MBDA’s Brimstone Missile Demonstrates its Maritime Capability

MBDA has successfully demonstrated its Dual Mode Briamstone missile against fast moving and manoeuvring Fast Inshore Attack Craft even in a cluttered environment with multiple neutral vessels in very close proximity.

Conducted in March and April 2014 at the QinetiQ managed Aberporth range in west Wales, UK, an RAF Tornado GR4 aircraft fired two Dual Mode BRIMSTONE missiles (one telemetry and one operational), each fitted with MBDA’s latest Anti-FIAC software upgrades, at remotely controlled, 40ft ASV C13 Fast Inshore Attack Craft targets powered by twin 350hp engines.

The telemetry missile achieved a direct hit on the FIAC’s engines with the target operating at its maximum achievable speed in ‘low sea state 4’ conditions. The operational missile achieved a direct hit at the rear of the second FIAC’s cabin, destroying and sinking the target which was operating at maximum achievable speeds in ‘sea state 3’ conditions. Missile impact occurred whilst the target was within very close proximity to three neutral vessels. The target was destroyed and sunk with the single shot and with no collateral damage to the neutral vessels.

These tests confirmed Dual Mode Briamstone’s first pass precision and lethality against challenging targets in stressing environments. The dual mode Semi-Active Laser and active MMW (millimetric wave) radar seeker works in tandem to provide a unique ability to selectively engage a specific target irrespective of target speed or manoeuvre even when in cluttered, congested and high collateral risk environments.