MBDA has received a contract for the integration of its Brimstone high precision attack missile on the Royal Air Force RG Mk1 remotely piloted aircraft developed and produced by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
Brimstone and Protector RG Mk1 will provide new capabilities to the Royal Air Force's ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) force, allowing it to engage targets in motion and in high-speed maneuvering (including - for the first time - maritime rapid attack).
The Protector RG Mk1 can carry three light Brimstone for subalar attack, with a much higher war load than the Reaper platform it will replace.
The integration of Brimstone on the Protector RG Mk1 (which is the armed version of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian) follows a series of fire tests on the Reaper / Predator B in the United States that demonstrated the progress in the services offered. The integration of Brimstone will be completed in time for the entry into service of the aircraft in the RAF.
James Allibone, British sales director for MBDA, said: "Protector RG Mk1 is the third UK airlift to benefit from the unparalleled capabilities of the Brimstone missile, providing the UK armed forces with vital operational advantages and sovereign defense capabilities. it is unique in its ability to be transported from platforms across all terrestrial, marine, and airborne domains, providing a common weapon that offers both operational and economic benefits.The commonality is a fundamental part of all the latest MBDA systems, and is one of the major savings contributions of £ 1,7 billion that the approach between the British Ministry of Defense and MBDA has generated. "
At the beginning of the 2018, the British Ministry of Defense announced a contract from 400 million pounds with MBDA for the capability sustainment program (CSP) of the Brimstone missile, to build new ones and extend their life beyond the 2030.
