The UMTAS Long-Range Anti-Tank Missile System is engineered to counter armored threats in modern high-intensity conflict scenarios. Primarily designed for rotary-wing platforms, it can also be integrated onto fixed-wing aircraft, ground vehicles, and naval platforms.

Operational Purpose and Role

UMTAS is intended to neutralize:

• Main battle tanks (MBTs)
• Armored personnel carriers (APCs)
• Fortified defensive positions
• Low-speed surface vessels
• Static military infrastructure

When deployed from an attack helicopter, the missile enables stand-off engagement capability, reducing platform exposure to enemy air defense systems. This significantly enhances survivability during close air support and deep strike missions.

Doctrine and Concept of Use

UMTAS is designed for integration into network-enabled combat environments. It supports two primary engagement modes:

Fire-and-Forget Mode

Once locked onto a target before launch, the missile autonomously tracks and engages without further operator input.

Fire-and-Update Mode

Through its RF data link, the operator can update target coordinates mid-flight. This allows:

• Engagement of moving targets
• Retargeting during flight
• Mission abort capability
• Tactical flexibility in dynamic combat environments

The missile supports both direct attack and top-attack profiles. The top-attack mode is particularly effective against main battle tanks, targeting weaker upper armor sections.

System Architecture

The UMTAS system consists of:

• Missile unit
• Dual or quad launcher configuration
• Platform interface compliant with MIL-STD-1760

The Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker provides high-resolution thermal imaging, improving target discrimination and resistance to common countermeasures. The RF data link ensures two-way communication between missile and launch platform during flight.

UMTAS is operationally integrated on the T129 ATAK attack helicopter and is adaptable for other air and land platforms.

Survivability and Safety Features

The missile incorporates:

• Insensitive munition characteristics
• Resistance to bullet impact
• Reduced smoke signature
• Controlled propulsion profile

The fire-and-update capability allows operators to modify engagement parameters or abort missions in response to emerging threats.

Advantages Against Modern Threats

• Tandem warhead capable of defeating ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor)
• Top-attack capability
• Mid-course update via RF data link
• Engagement of moving targets
• Day/night and adverse weather operation

Limitations

• Maximum range is approximately 8 km (platform dependent).
• IIR performance may degrade in extreme thermal clutter or dense atmospheric conditions.
• Effectiveness against advanced Active Protection Systems (APS) depends on tactical scenario; detailed public test data is limited.

Variants

The UMTAS family includes variants with different warhead options, including tandem anti-tank, high-explosive fragmentation, and thermobaric configurations. A lighter derivative system, OMTAS, exists as a separate product line for ground-based applications.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Dimensions and Weight

• Diameter: 160 mm
• Length: 1.8 m
• Weight: 37.5 kg

Performance

• Range: 0.5 – 8 km
• Engagement Modes: Fire-and-Forget / Fire-and-Update
• Impact Profiles: Direct Attack / Top Attack

Detailed flight speed and reaction time parameters are not fully disclosed in public sources.

Seeker and Guidance

• Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker
• RF data link (two-way communication)
• Autonomous target tracking

Exact detection range and discrimination algorithms are not publicly disclosed.

Warhead Options

• Tandem Anti-Tank
• High-Explosive Fragmentation
• Thermobaric

The tandem configuration is specifically designed to defeat explosive reactive armor before main charge detonation.

Integration and Interface

• MIL-STD-1760 compliant
• Dual and quad launcher configurations
• Integrated with helicopter mission computer systems

Electronic Warfare Resistance

The IIR seeker inherently provides resistance against laser jamming. Detailed anti-jamming capabilities of the RF link are not publicly available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is UMTAS used for?

• UMTAS is designed to destroy armored vehicles, fortified positions, and strategic ground targets at stand-off ranges. It serves as a primary anti-armor weapon for attack helicopters.

What is the maximum range of UMTAS?

• The publicly stated maximum operational range is 8 km, with a minimum engagement distance of approximately 500 meters.

Can UMTAS engage moving targets?

• Yes. In fire-and-update mode, the RF data link enables mid-course target updates, making it suitable for moving targets.

Is UMTAS effective at night?

• Yes. The Imaging Infrared seeker allows day and night operations, although extreme weather conditions may affect performance.

Is UMTAS mobile or fixed?

• The missile itself is a munition system integrated onto mobile platforms such as helicopters, ground vehicles, and naval vessels.

How does it compare to similar systems?

• Comparable systems include AGM-114 Hellfire and Spike-ER. UMTAS distinguishes itself through its integrated RF data link and flexible engagement modes.

Sources

• Roketsan Official UMTAS Product Page
• Roketsan Technical Brochures
• Publicly available Turkish defense industry publications
• Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) public releases