the LRC was exhibited at ILA Berlin 2024, which was held from 5 to 9 June.
Weighing less than 300 kg with a length of 4 m, FEANIX is a long-range effector that can be launched from the air, from land as well as from the sea. Due to its modularity, the LRC can be equipped with different payloads, from sensors to lethal and non-lethal effectors, depending on the operational scenario and mission, while a low-observable signature means it is not easily detected by enemy air defences.
According to Diehl Defence, FEANIX “is also characterised by its networking, swarming, robustness and stand-off capability”.
Remote carriers are a core element of the Franco-German Future Combat Air System (FCAS/SCAF) programme, but are also used beyond the FCAS role, “which is why Diehl Defence aims for an operational availability well before the FCAS realisation period of 2040+”, the company stated in a press release.
“Light remote carriers are the missiles of the future in operational, overall joint forces operations in order to master the upcoming challenges within the networked and highly competitive battlefield,” Diehl explained. “Their teaming and swarming capability is a game changer in future scenarios. The required complexity in mission control can be achieved by the outsourcing of functions and capabilities, which is made possible through the use of LRCs. Hereby, Light Remote Carriers operate highly automated and independent of the carrier system. LRCs provide an increased capability for all dimensions, such as land, air, sea and cyber in so-called multi-domain operations (MDO).”
Diehl envisages that LRCs will be required in high quantities and in different variants over the future battlefield in order to meet a broad set of requirements, with the volume of LRCs providing the required combat mass, while reducing the risk to manned, more expensive platforms.
In recent years Diehl Defence has increasingly carried out self-financed research and development relating to remote carriers in the missile domain, focusing on lightweight systems. With FEANIX as a product, Diehl Defence says it has further advanced the operational concept of the LRC, expanded its product portfolio with a future-oriented approach and, over the longer term, closed an identified military capability gap.
