MBDA and Boeing have successfully tested the Brimstone missile for Apache AH-64E attack helicopters.
The precision attack weapon was evaluated during several trials and test-firings with the UK's future Apache AH-64E fleet.
The trials validated a prior UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) study contract that confirmed integration was expected to be low risk, MBDA said in a statement.
Fully telemetered missiles were test-fired to demonstrate the weapon's semi-active laser (SAL), dual mode SAL / millimetric wave (mmW) and fully autonomous mmW guidance modes.
Boeing flight test engineer Mesa AZ said: “The mmW autonomous shot from a moving and banking platform against an off-axis target with the missile hitting the MBT turret ring was the most aggressive shot I have seen in my 30 years of the Apache programme.”
The weapon was tested against tanks and pickup trucks in hovering, manoeuvring and banking scenarios.
UK MoD FMC-WECA complex weapons senior responsible officer Dai Morris said: “UK MoD is working together with MBDA to develop the missile capability the British Army requires.
“Brimstone is part of a family of capabilities, which in addition to the needs of the warfighter, will be aimed at delivering wider benefits, including pan-platform utility, stockpile resilience and better overall value for money for defence.”
The programme was funded by a UK MoD contract that was awarded to MBDA in September 2015.
The contract covers a range of environmental and sensor compatibility tests, as well as functional and avionic trials to demonstrate new platform software and functionality.
Image: British Army's Apache AH-64E attack helicopter. Photo: courtesy of MBDA.
