SPEAR - Selectable Precision Effects At Range

timmymagic said:
At 0.12 seconds in you can see the new seeker design for the SpearGlide...which is more like the SmartGlider Light than Spear.

IF...(and its a big if..) the IIR sensor is reasonably cheap I think MBDA has effectively merged the SpearGlide and MRUSW concept.

Originally SpearGlide was to have the full Spear sensor package, no engine and a warhead at least twice the size, essentially being an SDB2 Stormbreaker competitor....MRUSW (what I've called SpearSimple in the past) was to be an SDB1 competitor with limited sensors/guidance (GPS/INS only, perhaps SAL) with a penetrating warhead and no propulsion.

The new SpearGlide is effectively Laser SDB1 mixed with the IIR capability on SDB2.

It's sensible...but I do hope they have a SpearGlide 'value engineered' variant at some point stripping out the IIR (even if it is cheap...)

https://twitter.com/x/status/1965142406271304025
View: https://x.com/MBDAGroup/status/1965142406271304025
Click to expand...
I mean, SAL requires an IIR sensor. I suspect that IIR sensors have gotten cheap enough and high resolution enough that it's cost-effective to install a sensor good enough to allow IIR-only seeking so the difference between SAL and IIR is the programming in the guidance package.
 
Scott Kenny said:
I mean, SAL requires an IIR sensor.
Click to expand...

SAL guidance doesn't actually require an IIR sensor, when this type of guidance was introduced in the Paveway I in the Vietnam war it used a quadrature type detector (And had discrete analogue circuitry too). Alternatively a single IR-cell could be used in conjunction with a chopper.
 
NMaude said:
SAL guidance doesn't actually require an IIR sensor, when this type of guidance was introduced in the Paveway I in the Vietnam war it used a quadrature type detector (And had discrete analogue circuitry too). Alternatively a single IR-cell could be used in conjunction with a chopper.
Click to expand...
I suspect that these days an IIR CCD camera is cheaper than a quadrature or Sidewinder-style chopper setup, so SAL is more "TV guided" anyways.

I mean, my ~$100 phone has 4 cameras on it!
 
Scott Kenny said:
I suspect that these days an IIR CCD camera is cheaper than a quadrature or Sidewinder-style chopper setup
Click to expand...

It would definitely be cheaper and lighter but I was pointing out that an IIR seeker wasn't needed in the first place (They didn't even exist when LGBs were developed).
 
Scott Kenny said:
I mean, SAL requires an IIR sensor. I suspect that IIR sensors have gotten cheap enough and high resolution enough that it's cost-effective to install a sensor good enough to allow IIR-only seeking so the difference between SAL and IIR is the programming in the guidance package.
Click to expand...

The problem with IIR is then you get the decision around whether or not to include a data-link to get best use out of it...and costs start to climb. Thats why I'm quite evengelical about a really cheap value engineered version like SDB1. Keep that focus on lowest price possible.
 
timmymagic said:
a really cheap value engineered version like SDB1.
Click to expand...
Which reminds me that all the price-inflation between SDB1 and SDB2/Stormbreaker was just to add a moving-target capability*.

There's plenty of non-moving targets out there.

* Well, that and having to recompete because Darleen Druyun fixed the first competition for Boeing.
 
It is a high priority missile for the RAF F-35B fleet. But it would also be good if it would score a major coup by getting an export order.
 
FighterJock said:
It is a high priority missile for the RAF F-35B fleet. But it would also be good if it would score a major coup by getting an export order.
Click to expand...
I'm very curious what amount of effort it would take to certify in an F-35A weapons bay. Otherwise F-35B prospects are going to be few and far between...

Also given challenges with the F-35B fleet availability, it's mind-boggling that Eurofighter Typhoon integration isn't back on the table. Failing that, is there any way to reuse some Spear components in other UK or foreign weapons programs (especially within MBDA)? Anything to generate more scale really...
 
Solid argument to just accelerate Typhoon integration and then we have immediate potential for mass use as soon as stocks reach a decent level. Not sure why our masters think it's not a priority, considering the limited numbers of JSF in any flavour outside of US forces.

F-35B ought to have F-35A added on. Major export potential there and beyond profit, the ability to support allied users. Norway, Poland, Germany, Italy etc....

Why on earth have we stuck with any US components in this?

Major failure to grasp national interest concerns. Other suppliers available, but maybe getting domestic to invest in reaching certification and quality for military use is not worth it in UK financial environment.

See crystal for LED to military specification saga for Storm Shadow. Three domestic startups but has any of them cross the certification trials without running out of money?
Is it still true we rely on Taiwan running off the crystal wafers?

That's less lack of money than the hostile nature of the legal and administrative system. Though government support in borrowing is likely needed as well.

Need to do more. Ground launch options need investigation.

But right now just get this @#££%^^ thing going!!!!!!
 
