Future British air defense system supported by Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
A new cutting-edge air defense missile system is on target for full-time use by both the Royal Navy and the British Army - with its innovation supported by experts from the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), who has been at the heart of its development since conception.
A future British air defense system will be common to the Royal Navy and the land forces (Picture source: British MoD)
The 20-year project resulted in a multi-million-pound contract awarded to MBDA to build the next-generation Common Anti-air Modular Missile (CAMM), which has the capability to defend against anti-ship cruise missiles, aircraft and other highly sophisticated threats.
In May, the Royal Navy completed its acceptance firing trials, resulting in an initial operating capability for HMS Argyll, with the Army land system also recently completing a successful firing from a pre-production launch vehicle. Sea Ceptor will provide local-area air defense to the Type 23 and Type 26 frigates, replacing Sea Wolf; Land Ceptor will replace the Rapier missile to deliver a state-of-the-art ground-based air defense capability. A representative from Dstl's Air Defense Weapons team, said: "Since its conception, Dstl and its predecessors have been involved throughout the development and procurement of both the Sea and Land Ceptor. Initial studies were conducted to define future capability needs, followed by a series of technology demonstrator projects, with Dstl providing technical direction to help ensure the end product was exploitable into the Ceptor projects."
As these moved into their Demonstration and Manufacture phases Dstl continued to provide independent technical advice to Defense Equipment and Support and the front-line commands in order to ensure that the solutions met their performance requirements." Richard Smart, Director Weapons at Defence Equipment and Support, said: "The DE&S Weapons project team has working closely with Dstl colleagues to develop Sea Ceptor and Land Ceptor; vital air defence systems which will protect our Armed Forces personnel on operations against current and future threats. Together with industry we will continue to support the front-line commands as this world-beating equipment enters service in defense of our national security and interests."
Sea Ceptor and Land Ceptor use innovative seeker and datalink technology to achieve a high degree of accuracy. The associated radar systems track the threat and the datalink is then used to update the missile with the location of the threat. The CAMM's own active radar seeker can then take over the missile guidance. The missiles are designed to provide 360-degree coverage with a high degree of maneuverability.
By employing innovative technologies to enable a common solution across land and maritime domains, CAMM/Ceptor delivers approximately GBP1 billion worth of through-life savings within the complex weapons pipeline. Further savings are expected through export, for which two customers have already been confirmed.
