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.
I remeber Hellfire had some speed restrictions for the carrier patform ( maybe one of the reasons it was not integrated on A-10 ) .
ReplyDeleteSo the brimstone is basically a hellfire witch can be fired from fast jets, longer ranged better seeker , but i think its more expensive than an SDB its a missile after all and made in the UK.
It would be most effective against modern armour protected by modern short range sam systems , for technicals or low threat its just too expensive to waste.
That's how I've always seen it as well, a Hellfire for fast jets.
DeleteApparently, it's gotten good marks over Afghanistan and Libya by Tornada pilots: "RAF crews now choose to use the Brimstone in preference to the gun, as it is a one-shot pass with a guaranteed kill."
http://www.janes.com/article/39675/uk-awards-typhoon-brimstone-study-contract
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JAGM
DeleteThis was our answer to the same situation. Last I have heard it is going no where with no one wanting to fund it.
One Invitation of some high ranking Saudi Royal Family member by the queen of some higher ranking politician and Saudi Arabia will buy a couple of hundred atleast, for their Typhoons.
DeleteBrimstone was very effective in afganistan. Always had great effects
ReplyDelete