Euromissile was awarded a contract in July 1998 to proceed to Operational Evaluation (OP/EVAL). In September 2000, the missile successfully completed the first phase of firing tests. The system is scheduled to enter service by 2004. The ship-launched version is planned to be deployed on the K-130 corvettes to be built for the German Navy. A submarine-launched variant, to be called Triton, is also being developed. It will have a solid rocket booster rather than the turbojet engine and be launched from a torpedo tube.

Polyphem has a range up to 60 km and uses infra-red imaging for high precision targeting by day and night against mobile or fixed targets. The images from an infrared camera in the nose of the missile are transmitted through a fibre-optic cable to a firing station, where they are automatically analysed, processed and displayed to the weapon system operator. The operator can then send the missile guidance instructions via the cable.

The system, comprising a launcher for 6 missiles, can be mounted on a wheeled vehicle. The vehicle, which is air-transportable in C-160 and C-l30 transporter aircraft ,provides modular armour protection against machine gun rounds and land mines.

The Polyphem firing station comprises a high-performance compact computer for missile guidance, an operator control panel and a high-resolution display. The system uses advanced image processing algorithms, electro-optical converters and radio links. The firing station has a Global Positioning System (GPS) Navstar navigation reference unit, a north seeking device and a command, control, communications and information (C3I) system interface. For mission planning, the firing station stores a digitised map and displays the map during missile flight. For some mission applications a dual monitor system can be used.

The Polyphem missile system is capable of fully automatic operation, with the operator as a "man in the loop", validating the automatic selection and if necessary adjusting the final impact position to within 10 cm. The operator is able to pick up the commands at any time, in order to control fire, to choose the point of impact as the missile approaches the target, and to obtain an immediate kill assessment.

The launch platform aligns the munition for firing and ensures the connection of the mechanical, electrical and optronic interfaces. A servo-assisted loading and reloading system allows easy handling of the munition.

The main subsections of the missile are the infra-red sensor array and electronics, the warhead, the fuel tank and turbojet engine, the booster motor, battery, an actuator system and the fibre-optic bobbin and cable.

The infrared imager is mounted on a gyro-stabilized dual axis platform. The platinum silicide (PtSi) focal plane array provides high resolution images for target detection, discrimination and destruction, and for battlefield reconnaissance and damage control assessment. The quality of the image allows the operator to detect the targets at ranges up to 8 km. The navigation system comprises an Inertial Measuring Unit (IMU) supported by an altimeter and GPS Navstar receiver and ensures that the missile follows a predetermined trajectory into the designated target area.

The fibre-optic transmission system provides simultaneous optical transmission of video data from the missile to the ground station and of command data from the ground station to the missile at data rates of more than 200 MBytes/sec. As well as a high data transmission rate, the fibre optic links provide immunity to active jamming and electro-magnetic interference.

The missile is accelerated by a solid propellant booster to an initial cruising speed of more than 150 metres/second. The multipurpose 15 kg warhead consists of a hollow charge with a hull of splinters, ignition electronics, impact contact and safety devices.