BRIMSTONE

[SteveO]

Looks like the UK could be getting a dual mode Brimstone ASM http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/06/23/224861/mbdas-brimstone-missile-to-enter-raf-combat-duty-with-new.html

We might actually field a new weapon capability before the USA!!!   

[dragon72]

The article doesn't actually say what the second seeker would be but laser would make the most sense.

[SteveO]

MBDA's Brimstone missile makes RAF combat debut  http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/01/20/321329/pictures-mbdas-brimstone-missile-makes-raf-combat.html

...the Brimstone has recently been equipped with a dual-mode seeker (DMS) that offers a laser guidance mode in place of its original millimetre-wave radar sensor.

Should this be read as laser guidance as well as MMW radar guidance in the same seeker head or do they have to swap sensors on the ground? 

[spike7451]

MBDA's Brimstone missile makes RAF combat debut  http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/01/20/321329/pictures-mbdas-brimstone-missile-makes-raf-combat.html

...the Brimstone has recently been equipped with a dual-mode seeker (DMS) that offers a laser guidance mode in place of its original millimetre-wave radar sensor.

Should this be read as laser guidance as well as MMW radar guidance in the same seeker head or do they have to swap sensors on the ground? 

No they come as a sealed unit,ESA's prepare the missile before issue but in this case & other missiles (eg AIM 9/AIM 120) ect any work like that is done by the manufacturer.
This is the new version which replaces the older version,laseing of the target is done by a 2nd jet or self designation litening Pod.(as in the picture,pod on centerline pylon)
Merv
(ex-RAF Tornado armourer)

[Wembley]

So they put a huge amoutn of work into turning it BACK into a laser-guided missile?!

Yes, I know it's a completely different kettle of fish from the original. But still, isn't there a little bit of irony in there?

[RP1]

Interesting - is the new weapon MMW and SAL in the same missile or are there two versions?

RP1

[spike7451]

The are 2 versions,the one here is "Brimstone 2" whice replaces the older ones;

MBDA is developing Brimstone 2, a variant which augments the millimeter wave (mmW) radar seeker with a semi-active laser (SAL) and the shaped charge warhead with a blast fragmentation warhead. The weapon would be guided to the general target area by the INS system and terminal laser designation would be provided either by the launch platform or other units.[

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brimstone_missile

Basically,because our Tornado GR4's are replacing the Harrier GR9 in Afghan we needed a weapon that will do the same job as the CRV7 Rocket pod & Maverick missile,both of which Tornado cannot carry.This is why this new version has been rushed into service.
Merv

[Just call me Ray]

I was under the impression the new Brimstome would have a dual-mode seeker, rather than having two seperate models.

[rickshaw]

The are 2 versions,the one here is "Brimstone 2" whice replaces the older ones;

MBDA is developing Brimstone 2, a variant which augments the millimeter wave (mmW) radar seeker with a semi-active laser (SAL) and the shaped charge warhead with a blast fragmentation warhead. The weapon would be guided to the general target area by the INS system and terminal laser designation would be provided either by the launch platform or other units.[

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brimstone_missile

Basically,because our Tornado GR4's are replacing the Harrier GR9 in Afghan we needed a weapon that will do the same job as the CRV7 Rocket pod & Maverick missile,both of which Tornado cannot carry.This is why this new version has been rushed into service.
Merv

Why replace the GR9s - basically an attack aircraft with a strike aircraft, the GR4s?

[spike7451]

The are 2 versions,the one here is "Brimstone 2" whice replaces the older ones;

MBDA is developing Brimstone 2, a variant which augments the millimeter wave (mmW) radar seeker with a semi-active laser (SAL) and the shaped charge warhead with a blast fragmentation warhead. The weapon would be guided to the general target area by the INS system and terminal laser designation would be provided either by the launch platform or other units.[

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brimstone_missile

Basically,because our Tornado GR4's are replacing the Harrier GR9 in Afghan we needed a weapon that will do the same job as the CRV7 Rocket pod & Maverick missile,both of which Tornado cannot carry.This is why this new version has been rushed into service.
Merv

Why replace the GR9s - basically an attack aircraft with a strike aircraft, the GR4s?

We have far more GR4's than GR9's & crews to boot.I know the is a lot of peed off Harrier peeps because of the amount of tours they are doing in the Sandpit,Four X Four month tours in two years in some cases.
It might be a long read but this is the Commons answer;

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmhansrd/cm081119/halltext/81119h0004.htm

Merv

[sealordlawrence]

The Harriers flight hours are also going through the roof, the same problem as the Chinooks, an airframe will only last so long and flight hours are allotted over a life time and currently the birds in Afghanistan are being over worked.

[SteveO]

Thanks spike7451,

Nice to see UK forces getting the latest kit, shame it's always late and few in numbers though.

Brimstone II, Paveway IV and 27mm Mauser cannon sound like a cracking combination for Tornado.