via BAE press release.
Work is currently underway at our Warton site in Lancashire to assess the aerodynamic properties of carrying the weapon through a series of wind tunnel tests. Alongside delivering an effective route to Brimstone 2 integration for the UK Royal Air Force (RAF) by 2018, the study is also set to deliver wider benefits through the exploration of a common launcher approach which could also be used for other multiple weapons stores such as SPEAR 3.I'm still not sold on the Brimstone.
Adding to the swing of things
The Brimstone 2 weapon will add to the swing-role capability of the Typhoon aircraft. Brimstone 2 is effective against the most challenging, high speed and manoeuvring targets over land and sea. As a low collateral, close air support weapon it is already combat proven in Afghanistan and Libya by the RAF. The study contract will transition the Dual Mode Brimstone capability that is combat proven on Tornado GR4 to Typhoon utilising the Brimstone 2 missile.
It really seems like a solution in search of a problem. Is it more effective than the small diameter bomb? Does it provide more utility than the Hellfire? Is it better in its intended role than a 2.75 laser guided rocket?
I have my doubts. I think the Brimstone missed its chance for wide acceptance. Cheaper and better....or cheaper and almost as good is being sold everywhere.
