IDEF 2023: Calidus unveils 4x4 MCAV0014 Alheda missile launcher vehicle.

Currently showcased at IDEF 2023 in Turkey, the MCAV0014 Alheda is the latest creation of Calidus, a defense technology company based in the United Arab Emirates. This advanced ground launcher system comes equipped with state-of-the-art features, offering new possibilities in protection against enemy threats.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Calidus unveils its MCAV0014 Alheda new missile ground launcher (Picture source: Army Recognition )

The MCAV0014 Alheda stands out with its unparalleled mobility, enabling rapid deployment in various operational environments. Its advanced fire control system ensures enhanced precision when utilizing two types of missiles: Alheda and Logir. The turret allows for a 360-degree azimuth rotation and a 45-degree elevation range. A notable feature is its remote firing mode, which enhances operational flexibility. 

The MCAV0014 Alheda is a new ground-to-ground missile launcher based on the MCAV-20 chassis. This provides the missile system with the advantage of a sturdy and highly mobile platform, capable of moving swiftly and effectively across rugged terrains. The MCAV-20 chassis ensures smooth driving and high-level protection, enabling the Alheda launcher to quickly and accurately position itself to engage targets at short and medium ranges.

MCAV Calidus

The MCAV-20 is a relatively new armored vehicle manufactured in the United Arab Emirates, first unveiled at the International Defense Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi in 2021. Its design aims to provide a high level of protection for the crew and passengers while ensuring high mobility and the ability to carry a variety of weapons systems.

Powered by a powerful 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine producing 300 horsepower, the MCAV-20 can reach a maximum speed of 110 kilometers per hour and has a range of 800 kilometers. Its fully independent suspension system allows for smooth and stable driving even on rough terrains.

Thanks to its robust armor, the MCAV-20 can withstand small arms fire and artillery shrapnel. Additionally, it is equipped with a blast-proof underbody designed to resist improvised explosive device (IED) explosions. This ruggedness provides excellent survivability in hostile environments.

The vehicle's versatility in terms of armament is noteworthy. It can be equipped with a 30mm cannon, a 7.62mm machine gun, and a 40mm grenade launcher, offering firepower suitable for various situations on the battlefield.

The adoption of the UAE-made Calidus MCAV-20 by the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Democratic Republic of Congo's Republican Guard marks a significant milestone in their efforts to modernize their defense capabilities. Both countries operate the weapons carrier variant, which can be armed with a variety of machine guns and cannons up to 23mm.

The MCAV-20 is a powerful and versatile armored vehicle, well-suited for a variety of military missions. It is currently in service with the Sudanese Armed Forces and is also being offered for sale to other countries worldwide.

Logir guided Rocket

The missile is equipped with several advanced features that make it a high-performance weapon system. It is fitted with an uncooled Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker, allowing it to detect and track targets with precision. To ensure an accurate trajectory toward the target, the missile also incorporates a MEMS-based Inertial Navigation System (INS) for real-time navigation.

The missile's guidance is executed in two stages. Initially, it employs inertial navigation to direct itself toward the target area. During this phase, the image-based homing algorithm (homing ATA) is activated, enabling the missile to "lock on" to the intended target. As the missile approaches its target, the terminal guidance is taken over by the imaging infrared sensor, enabling it to "track" the target until impact.

The control actuation system of the missile consists of four canards and folding fins, enhancing its maneuverability during flight.

Regarding specifications, the missile has a maximum range of over 8 km, allowing it to engage targets at a distance. It also has a minimum range of approximately 1.5 km, enabling it to engage targets at close range. The missile weighs 15 kg and measures 1.9 m in length. It can be launched from various types of launchers, with a maximum capacity of 8 missiles for the ground launcher, 12 missiles for the naval launcher, and 4 missiles for the airborne launcher.

The warhead of the missile weighs more than 4 kg, providing it with significant explosive power. Additionally, the missile is designed to be used in conjunction with an Explosive Ordnance Disposal System (EODS), with a maximum detection range of over 12 km.

The Logir missile is a significant advantage of the MCAV0014 Alheda, offering a cost-effective solution to neutralize asymmetric threats on land and at sea. With an imaging infrared seeker enabling fire-and-forget operation, the Logir missile boasts a range of over 8 km and a weight of less than 15 kg.

Alheda missile

The Alheda missile, part of the ground-to-ground/air-to-ground family, provides extended range and enhanced accuracy against fixed and moving targets. With a maximum range of 10 km and weighing less than 37 kg, it features an advanced guidance system comprising INS (mid-course) and either Semi-Active Laser (SAL) or Image Infrared Seeker (IIR) for terminal guidance.

With a diameter of 140 mm, a length of 1.8 m, and a weight of 37 kg, the Alheda is a compact and lightweight missile that can be easily deployed across various battlefields. Its maximum range is 10 km, making it an effective system for engaging targets at short distances.

One of the distinctive features of this missile is its capability to be equipped with different interchangeable warheads. Depending on operational requirements, it can be configured with a high-explosive warhead for strikes against conventional targets or an anti-tank warhead to counter armored vehicles and fortified positions.

Another crucial aspect of the Alheda missile is its guidance system. It can be fitted with either a semi-active laser (SAL) seeker for laser-guided attacks or an imaging infrared (IIR) seeker for engagements based on thermal signatures. This guidance versatility allows the missile to adapt to various tactical scenarios on the battlefield.

The production of the Alheda missile is undertaken by Calidus, a local company based in the United Arab Emirates. In partnership with Tawazun Technology and Innovation (TTI), Calidus plays a vital role in the development and manufacturing of this advanced weapon system.