I wonder if the seemingly sudden acceleration or unblocking of the program has anything to do with the recent Pentagon pivot towards desperately funding/developing any potential low-cost stand-off weapons? The US might be looking to buy some of these for their own use as a de facto SDB III, since even the much improved SDB II is still a glide bomb.
 
zen said:
Why on earth have we stuck with any US components in this?
Click to expand...
Because there's no UK option for whatever part, probably.


zen said:
See crystal for LED to military specification saga for Storm Shadow. Three domestic startups but has any of them cross the certification trials without running out of money?
Is it still true we rely on Taiwan running off the crystal wafers?
Click to expand...
And Taiwan relies on the ludicrous-quality quartz from one mine in the US to make their silicon chips. As does every other chip fab on earth.
 
Scott Kenny said:
Because there's no UK option for whatever part, probably.
Click to expand...
If it's the engine, as someone suggested, then I have my doubts about that.
Scott Kenny said:
And Taiwan relies on the ludicrous-quality quartz from one mine in the US to make their silicon chips. As does every other chip fab on earth.
Click to expand...
Plenty of chip fabs and obviously significant stocks of basic materials.
Crystals for LEDs be grown in the lab.
 
zen said:

Plenty of chip fabs and obviously significant stocks of basic materials.
Crystals for LEDs be grown in the lab.
Click to expand...
Scott Kenny said:
And Taiwan relies on the ludicrous-quality quartz from one mine in the US to make their silicon chips. As does every other chip fab on earth.

Which is it.
 
Silicone wafer for chip is a bit different from the IR sensor. Though chips get involved. Bonded to the array.

But certainly US pure silicone is the basis of chip wafer crystals.
These be grown in solution and then cut into the wafers. Said wafers then get doped and etched and doped and etched repeatedly until they're layered up into chips.
Then the chips be cut out and onwards to mounting, gold wiring up the pins, cased etc.
 
red admiral said:
I'm sure the UK has the ability to produce a similar engine, but doing so would increase time and cost and resources spent on this programme even further.
Click to expand...
Yes I suspect had they bitten this bullet at the start, but 2016 was a different world and assumptions had yet to be undermined seriously in the minds of the MoD.
 
I hear there are serious delays in integrating weapons made or requested by UK, including Meteor (managed by Italy).

Does anyone know what's up with that?
 
H_K said:
Also given challenges with the F-35B fleet availability, it's mind-boggling that Eurofighter Typhoon integration isn't back on the table. Failing that, is there any way to reuse some Spear components in other UK or foreign weapons programs (especially within MBDA)? Anything to generate more scale really...
Click to expand...

There's an awful lot of Spear bits and bobs on the French MBDA Smart Glider (AKA MBDA "Spear Glide") and Smart Cruiser.

Cheers
 
Last edited:
H_K said:
I'm very curious what amount of effort it would take to certify in an F-35A weapons bay. Otherwise F-35B prospects are going to be few and far between...
Click to expand...

Believe Italy might be interested for F-35A...that could lead to others (like SK or Germany for example).

H_K said:
Also given challenges with the F-35B fleet availability, it's mind-boggling that Eurofighter Typhoon integration isn't back on the table.
Click to expand...

Suspect it is, but for other nations...Germany and Spain have both procured Spear related items recently...German Quadriga and Tranche 4/5 Typhoon routinely seen with Spear and Spear EW in their releases.

H_K said:
Failing that, is there any way to reuse some Spear components in other UK or foreign weapons programs (especially within MBDA)?
Click to expand...

See Land Precision Strike...and Spear-EW and SpearGlide

zen said:
Why on earth have we stuck with any US components in this?
Click to expand...

The only one I know for sure is the P & W turbojet (can't think of anything in the guidance as Brimstone 3 is ITAR free)...that may be because there isn't, at present at least, a suitable UK or European alternative. But....there are now 3 UK small turbojet manufacturers with the RR/Safran small turbofan/turbojet (we think its a turbofan for TP15 at least) family on the way...MBDA also now working with PBS Veliki Bites for Crossbow for example...

It will be interesting to see if Spear switches propulsion in the future...particularly as modern designs tend to be cheaper as a result of additive manufacturing, and in some cases, higher volumes.

zen said:
Ground launch options need investigation.
Click to expand...

See Land Precision Strike...which could also lead into an air launched Spear-LR version..

JS23 said:
I wonder if the seemingly sudden acceleration or unblocking of the program has anything to do with the recent Pentagon pivot towards desperately funding/developing any potential low-cost stand-off weapons? The US might be looking to buy some of these for their own use as a de facto SDB III, since even the much improved SDB II is still a glide bomb.
Click to expand...

I don't think anything has happened suddenly, the photos were taken in Jan 2026 just released now. It's still going to take 2 years from now of drop tests, integration and live firing before we approach operational service.

Sintra said:
There's an awful lot of Spear bits and bobs on the French MBDA Smart Glider (AKA MBDA "Spear Glide") and Smart Cruiser.
Click to expand...

Is there? There might be some due to MBDA's Centre of Excellence approach but I've never seen any confirmation. The recent changes to SpearGlide do have a similar IIR set up as Smart Glider.

