During this year’s ILA Berlin, taking place from June 5 to 9, Diehl Defence presents for the first time a model of the new Light Remote Carrier FEANIX. FEANIX stands for Future Effector – Adaptable, Networked, Intelligent, Xpendable. The Light Remote Carrier (LRC) is characterized by a weight of <300 kilograms and a length of <4 meters. It is a long-range effector which can be launched from the air, from land as well as from sea. Due to its modularity, the LRC is individually equippable with different payloads, from sensors to lethal and non-lethal effectors, depending on the operational scenario and mission. Thanks to the low signature (low observable), the Light Remote Carrier is difficult to detect by the enemy air defence and it makes a valuable contribution to the networked battle management. Besides the mentioned modularity, FEANIX is also characterized by its networking, swarming, robustness and stand-off capability.
Remote Carriers are a core element of the international FCAS program, but are also used beyond the FCAS role, which is why Diehl Defence aims for an operational availability well before the FCAS realization period of 2040+. 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. 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).
LRCs will be required in a high quantity and in different variants in the battlefield of the future in order to meet the broad capability requirements. The combat power on the battlefield is increased due to the high number of LRCs (combat mass). Thus, the risk to crews in their expensive platforms is significantly reduced. In the past years, Diehl Defence has increasingly carried out self-financed research and development activities on Remote Carriers in the field of missile systems. The focus at Diehl Defence is on Remote Carriers of the light weight class. With FEANIX as a product, Diehl Defence further advances the operational concept of the LRC, expands its product portfolio with a future-oriented approach and, in the long term, closes an identified capability gap in the armed forces.
Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG is a German weapon manufacturer headquartered in Überlingen. It operates as a division of Diehl Stiftung and specializes in the production of missiles and ammunition. Diehl BGT Defence was established in 2004 through the merger of Bodenseewerke Gerätetechnik GmbH and Diehl Munitionssysteme GmbH & Co. KG. In February 2017, Diehl BGT Defence and Diehl Defence Holding were integrated into Diehl Defence. Building on the knowledge gained from the Sidewinder’s infrared homing technology, Diehl Defence developed the seeker system for the IRIS-T medium-range air-to-air missile. Introduced in 2005, the IRIS-T has been adopted by 13 countries as of October 2022. Moreover, Diehl Defence also offers advanced system solutions for ground-based air defence. Innovative solutions in the fields of reconnaissance, monitoring, training and protection round off the product range.
