Brimstone planned for Protector UAS
Plans are underway for UK’s Protector UAS is to be armed with the Brimstone precision strike missile when it enters service with the Royal Air Force, MBDA announced on 8 December.
The integration plan is included as part of the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) Main Gate selection of the aircraft and, if agreed, the missile will be integrated and fielded in line with the UAS' introduction to service.
MBDA is working with the UK MoD, US Department of Defence and Certifiable Predator B/Protector UAS manufacturer, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI), towards a programme which would see the missile undergo integration onto the UAS with trials and firings towards the end of the decade.
Brimstone completed a series of trial firings on MQ-9 Reaper during early 2014 that saw the weapon engaging 70mph and manoeuvring targets with extreme precision. The missile will give Protector the ability to strike fast moving, manoeuvring targets with both man in the loop post launch guidance and also autonomous post launch all weather capabilities.
James Allibone, UK sales and business development director, said: ‘Brimstone offers customers the ability to have one missile that can operate across their fleet of operational aircraft, whether they are jets, [UAS] or helicopters. One missile for all platforms means customers benefit from simplified and more efficient training, logistics and inventory management as well as Brimstone’s outstanding precision against the most challenging of targets.’
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems]()
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
![Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences]()
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
![Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way]()
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
![AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems]()
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
-
![DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract]()
DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
-
![Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems]()
Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.
