MBDA sharpens Spear missile design for F-35 integration

European manufacturer MBDA has unveiled a UK-developed design for a next-generation air-to-surface weapon suitable for internal carriage by the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

 To be shown for the first time as a full-scale mock-up at the Farnborough air show, the Spear concept would use a turbojet engine and a wing kit to provide a stand-off range of about 100km (54nm). "Speed and range are the two main drivers" behind this configuration, says Rob Thornley, export working group leader for MBDA UK.

"Another key requirement is to provide multiple load-out on the F-35," says Thornley. The company expects to be able to fit up to four Spear weapons and one Meteor beyond visual-range air-to-air missile in each of the F-35's two weapons bays.

Firm decisions have yet to be made on the final Spear configuration, but MBDA says it will be about 2m (6.5ft) long, carry a multi-effect warhead and use a multimode seeker. The high subsonic-speed weapon will also feature INS/GPS guidance, and be able to receive mid-course updates via an onboard datalink.

The basis of the concept is now in an assessment phase study for the UK Ministry of Defence's Spear Capability 3 requirement. This activity is due to conclude in 2014 with an airframe and propulsion system demonstration using a representative weapon design.

"We are on track, and continue to mature the technologies," says business executive Adrian Monks. However, MBDA acknowledges that the UK's recent decision to revert to the short take-off and vertical landing F-35B "brings some challenges", as the type's weapons bays are shorter than those found on the carrier variant F-35C previously favoured by London.

MBDA plans to contract a European supplier to develop a new, lightweight, two-round rail launcher for the Spear missile, and says it has also identified a number of potential engine suppliers.

Beyond its application for internal carriage by the stealthy F-35, MBDA has also released artwork depicting a multi-role-configured Eurofighter Typhoon carrying 16 of the missiles.

Meanwhile, the company will also detail its self-funded trials work into a new target application for the UK's current dual mode seeker-equipped Brimstone air-to-surface missile at the show on 10 July.

 Fired during the Afghanistan and Libya conflicts from Royal Air Force Panavia Tornado GR4 strike aircraft, an enhanced version of the weapon is to meet the UK's Spear Capability 2 Block 1 requirements from next year.

BAE Systems ready to bid again for fighter jet deal with India

Britain's BAE Systems is preparing a fresh bid for the world’s biggest fighter jet order despite India’s rejection of its Eurofighter Typhoon for France’s Dassault Rafale.

The company, which employs 38,000 in Britain, has been working quietly on a new bid since India’s top brass chose the French fighter last January in a £12.9billion order for 126 aircraft.

BAE believes that when India scrutinises the Rafale and assesses the French submission, it will realise the Eurofighter is a superior aircraft that will be cheaper overall.

Flying high: The Eurofighter is built in partnership with the German and Spanish arms of defence giant EADS and Italy's Finmeccanica

If the Indians are willing to look again at the Eurofighter – and there are indications that is happening – a revised bid will be ready for them.

BAE has even come up with designs for a marine version of the Eurofighter in case the Indians want to fly it from aircraft carriers.

More...

    Tears on the Tyne as BAE Systems axes jobs

    WPP rebels set to force cut in Sorrell's £29m pay award

Ian King, BAE chief executive, has not ruled out reducing the price of the Typhoon.

The Eurofighter, which is built in partnership with the German and Spanish arms of defence giant EADS and Italy’s Finmeccanica, lost out because it was about £3.5million a plane more expensive than the Rafale.

And the French, according to the Indians, offered better after-deals, including technology upgrades and the latest weaponry.

David Cameron was particularly disappointed when the Eurofighter was not chosen as he had just led a delegation of top businessmen to cement relations with the Indians.

It is understood that BAE executives were very happy with the Prime Minister’s efforts on their behalf.

International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell said last December that Britain’s foreign aid programme was partly designed to help win the bid. Britain is sending £280million to India for each of the next four years.

Last year the Eurofighter lost out in a £5billion contract battle after the Japanese air force opted for American Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning jets.

The danger is that without more orders, there will not be enough work to keep all the European factories working on the jet and this would inevitably mean closures and redundancies.

BAE recently announced it was ending some aircraft manufacturing at its Brough factory in East Yorkshire and said it was also closing its tank-making operation in Newcastle upon Tyne.