Posted on 07/22/2014 11:54:25 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
MBDA was showcasing its SPEAR 3 missile at the Farnborough International Air Show 2014. SPEAR is MBDA’s response to a component of the UK’s Selective Precision Effects At Range air launched requirement. The weapon will maximize the potential of the UK’s future combat air capability, matching the weapon to the aircraft: “a 5th generation weapon for a 5th generation fast jet”.
MBDA Artist impressions showing:
Left: the SPEAR missile can be "quad packed" per each F-35 weapon bay (8x missiles total).
Right: SPEAR could well become the missile of choice for anti-surface missions to be conducted in the near future by Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm F-35B pilots launched from the Royal Navy Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers.
According to MBDA, recent conflicts have demonstrated the need for precision strike weapons that can operate night and day in all weather conditions against severe countermeasures and importantly attack moving and manoeuvering targets. Powered by a turbojet engine, SPEAR has the beyond horizon reach to ensure that the aircraft remains safely away from hostile air defence units.
SPEAR is equipped with the latest generation precision effects warhead, designed to meet the demands of the future combat mission. This next generation air launched Surface Attack Weapon reduces the numbers of different weapons within inventory while also extending the operator’s ability to engage mobile, fleeting and re-locatable targets far beyond the horizon.
Fitted with the latest generation multi sensor seeker designed to operate in all combat conditions and to be able to engage a wide range of target types both on land and sea. SPEAR is effective against:
• Naval vessels
• Air Defence Units
• Defended structures
• Ballistic Missile launchers
• Fast moving and manoeuvering vehicles
• Main Battle Tanks, Self-Propelled Guns, Armoured Personnel Carriers
Showcased at the MBDA chalet during Farnborough International Air Show 2014 was an F-35B model fitted with 2 Meteor missiles and 8 SPEAR 3 in the weapon bays.
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