BAE Systems has completed the first full trial fit of Brimstone air-to-surface missile onto a Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft.
Undertaken at an undisclosed location, the trial fit marks a significant milestone in demonstrating integration of the missile with the aircraft, and are expected to pave the way for Brimstone 2 integration for the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) by 2018.
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During the trial, six training Brimstone missiles were fitted to the aircraft, each wing carrying a launcher with three missiles.
BAE Systems test pilot Andy Blythe said: "Brimstone is an extremely flexible combat low collateral damage missile which was proven on the Tornado GR4.
"Brimstone 2 is the next iteration of the weapon and building on its previous successes will undoubtedly provide the RAF with a potent capability.
"When the system is paired with Typhoon and Paveway IV, the aircraft will be able to engage a huge cross section of potential targets."
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By GlobalDataApart from Brimstone missiles, the aircraft was also armed with two Paveway IV precision guided bombs displaying the baseline Phase III enhancements air-to-surface configuration.
The Phase III standard is anticipated to provide RAF Typhoon operators with a multi-role platform capable of addressing a wide range of target sets and delivering a variety of proportional precision weapon effects.
The trial fit follows the successful completion of an initial £5m contract received by the company from the UK Ministry of Defence in June to study the installation of Brimstone 2 missiles on RAF Typhoons.
An upgraded version of the Dual Mode Seeker Brimstone weapon, Brimstone 2 has been developed to suit high-speed winds over land and sea, and is expected to enhance the swing-role capability of the Typhoon.
The missile has already proven its worth as a low collateral, close air support weapon during RAF’s combat operations in Afghanistan and Libya.
Image: The trials would pave the way for Brimstone 2 integration for the UK’s Royal Air Force Typhoons by 2018. Photo: courtesy of BAE Systems.
