here is some info from the net about the cruise missile for the
ASTROS II:
from : http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1525374.stm
The Brazilian company Avibras Industria Aeroespacial has said it
will build South America's first locally-made cruise missile.
Avibras produced the Astros II multiple launchers rockets system
(MLRS), used with devastating results by the US-lead allies against
Iraqi troops during the Gulf war.
The arms-maker hopes to offer its cruise missile for sale
internationally as a simpler and cheaper option to the US-made
Tomahawk. which has a price tag of $500,000.
Brazil's arms manufacturers have become increasingly successful in
winning overseas contracts.
Sales offensive
In August, plane-maker Embraer won its first export orders for the
Super Tucano turbo-prop fighter and might sell another 22 to its
Canadian rival Bombardier for use in a Nato flying school.
The Brazilian cruise missile - the AV/MT 300 - will be able
to deliver 200kg of explosives to a target up to 300km away, the
company said in a statement.
The world's leading cruise missile, Tomahawk, built by Raytheon has
a range of 1,500km and can carry a warhead up to 500kg.
Successful recovery
The firm, which also builds communications antennae and rockets for
scientific use, has made a strong recovery in recent years, paying
off most of its debts after filing for bankruptcy in the early
1990s.
The company continues to sell the Astros II (Artillery
Saturation Rocket System) which is considered as one of the most
lethal in the world.
The US-lead forces used the Astros II to drop thousands of bomblets
known as "steel rain" on Iraqi troops during Operation Desert Storm
before the main ground offensives.
Avibras is also a joint investor with European defence company EADS
in Freewing Aerial Robotics, which is developing the Scorpion UAV
(unmanned air vehicle), but is currently in some financial
difficulties.
p/s: read the parts in bold.