The whole Smart Glider/ Smart Cruiser idea is an example of how daft the whole MBDA set up can be sometimes...clear stupid duplication for national ends, and with the one weapon from the range (Smart Glider Heavy) that could be useful to multiple users now effectively ignored/on ice. A European modular JSOW equivalent could make a lot of sense...and thats before we mention RC100 EW...
 
Thoughts on the engine.
There may be quality issues, and until after 2022 there wasn't likely money from the UK or affordable grants or loans to resolve this.
Costs prior to 2022 likely looked too high.

Other options likely only cost more and so development/qualification pergatory resulted on a drip feed of engines that meet the standard.

Come 2023 and money, and loans and grants and willpower starts to become available. Three years later and it's likely production to the standard is now available.

While hoped for Foreign alternatives haven't either become available or palatable.
So Spear III is going ahead.
 
Big_Zukini said:
I hear there are serious delays in integrating weapons made or requested by UK, including Meteor (managed by Italy).

Does anyone know what's up with that?
Click to expand...
It's all tied to block 4, and rolls together with it. It's oversimplified (there's more than just LM fault here), but end result is the same.
For example, meteor was meant to be crown feature of some F-35 fleets, but by 2033-34 it'll turn into more of backwards compatibility.
zen said:
F-35B ought to have F-35A added on. Major export potential there and beyond profit, the ability to support allied users. Norway, Poland, Germany, Italy etc....
Click to expand...
F-35A integration is obviously more money. UK military topics are full of ideas where to use more money, which is honestly rather amusing as there's only less and less available.
 

MBDA Advances Spear Missile Into Production​


https://aviationweek.com/defense/missile-defense-weapons/mbda-advances-spear-missile-production

FARNBOROUGH, England—MBDA is launching low-rate production of the Spear 3 mini cruise missile after a series of successful flight trials.

The all-weather, network-enabled, 100-kg (220-lb.) missile has been designed to meet the UK’s need for a small weapon that can be launched from the Lockheed Martin F-35B Joint Strike Fighter. But MBDA is also tracking growing interest from undisclosed nations to integrate the weapon onto European fourth-generation fighters. To accommodate launch from these aircraft, MBDA also is investing in the development of a pylon adaptor that can carry three Spear 3s on a single pylon, which will be made available next year.

“Spear is coming to maturity,” Jon McCullagh, business development executive for the Spear 3 at MBDA, told journalists on the second day of the Farnborough Airshow.

McCullagh said the weapon was becoming increasingly relevant in peer warfare as a tool for the suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses. “For that mission you need all-weather capability—a highly discriminating seeker so that you can precisely engage in a timely manner,” McCullagh added. He also said that the networked nature of the weapon allowed it to be quickly retargeted by data link.


Work is also continuing on the development of other members of the Spear 3 family. Spear Glide is an unpowered variant that McCullagh said is a low-cost utility weapon. Although Spear Glide shares the same airframe with Spear 3, MBDA has performed a “full redesign of the internals” to use common, off-the-shelf components that make it “much easier and cheaper to manufacture.” It lacks the millimetric seeker of the standard Spear 3 but retains the semi-active laser- and image-based navigation. It also has a larger warhead, as it no longer carries an engine or fuel. The price point for Spear Glide, McCullagh said, is comparable with other glide weapons.

Work is also ongoing for Spear EW, a stand-in jammer that would act as a jamming decoy against ground-based threats using a Leonardo-developed Digital Radio Frequency Memory payload.

The next steps for Spear 3’s development are to secure a certificate of design for the weapon and then support the integration and certification process for the F-35.

The integration program is run by BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin and the UK Defense Ministry. McCullagh said all the hardware is ready in terms of the missile being equipped with telemetry.

Lockheed Martin revealed that it had undertaken the first flights with Spear 3 for environmental data gathering. McCullagh said there would be several more of those flights to be followed by releases of inert and then live weapons. Integration of the weapon forms part of the Tech Refresh 3 hardware and Blk. 4 software upgrade for the aircraft.

The pace of integration on the F-35 has prompted the UK to look at temporary alternative weapons to give the aircraft a standoff capability until the Spear 3 is ready, with plans for a purchase of RTX’s Stormbreaker Small Diameter Bomb planned.

Spear 3 has been designed “to take advantage of all of the F-35 capabilities,” McCullagh said, but would also work with platforms such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Saab Gripen, although no customers have yet funded integration of the weapon on those platforms. All the guided firings performed so far—the exact number of which has not been disclosed—have all been performed by the Eurofighter. MBDA hopes to use that internally developed launcher for the remaining future guided firings from the Eurofighter, helping the company to “produce the evidence to show that we have an operational launcher that can be used on Typhoon.”

During the show MBDA signed a memorandum of understanding with General Atomics to examine the potential integration of the Spear 3 onto the Protector uncrewed air system and also onto its Gambit family of collaborative combat aircraft, potentially making that platform more attractive to European customers.

Chris Allam, MBDA UK’s managing director, said the addition of Spear onto the platforms would “multiply the effect the platforms provide.”
 
Great news zjz, that the SPEAR 3 missile has entered low rate production. Combined with the Red Kite this will be a force to be reckoned with I think.
 

Similar threads

Back
Top Bottom