SW-SIGURD | Development of an integrated pod for smart guided rockets

Towards more connected and interoperable onboard weapon systems

In view of the growth of onboard weapon systems in the field of air defence, the SW-SIGURD project has been launched to integrate the new generation of smart guided rockets in tomorrow’s pods. Led by FN Herstal and a consortium of Belgian industrial and research partners, it builds on the achievements of the SW-S-Pod project by incorporating a major technological development: a comprehensive digital architecture for firing guided rockets with advanced functions such as Lock-On Before Launch (LOBL).

Context

The aerospace defence sector is rapidly digitalising and focusing on precision. However, several challenges remain: the mechanical and electronic integration of guided rockets, protecting guidance lenses, developing integrated modular avionics (IMAs), automating the manufacturing of composite parts, and the lack of solutions combining machine guns and rockets in a single pod. SW-SIGURD addresses these key challenges.

Obectives & results

Main objectives:

1. To develop a 3-tube rocket launcher module integrated into the FN® D-SPOD.
2. To ensure compatibility with THALES guided and conventional rockets.
3. To integrate the Lock-On Before Launch (LOBL) function for greater accuracy.

Expected results:

1. Functional demonstrator of a guided rocket system.
2. New methods for in-flight detection and identification.
3. Protective optical coatings.
4. Sensors integrated into the composites for the Health & Usage Monitoring System (HUMS).

Valorisation:

1. Demonstrator of FN® D-SPOD with guided rockets.
2. Integrated HUMS modules.
3. Technology database for coatings and composites.
4. Internal ballistic modelling and experimental validation.
5. Transfer to industrial production by FN Herstal and Thales.
6. Boosting regional expertise (composites, coatings, electronics).
7. Data and prototypes for future applications.

Approach

The project is structured around 9 work packages (WPs). Sirris is primarily involved in two of these:

1. WP1 – Lens Protection
   Optical coatings (CRM), mechanical LEP solutions (GDTech, TBE).
2. WP2 – Digitalisation
   Modular avionics architecture, standardised communications (FN Herstal, TBE).
3. WP3 – Tube structure
   Thermo-mechanical studies on composite tubes (Sirris, JD’CI, GDTech, TBE).
4. WP4-WP8 – System integration
   Electronic and software development, launcher interface (FN Herstal, TBE).
5. WP9 – Composites manufacturing
   Automation of various production stages (Sobelcomp, Sirris).

Target group

SW-SIGURD primarily focuses on the air defence sector, particularly manufacturers and integrators of weapons for light platforms (helicopters, drones and aircraft). It addresses a growing demand for modular, digital and guided solutions with integrated diagnostic capabilities (HUMS) and interoperability with NATO standards.
Spin-offs are also expected in related sectors such as:

• The composites industry (automated manufacturing, integrated sensors)
• Civil defence and homeland security (lightweight and precision tactical systems).
• Simulator developers (ballistic models, sensor data).

Funding

• Funding body: Skywin (Wallonia)
• Project type: Research support – Competitiveness cluster (24th call for projects)
• Total budget: €5.16 million (including €2.84 million in public funding)

Internal link

Product Development Hub