Rheinmetall Unveils New Fixed-Wing Loitering Munition FV-014 at DSEI

LONDON : At the DSEI defence exhibition, Rheinmetall Electronic Solutions showcased a significant expansion of its loitering munitions portfolio with the new FV-014, a fully in-house developed fixed-wing system. The FV-014 appeared alongside the Hero 120 family, which Rheinmetall markets in cooperation with Israel’s UVision.

The development of the FV-014 addresses marketing and supply limitations linked to the Israeli-origin Hero systems, giving Rheinmetall a wholly European-designed alternative. Unlike the Hero’s cruciform folding wing design, the FV-014 uses a traditional folding wing layout, with wings folding rearward into a launch canister. The system weighs around 14 kg at launch and features a rear-mounted electric motor driving a three-blade pusher propeller.

Performance figures place the FV-014’s endurance at over 60 minutes and range at approximately 100 km, matching the Hero 120. It carries a 5 kg HEDP (High-Explosive Dual-Purpose) warhead, effective against light armour, soft targets, and fortifications. The design emphasizes high-speed penetration to the target area while allowing time for reconnaissance and man-in-the-loop targeting decisions.

The system is booster-launched from its container, deploys its wings in flight, and can operate in GNSS-denied environments. Operators can refine targeting or abort missions as needed. Rheinmetall also states that the FV-014 is capable of swarm operations, highlighting the growing trend toward networked loitering munitions.

This new platform complements Rheinmetall’s ongoing cooperation with UVision. In 2021, the group signed an agreement to produce Hero systems in Europe through RWM Italia in Sardinia, with plans for further production lines in Germany. While the Hero family accelerated Rheinmetall’s entry into the loitering munition market, the FV-014 represents a fully European option.

The FV-014 is in the final stage of development and has already undergone flight tests. Rheinmetall expects it to be available soon, reinforcing its focus on autonomous systems, advanced sensors, and uncrewed strike capabilities for European and international customers.