Kongsberg and Thales engineering teams have jointly analysed telemetry and instrumentation data collected during the recent live-firing of a Naval Strike Missile (NSM) test munition from the StrikeMaster missile launch vehicle in Norway.
This has marked an important step in the ongoing verification of the StrikeMaster NSM Coastal Defence System (CDS).
“I am extremely pleased that the engineering data we captured during the live-fire of StrikeMaster in Norway supports and validates the significant work that KONGSBERG and Thales have performed to date on this system," Managing Director of Kongsberg Defence Australia, John Fry, said.
StrikeMaster is Kongsberg's Australian NSM CDS configuration using Thales Australia’s Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle as the platform for a twin pack NSM launcher.
StrikeMaster has provided the ability to perform long range land based maritime strike and land attack missions.
“The results demonstrate the low-risk nature of this launcher configuration, and the suitability of the Bushmaster vehicle as a reliable and capable launch platform for our Naval Strike Missile," Fry affirmed.
The firing has generated a comprehensive set of performance data, which has now undergone detailed post-event analysis by engineers from both companies.
This collaborative effort will support ongoing system improvement and future activities.
According to Kongsberg and Thales, the analysis has confirmed that the system not only met all design and safety requirements, but exceeded expectations across key performance measures, reinforcing StrikeMaster’s readiness.
“This comprehensive data from the live-fire testing in Norway confirms that the StrikeMaster exceeded performance expectations, is both operationally effective and ensures the highest standards of crew safety," CEO of Thales Australia & New Zealand, Jeff Connolly, stated.
A key outcome of the firing has confirmed that the crew compartment is safe and suitable for operators during the NSM launch. Results indicate that it has outperformed relevant benchmarks, with favourable outcomes recorded in internal cabin noise, internal cabin pressure, exhaust gas ingress, and impact to driver visibility.
“The results demonstrate not only the precision and reliability of the system, but the depth of engineering and advanced manufacturing expertise we have built here in Australia," Connolly stated.
The vibration data has further validated the suitability of the Thales Australia’s Bushmaster Utility variant as a low-risk launch platform for NSM.
Performance metrics have confirmed the structural integrity of the vehicle under live-fire conditions. The StrikeMaster launcher has demonstrated excellent manoeuvrability and stability, with performance results comfortably within the Bushmaster vehicle’s operating parameters.