BAE selected to develop Quicksink anti-shipping seeker further
An F-15E Strike Eagle from the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron supports a Quicksink demonstration. (Photo: USAF)
Quicksink aims to give US forces another way to defeat ships.
The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has selected BAE Systems to further develop an advanced seeker for the Quicksink weapon.
Under the $12 million Phase 2 contract, the company will evolve a low-cost, all-weather, multi-mode open-architecture seeker under the Maritime Weapon Innovation Program (MWIP) Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD).
MWIP, or Quicksink, aims to produce an air-delivered capability to defeat maritime surface vessels with a cost-effective precision-guided munition kit.
Related Articles
Anglo-French Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon takes long-awaited step forward
Royal Navy selects Naval Strike Missile
US F-15EX successfully tests new missile stations
The focus of phase 2 is the integration and test maturation of the prototype seeker system through a free flight capability demonstration against a maritime target.
The seeker uses Weapon Open Systems Architecture (WOSA) and is designed to offer plug-and-play functionality including semi-autonomous precision targeting.
BAE Systems FAST Labs chief scientist Peter Dusaitis said: ‘Our new multi-mode modular seeker enables precision identification and engagement of surface targets at great distances over a large area.
‘Our seeker technology will greatly increase the warfighter’s capabilities, enabling combatant commanders with a new way to defend against maritime threats in a cost-effective manner.’
More from Air Warfare
-
![Baykar completes Piaggio Aerospace takeover with plans to boost drone production]()
Baykar completes Piaggio Aerospace takeover with plans to boost drone production
The takeover of the Italian firm by Baykar solidifies the company’s efforts to forge closer ties with Italian industry, bolsters its partnership with Leonardo to produce UAVs and secures its foothold in Europe.
-
![Leonardo’s Proteus structural tests “nearing completion” ahead of first flight]()
Leonardo’s Proteus structural tests “nearing completion” ahead of first flight
The company has tested over 15 mission sets for the drone, with the rotorcraft used to demonstrate the viability of armed forces utilising large uncrewed aerial systems’ (UAS) for autonomous missions in the future.
-
![US Navy’s FA-XX programme still an “option”, as FY2026 US defence budget outline proposed]()
US Navy’s FA-XX programme still an “option”, as FY2026 US defence budget outline proposed
The US Navy’s answer to a sixth-generation fighter has experienced a range of setbacks and delays to the programme, with only $47 million in this latest proposed budget set aside for completing the aircraft.
-
![Interview: Edge Group eyes Indonesian market for naval and UAV expansion]()
Interview: Edge Group eyes Indonesian market for naval and UAV expansion
The UAE’s Edge Group has been positioning itself as a key defence and technology partner to Indonesia, where it has been focusing on naval platforms, UAVs and long-term industrial collaboration.
