APRIL 2019 | MANE AEROSPACE, DEFENCE & SPACE | 11
MILITARY WEAPONS
Missiles are a guided self-propelled system. Missiles have four system components: targeting or missile guidance, flight system, engine and warhead. Missiles have developed immensely over the years. In particular we’d like to look at an air-launched ground attack missile called Brimstone. It has been in use since 2005, with it first being intended for “fire-and-forget” use against mass formations of enemy armour.
However the new Brimstone 3 ultra-high precision missile system has successfully achieved a major milestone by completing its first firing trial in Sweden. The missile was able to endure extreme weather conditions of below 30°C. The missile itself was launched against a pick-up truck target.
Brimstone 3 is part of the Brimstone Capability Sustainment Programme (CSP) announced in March 2018 which will provide new Brimstone missiles for the UK Armed Forces in order to replenish the country’s inventory.
The Brimstone 3’s first firing trial at the Vidsel Trials range in Sweden took place last month - see the results below:
A short look at some of the tools used in the defence industry.
14 | MANE AEROSPACE, DEFENCE & SPACE | APRIL 2019