February 2016, China Lake: MBDA has increased Brimstone’s engagement envelope by 100%, further amplifying Brimstone’s ability to engage targets at high off-bore sight angles, enabling the warfighter to perform Close-Air-Support (CAS) missions without needing to maneuvering in perfect alignment with their intended target(s). To date, Brimstone has a record of approximately 500 missile firings with a very high success rate since its entry into service.
In 11 successful firings, Brimstone demonstrated its superior performance in a variety of complex operational scenarios- Hitting small, fast-moving and complex static targets at the end of the operational envelope. In both single and salvo firings, Brimstone’s laser, millimetric radar and dual-mode guided modes were used in conjunction with 3rd party laser designation to strike all targets. The firings also demonstrated the capability of Brimstones Insensitive Munition (IM) warhead against armored and non-armoured targets.
The RAF’s Tornado GR4 will be the first allied aircraft to benefit from Brimstone’s enhanced capabilities in 2016. Integration for the Eurofighter Typhoon is underway for 2018. MBDA is also actively engaged integrating Brimstone for use on the UK’s Future Attack Helicopter and Protector RPAS. Brimstone integration into US Military platforms is currently proceeding with the F/A-18 Super Hornet.
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Brimstone is a unique precision attack weapon currently in use by the RAF for combat operations over Syria and Iraq to engage fast moving targets in environments with a high risk of collateral damage. Recent testing has demonstrated Brimstone’s precision from the Tornado GR4 and Reaper RPAS, achieving direct hits against targets operating at speeds of 70+ MPH.
The Brimstone missile program continues to lead the way in innovation by incorporating the latest dual-mode seeker capability, an Insensitive Munition (IM) rocket motor and warhead, as well as a stronger airframe for increased air carriage strength.
MBDA’s focus on improving Brimstone’s operational flexibility by investing in Brimstone’s flexible ‘tuning’ sensor and guidance software to meet evolving operational scenarios. New warfighter requirements for IM compliance have dramatically improved safety for both operators, aircraft maintenance, and munitions crews while reducing logistical burdens for operational deployments.
Proven from land, fast moving jet platforms and remotely piloted aircraft, MBDA’s multi-role/multi-platform approach to deploying Brimstone has successfully demonstrated how a complex weapons system can be developed- with reduced ownership costs throughout the total life cycle.
With a significant presence in five European countries and the USA, in 2015 MBDA achieved a turnover of 3.3B dollars (2.9B Euros) with an order book of 17.2B dollars (15.1B euros). With more than 90 armed forces customers in the world, MBDA is a world leader in missiles and missile systems.
MBDA is the only group capable of designing and producing missiles and missile systems that correspond to the full range of current and future operational needs of the three armed forces (land, sea and air). In total, the group offers a range of 45 missile systems and countermeasures products already in operational service and more than 15 others currently in development.