Chemring Defence introduces the new extended range version of its Multiple Effects Rocket System (MERS) which offers a maximum operational range out to 1000m from an initial baseline of 600m.
The range of MERS rockets is now 300m; 500m; 600m and 1000m.
In addition, Chemring Defence can now offer a range of payload capabilities including Smoke Screening, IR Illumination and Day/Night Illumination, for example.
MERS is compact and lightweight to ease the infantry burden and offers the soldier greater tactical versatility, improved accuracy and built-in safety.
The significant new tactical advantage offered by MERS is that it leaves no smoke trail, which can be used by the enemy to trace and target the firer, thereby significantly reducing the danger of `Target back to the Firer`.
The introduction of an advanced smokeless propellant also increases the flight velocity of the rocket, which makes it more stable and accurate in flight, particularly in windy conditions.
Increased levels of safety are achieved by MERS due to two key design features: a three-stage initiation procedure that can only be performed using both hands, and can be handled with equal ease by left and right handed users, thus increasing accuracy and reducing the risk of accidental firing.
A major innovation is the introduction of a new Ground Target Smoke capability, in which the smoke payload can be fired at an angle along the ground to mark a target for directing fire or aerial attack.
This is in addition to the handheld rocket’s standard capabilities for Illumination of forward ground and Signalling.
MERS provides high performance Illumination with a `white light` payload delivering 200,000 Candela (candle power) and the option of a covert `black light` infra red payload.