The
first firing of an operational Dual Mode Brimstone missile (Monday 25th
June) against a Fast In-Shore Attack Craft (FIAC) proved to be a resounding
success and a clear demonstration of the unmatched operational flexibility
that the weapon provides for air, naval and land based platforms.
During the trial, which took place at the QinetiQ Aberporth range in
Wales, a RAF Tornado GR4 targeted a fast moving FIAC RT (realistic target),
successfully engaging and sinking it.
“This latest firing was a great success for the team”
said Paul Stanley, MBDA International Market Development Director. “This
additional Capability builds upon the data gathered in March and demonstrates
Brimstone’s low collateral yet lethal effects against moving and
manoeuvring FIACs. It also significantly advances and confirms MBDA’s
ability to offer customers as of now an extremely effective, anti swarming
FIAC capability using our world leading, combat proven Brimstone missile
in its mmW version.” |
FIACs
are small, fast and agile and a growing maritime threat. There are many
variables and difficulties tracking and engaging maritime targets at
sea, especially with laser-guided systems. The difference with Brimstone
is that the mmW radar actually tracks the target rather than a wandering
laser beam or laser return.
The firing marks the culmination of a series of seeker and telemetry
gathering trials against maritime targets that have taken place over
a period of five years. These trials confirmed the ability of the missile
to acquire and track the FIAC in both semi-active laser and mmW (millimetric
wave) radar guidance modes in realistic maritime scenarios. |
