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Hellfire And Brimstone: Apaches To Test New Missiles
Testing will take place later this year to determine whether Britain's Apache helicopters could carry Brimstone missiles.
Missile developer and manufacter MBDA and defence contractor Boeing, which produces the Apache, were awarded a one-year, £10 million contract by the MoD in autumn 2015 to look into the feasibility of the move, according to MBDA UK's managing director.
Speaking at an annual results briefing, David Armstrong said a live firing test will be carried out late this year. He said:
"We are under a study contract with Boeing to explore the fit of it [Brimstone] on the Apache. That will result in a live test firing later this year."
British Army Air Corps (AAC) Apaches currently only carry Hellfire missiles for air-to-surface firing
The AAC is deciding whether to upgrade the capability of the 50 or so Apaches it has in service (with 17 in storage), or to acquire brand new attack helicopers.
Mr Armstrong, meanwhile, said the Brimstone's integration risk on the Apache is low, as it already carries Hellfires, and added that a large amount of the work to be done will involve modifying the helicopters' fire control software.
He added that the testing will likely be carried out in the US using a Boeing E-model test aircraft, but that a US Army helicopter could be used if necessary.
Brimstone hit the headlines prior to the vote on whether the UK should extend airstrikes against Daesh to Syria, when Prime Minister David Cameron claimed their high levels of accuracy would represent a unique contribution in the fight against the group.
They weren't then used in the first month of operations in the country, however, and in February it was reported that they hadn't caused any Daesh casualties.
More - Apache: Display Of Force
Cover photo courtesy of Craig Hoyle/MBDA
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