Brimstone

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

The Brimstone missile is an advanced radar-guided air-to-surface weapon system developed by MBDA, primarily for the British armed forces, featuring a millimeter-wave seeker and a tandem shaped-charge warhead optimized for defeating armored vehicles and high-speed maritime targets in complex operational environments with a 'fire-and-forget' capability.

BACKGROUND

Brimstone is a ground or air-launched ground attack missile developed by MBDA UK for the UK's Royal Air Force. It was originally intended for "fire-and-forget" use against mass formations of enemy armour, using a millimetre wave (mmW) active radar homing seeker to ensure accuracy even against moving targets. Experience in Afghanistan led to the addition of laser guidance in the dual-mode Brimstone missile, allowing a "spotter" to pick out specific and the highest priority targets, particularly useful to minimise collateral damage when friendly forces or civilians were in the area. The tandem shaped-charge warhead is much more effective against modern tanks than older similar weapons such as the AGM-65G Maverick missile. The Maverick however carries a 300 lb warhead to make up the difference in design. Three Brimstones are carried on a launcher that occupies a single weapon station, allowing a single aircraft to carry many missiles.

SYNONYMS & ALIASES

• air-to-surface missile
• precision-guided munition
• anti-armor missile
• MBDA Brimstone
• ATGW

USAGE NOTE

It is widely deployed from various aircraft platforms, including fighter jets and drones, and has been extensively used in recent conflicts for targeted strikes.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Brimstone.

• MBDA

  The primary designer, developer, and manufacturer of the Brimstone missile, which is a 'fire-and-forget' air-to-surface weapon.

• Airbus

  One of the three main shareholders of MBDA, Airbus Defence and Space division contributes to various defense technologies, systems integration, and advanced research relevant to missile development and platform integration.

• BAE Systems

  As a major shareholder of MBDA, BAE Systems is a key defense contractor involved in developing platforms that carry Brimstone, as well as advanced systems and associated technologies crucial for missile integration and performance.

• Leonardo

  Another major shareholder of MBDA, Leonardo specializes in advanced electronics, sensors, and avionics, providing critical components and systems vital for modern missile guidance, targeting, and overall performance.

• Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL)

  As the UK's science and technology laboratory for defense, DSTL conducts research and provides expertise in various areas, including weapon systems, guidance, and advanced materials, supporting the evolution and future capabilities of missiles like Brimstone for the UK armed forces.