In order to reply to increasing demand for accuracy and precision, a series of different new smart digital rocket launchers has been recently developped enabling to fire laser guided rocket FZ275 LGR :

• FZ800 and FZ819 for aircraft
• FZ606 for helicopters enabling also LOBL (Lock-On Before Launch) mode

Yhales Belgium’s products are endowed with the best technology.  All the developments are orientated towards obtaining high precision ammunition and better safety of use. The main objective is to reduce collateral damage as much as possible and the risk of injuring civilians and soldiers.

Our engineering team is currently working on different improvement projects, designed to deliver unmatched performance across the full range of product of a rocket system.

Hereafter some examples of our numerous product improvements

• Environmental friendly warheads

Thales Belgium’s ammunition production is also dedicated to training ammunition.  In order to avoid polluting the firing ranges and limit health hazard for wildlife, ecosystems and humans, the products are made so as to limit the impact on the environment, especially by substituting heavy metal (such as lead (Pb)) in the practice or training warheads FZ120 and FZ181 and by analysing the “residue” of the rocket. Most of our rocket components are compliant with European regulations such as e.g. REACh (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals).

• Double safety arming device (SAD)

All of our warheads are also available with an electro-mechanical double Safety Arming Device SAD (STANAG 4187) to decrease the risk by accidental misuse or malfunction. The pyrotechnic chain is only aligned when specific spin rate and acceleration values have been reached during a defined timing.

SAD has been fully developed and patented by Thales Belgium. This functional supplement feature for 70mm rocket system  is unique in the world.

• FZ90 HERO& ESD safe

The FZ90 rocket motor is equipped with HERO (Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance) filter to prevent inadvertently ignition by EMR (ElectroMagnetic Radiation) against electromagnetic radiation. The igniter features also an integrated Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) safe electronic EMI filter providing protection against electromagnetic radiation.

• FZ125 Dual Detent 

This dual purpose detent mechanism is removable and maintainable, giving an extended life cycle to the rocket launcher. In addition, it allows the firing of two different types of rockets: FFAR and WA.

Thales Belgium owns the proprietary rights (IPR) of all of their products.

Thales Belgium can rely on their impressive expertise resulting in a unique service that brings added value to the defence industry.

Thales Belgium’s real added value comes from mastering all the rocket system elements (from weapon management system to rocket pod and their corresponding ammunitions) and the element of differentiation with regard to their competitors.  This is a unique concept worldwide. One system - one partner.

With this, Thales Belgium fully complies with the requirements and current needs of their customers and end-users.

The added value of Thales Belgium’s products :

• High flexibility of use
• Safe and reliable use
• dedicated products covering a large variety of requirements and missions
• Adaptability to any type of carrier or platform (rotary wings, fixed wings or ground vehicles)
• Reduced recurring cost due to easy maintainability
• Service and solution minded approach

Thales Belgium also benefits from the technical skills, international support and organization of the Thales Group guaranteeing the development and manufacture of the ever reliable and safe rocket systems. All our employees contribute added value to achieve company growth.

Research & Development is a key component of innovation-led growth.

Historically, the Defence sector has always been a sector of excellence and has always represented an important lever in the development of state-of-the-art activities. It is one of the rare sectors that promote and develop R&D activities and high-tech tools that are essential for the future economy of the country and of the region of Liège in particular.

Thales invests in research and development according to a long-term business and strategic plan based on estimated market requirements. Our R&D efforts are focused and driven on anticipating operational requirements of our customers and end-users, increasing affordability and achieving reduced time to market.

The high level of requirements in this sector has lead Thales Belgium to put into place ambitious Research and Development policies that have put them at the forefront of present day technologies.  The activities performed for the Defence market also lead them to make investments in equipment that enable them to manufacture high quality products.

More than 30% of our workforce is involved in Research and Development projects. The ever-growing R&D budget enables them, on a continual basis, to reinforce the precision, safety and reliability of all their products.

In addition, Thales is associated to a cluster of companies specialised in specific domains enabling new concepts of techniques.

The area of Liège also benefits from its university (aeronautical, mechanical and electronical engineers) and associated spin off networks.

Besides our efforts regarding the SAL-Laser guided rocket, other examples of our on-going R&D projects include (non exhaustive list) :

• new warheads for specific uses and missions
• IM (Insensitive Munitions)
• Improvement of the FZ90 rocket motor

Thales Belgium is committed to increasing the sustainability of its rocket systems to minimize environmental impact while maintaining performance to protect the troops and soldiers.

Sustainability is an important factor to decrease the lifecycle costs of rocket system components.

To support this goal, Thlaes Belgium invests in innovations to improve the sustainability of existing rocket systems:

• Developing alternative green  energetic compounds
• Removing hazardous materials such as hexavalent chromium and volatile organic compounds from manufacturing and repair processes
• Determining the impact of using lead-free welding in electronic components