MBDA’s Enhanced Brimstone has introduced a number of technical advances that incorporate the latest dual-mode seeker capability, an Insensitive Munition (IM) rocket motor and warhead, and a new and stronger airframe for increased air carriage robustness. Illustration: MBDA
The Brimstone air-to-surface missile developed by MBDA has undertaken a challenging operational evaluation trials by the Royal Air Force (RAF) that confirm the performance of the weapon’s latest technical enhancements. The successful evaluation was achieved during February 2016 at China Lake in the USA as the culmination of a program to advance the operational edge this highly capable missile brings. Brimstone has a record of approximately 500 missile firings with a very high success rate since its entry into service.
The operational evaluation trials involved 11 missile firings, including at the edge of the weapon system’s performance envelope. During these tests, Brimstones were conducted against a variety of operational scenarios with precise hits on small, fast moving vehicles and static targets in complex positions. The trials included single missiles and salvo firings using laser, millimetric radar and dual-mode guidance, using ground-based, third party laser designation.
The trials demonstrated the missile engagement envelope is significantly increased over the in-service missile, providing a 100% increase in stand-off range (based on MBDA modeling and release ranges of the in-service missile). Through the tests Brimstone demonstrated the significantly increased ability to engage targets at high off-bore sight angles, thus improving its capability to fire from a launch platform performing close air support (CAS) missions. These aircraft and UAVs are often flying pattern (‘wheel’) over the battlefield, and would be able to launch the Brimstone quickly, without the need to maneuver the platform to align with the target.
Other new features of Brimstone also proven through the recent tests include the performance of the new warhead, against armored and non-armoured targets. This new warhead and propulsion system, conforming to Insensitive Munition (IM) requirements, bring additional deployment benefits.
This programme has introduced a number of technical advances that incorporate the latest dual mode seeker capability, an Insensitive Munition (IM) rocket motor and warhead, and a new and stronger airframe for increased air carriage robustness.
The RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoon will benefit first from this enhanced capability, with an integration program underway for 2018. Separate activities are preparing the Brimstone for potential use on the UK’s Future Attack Helicopter and Protector (Certifiable Predator B) remotely-piloted aircraft system (RPAS).
The Protector (Certifiable MQ-9 Reaper) Remotely Piloted Aircraft will be able to carry six Enhanced Brimstone missiles. MBDA developed the Dual Mode Brimstone (DMB) seeker to meet a UK Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) for a surgical-strike, low collateral damage missile that can operate under the most restrictive rules of engagement. Photo: MBDA
from Defense Update: http://ift.tt/1SQJjjz
via Defense News
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