Visit our website: HTTP://WWW.STOPNATO.ORG.UK --------------------------------------------- Tuesday, 4 September, 2001, 16:38 GMT 17:38 UK
Cruise missiles 'Made in
Brazil'
Avibras rocket launchers were used by US forces in
Iraq
The Brazilian company Avibras Industria Aeroespacial has
said it will build South America's first locally-made cruise missile.
Avibras produced the Astros II multiple launchers rockets system (MLRS), used with devastating impact by the United States and its allies against Iraqi troops during the Gulf war. The arms-maker hopes to offer its cruise missile for sale internationally as a simpler and cheaper option to the US-made Tomahawk. which has a price tag of $500,000. Brazil's arms manufacturers have become increasingly successful in winning overseas contracts. Sales offensive In August, plane-maker Embraer won its first export orders for the Super Tucano turbo-prop fighter and might sell another 22 to its Canadian rival Bombardier for use in a Nato flying school. The Brazilian cruise missile - the AV/MT 300 - will be able to deliver 200kg of explosives to a target up to 300km away, the company said in a statement. The world's leading cruise missile, Tomahawk, built by Raytheon has a range of 1,500km and can carry a warhead up to 500kg.
Successful recovery The firm, which also builds communications antennae and rockets for scientific use, has made a strong recovery in recent years, paying off most of its debts after filing for bankruptcy in the early 1990s. The company continues to sell the Astros II (Artillery Saturation Rocket System) which is considered as one of the most lethal in the world. The US Army used the Astros II to drop thousands of bomblets known as "steel rain" on Iraqi troops during Operation Desert Storm before the main ground offensives. Avibras is also a joint investor with European defence company EADS in Freewing Aerial Robotics, which is developing the Scorpion UAV (unmanned air vehicle), but is currently in some financial difficulties. ------------------------------------------------- This Discussion List is the follow-up for the old stopnato @listbot.com that has been shut down ==^================================================================ EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?a84x2u.a9spWA Or send an email To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] This email was sent to: archive@jab.org T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================ |
