RAF Trials Success for Brimstone
(Source: MBDA; issued Nov. 16, 2005)
The Royal Air Force has concluded a series of highly successful firing trials of MBDA's Brimstone air-launched anti-armour weapon at the China Lake test firing range in California.
Between 12th and 28th October 2005, nine separate firing trials were carried out during which a total of 31 Brimstone missiles were fired. These firings, which included Service Evaluation Trials, allowed the RAF to develop operational tactics and explore the extremes of the engagement envelope of this unique weapon system.
During the trials, Brimstone had its first test against a moving target, registering a direct hit. In fact the overall success rate of the test firings was an unprecedented 96%, with 30 out 31 missiles successfully impacting on a variety of military vehicles.
Following the trials, Wing Commander Angela Hawley, Team Leader of the Brimstone Integrated Project Team said: "The firing trial was a great achievement; the release conditions and the target array were chosen to test the Brimstone weapon in operational scenarios. Brimstone showed consistent performance in a variety of different attack profiles, with some spectacular results, and is a major addition to the RAF's capability".
Carried out from RAF Tornado GR4s, the firing trials were managed by the Air Warfare Centre and performed by the RAF's Fast Jet and Weapons Operational Evaluation Unit (FJWOEU). Brimstone entered service in March 2005 with the RAF's No. 31 Squadron (the weapon's lead squadron), members of which also participated in the trials.
To fully test the capability of the weapon system, a wide range of different target types was used including: T72 and M60 Main Battle Tanks, Self-Propelled Guns and Armoured Personnel Carriers. A feature of the weapon system is its excellent operational flexibility so the trials also tested Brimstone's different firing modes: single missile, single weapon (i.e. three missiles) and two-weapon (i.e. six missiles) salvos. In testing the system's operational envelope, the trials covered firings at both long and minimum engagement ranges and from high altitude in the dive as well as from a very low level approach.
To further ensure that the trials were totally comprehensive, target designation with both HUD (Head Up Display) and TIALD (Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designator) was employed.
Guy Griffiths, MBDA' s Chief Operating Officer, said: "I am delighted by these results which once again prove MBDA's total commitment to delivering to our customers highly effective missile systems that provide precise effects and a distinct operational edge. The customer's demanding requirements presented many challenges. These challenges have, however, resulted in a weapon system featuring a range of capabilities unmatched anywhere in the world today. To achieve these results, our engineers had to develop and advance certain complex technologies, particularly in the missile's radar seeker. The technology necessary to provide the all-weather, autonomous precision capability in a commercially viable solution had up to now proven to be beyond the scope of industry. My congratulations go to all those involved in this highly successful project".
BACKGROUND NOTES:
"The Air Warfare Centre's mission is to contribute to the military capability of (RAF) Strike Command by developing and implementing operational and tactical doctrine and providing essential and timely integrated mission support to Royal Air Force operational units in peace and in war " (extract from the Air Warfare Centre's mission statement).
The Development Division within the Air Warfare Centre is responsible for the operational evaluation of all UK MoD aircraft types, associated equipment and weapons through the Operational Evaluation Units (OEUs) at various locations around the UK.
The RAF's Fast Jet and Weapons Operations and Evaluation Unit is based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.
In November 1996, the UK MoD awarded MBDA the development and production contract for Brimstone to be integrated onto the RAF's fleet of Harrier GR9, Tornado GR4/4A and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. Brimstone has been selected as the RAF's principal anti-armour weapon.
The Brimstone weapon system comprises a smart, re-usable launcher capable of carrying three missiles. It is a highly effective, all-weather, autonomous, fire-and-forget missile system that uniquely offers the capability to kill enemy armour in the deepest parts of the battlefield beyond the range of other systems. Combat aircraft armed with Brimstone offer reach, speed, flexibility and rapid deployment.
As the weapon is small and lightweight it is also compatible with a wide variety of modern combat aircraft. It is also a threshold weapon for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
The first batch of operational missiles was delivered in November 2004. Brimstone entered service with the RAF on 31st March 2005. MBDA's production of Brimstone missiles for delivery to the RAF is running at 95 per month with all launchers having already been delivered.
With an annual turnover exceeding EUR 3 billion, a forward order book of over EUR 13 billion and over 70 customers world wide, MBDA is a world leading, global missile systems company. MBDA currently has 45 missile system and countermeasure programmes in operational service and has proven its ability as prime contractor to head major multi-national projects.
MBDA is jointly owned by BAE Systems (37.5%), EADS (37.5%) and Finmeccanica (25%).
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