To make this website work, we log user data. By using Shephard's online services, you agree to our Privacy Policy, including cookie policy.

×
Open menu Search

RN Wildcat fires Martlet for first time on operations

25th October 2021 - 17:30 GMT | by Harry Lye in London

RSS

An RN AW159 Wildcat HMA Mk2 fires the Martlet missile during the Carrier Strike Group 21 deployment. (Photo: MoD/ Crown Copyright)

RN Wildcat helicopters can carry up to 20 Martlet missiles for use against stationary and moving targets.

An RN AW159 Wildcat HMA Mk2 helicopter has fired a Martlet missile on frontline operations for the first time.

The successful test of the missile — designed to protect the RN's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers from attack by small boat swarms — follows testing at UK ranges.

Operating in the Pacific Ocean as part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 21, a Wildcat from 815 NAS  fired the lightweight missile at an inflatable target.

In less than half a second, the missile detached from the Wildcat, proceeding to the target at one and half times the speed of sound.

The

Already have an account? Log in

Want to keep reading this article?

Read this Article

Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account

  • Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
  • 2 free stories per week
  • Personalised news alerts
  • Daily and weekly newsletters
Create account

Unlimited Access

Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.

  • Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
  • 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
  • Unlimited access to all published premium news
Start your free trial
Harry Lye

Author

Harry Lye


Harry Lye was Senior Naval Reporter at Shephard Media.

Harry joined the company in 2021, …

Read full bio

Share to

Linkedin