FP-5 Flamingo Missile: Fire Point Accelerates Production and Expands Defense Tech
Fire Point is currently producing 50 FP-5 Flamingo missiles per month, with plans to ramp up production to seven units per day by the end of the year. This ambitious increase reflects the growing demand for advanced tactical weaponry and the company’s commitment to meeting strategic defense needs. Parallel to missile production, Fire Point is also developing its own air defense system and supplying proprietary software to other manufacturers, signaling its expansion into broader defense technologies.
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FP-5 Flamingo. Photo: Fire Point |
The FP-5 Flamingo is a formidable missile system with a total mass of 6,000 kilograms, making it one of the heavier tactical missiles in its class. Its length ranges between 12 to 14 meters, while its wingspan stretches to 6 meters, giving it a sleek yet robust aerodynamic profile. These dimensions contribute to its stability and maneuverability during flight, especially at high speeds and altitudes.
Equipped with a powerful warhead weighing 1,150 kilograms, the FP-5 Flamingo is designed for high-impact precision strikes. The missile is powered by an AI-25TL turbofan engine, which utilizes a combination of solid fuel for its booster and liquid fuel for sustained propulsion. This dual-fuel system enhances its operational flexibility and ensures reliable performance across various mission profiles.
The AI-25TL is a medium bypass turbofan engine developed by Ivchenko-Progress and produced by Motor Sich, known for its reliability and compact design. With a takeoff thrust of 1,720 kgf (16.9 kN or 3,800 lbf), it delivers substantial power while maintaining a relatively lightweight profile at just 350 kg (770 lb). Measuring 3,358 mm in length and approximately 611.6 mm in diameter, the engine is engineered for efficient performance in various aircraft applications.
Its bypass ratio of 2.0:1 reflects a balance between fuel efficiency and thrust, making it suitable for trainers and light combat aircraft. The AI-25TL has been widely adopted due to its proven operational record and ease of maintenance, contributing to its continued use in aviation fleets worldwide. Priced at approximately $40,433 USD, it offers a cost-effective propulsion solution without compromising on performance or durability.
With an impressive operational range of 3,000 kilometers, the FP-5 Flamingo can reach distant targets with strategic accuracy. Its flight ceiling of 5,000 meters allows it to operate above most short range air defense systems, reducing the risk of interception. The missile’s maximum speed reaches 950 kilometers per hour, with a cruising speed between 850 to 900 kilometers per hour, enabling swift deployment and reduced exposure time.
The guidance system of the FP-5 Flamingo integrates GPS/GNSS technology with an inertial navigation system (INS) as backup, ensuring consistent accuracy even in contested environments. This sophisticated navigation suite allows the missile to maintain a targeting precision of within 14 meters, making it highly effective against fortified or mobile targets. Such accuracy is critical in modern warfare, where minimizing collateral damage is a strategic and ethical priority.
Fire Point’s decision to scale up production and invest in complementary defense technologies reflects a broader trend in the global arms industry. As geopolitical tensions rise and nations seek to modernize their arsenals, companies like Fire Point are positioning themselves as key players in the defense ecosystem. By offering not only hardware but also integrated software solutions, Fire Point is creating a vertically integrated model that enhances interoperability and control.
The FP-5 Flamingo stands as a testament to Fire Point’s engineering capabilities and strategic foresight. Its combination of range, speed, payload, and precision makes it a versatile asset for both offensive and defensive operations. As production accelerates and new systems are developed, Fire Point is likely to play an increasingly influential role in shaping the future of missile technology and air defense solutions.