Brimstone Passes New Trials

Released on Wednesday, November 16, 2005

The Royal Air Force has concluded a series of highly successful firing trials of MBDA's Brimstone air-launched anti-armor 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.

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 Armored 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.