At
the Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace exhibition, LIMA
2015, currently held in Malaysia, MBDA is showcasing its next generation
anti-ship missile for maritime helicopters: The Sea Venom / ANL. Intended
to replace the existing Sea Skua missile in the UK Royal Navy on board
Wildcat helicopters, MBDA is hopeful that other Lynx operators such
as the Royal Malaysian Navy sees the benefits in switching to the Sea
Venom.
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Weighing around
100kg, this missile will replace two other anti-ship missiles within
the MBDA product portfolio. Sea Skua is used on the UK Royal Navy’s
Lynx and on the Sea King, Lynx and AB212 helicopters of seven other
countries, including the navies of Germany, Brazil, Malaysia, Kuwait,
Turkey and South Korea. The AS15TT is used on the Panther helicopter
operated by Middle Eastern forces. FASGW(H)/ANL will equip the Royal
Navy’s AW159 Lynx Wildcat helicopters and the French Navy’s
helicopters.
Suitable for both blue water and cluttered littoral operations, FASGW(H)/ANL
represents a major advance on the generation of missiles which it will
replace from a technological standpoint. This new system provides very
precise effects against a wide range of threats even in complex environments
thus satisfying a recognised and common future need. A high speed two-way
data-link communicates the images, “seen” by the missile’s
seeker, to the operator. Therefore, in addition to initiating an autonomous
engagement, the operator can also monitor the action or even remain
in control of the missile throughout the full duration of its flight.
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