The Fire Shadow weapon system has successfully completed a series of demonstration trials and two more successful firings in a ground breaking rapid development programme that was launched in March 2010. These achievements pave the way for a planned entry into service next year with the British Army.
The first of these firings, using a complete weapon system, was carried out on 21st November 2010 at Vidsel, Sweden to demonstrate system integration, launch, stable flight, waypoint navigation and data-link function which supports the maturation of the munition and its control. The munition flew for several tens of kilometres and its trajectory included a number of manoeuvres, such as a loitering pattern. All objectives were satisfied and the trial was witnessed by UK customer representatives.
The second firing at the same location took place on 13th May 2011. A more complex trial scenario was conducted where the Man-In-The-Loop functionality was fully exercised. The operator was able to select and successfully engage a representative target. The trial was another complete success, underlining the performance and robustness of the product.
Throughout the programme MBDA has continued to work closely with the End User and other stakeholders. Various “hands-on” trials at MBDA integration facilities at Filton and Bedford have enabled the Army personnel to tailor the “look and feel” of the system, to refine Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) and to prepare for formal training later this year. The system was also demonstrated to operate seamlessly within a modern battlespace HQ context at the Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration event.
Steve Wadey, Executive Group Director Technical and MBDA UK Managing Director said:
“Fire Shadow fills a gap in the capabilities needed by the Armed Forces as ongoing operations show every day. From the outset the Fire Shadow programme has been leading by example with its rapid development approach. The incredible rate of technical achievement and progress means that this unrivalled capability will be ready for delivery to the UK early next year. The system’s potential is such that it lends itself to new roles and has been designed to adapt and evolve to ensure that weapon provides an operational edge now and for the future. “
Notes to editors
Fire Shadow provides a precision capability to engage high value targets in complex scenarios. Surface launched, the munitions have a range of ~100 km and can conduct a direct transit to target or be positioned to loiter in the airspace for a significant time (~ 6 hours). A Man-In-The-Loop decision then enables a precise and rapid attack against a selected target.
With industrial facilities in four European countries and within the USA, in 2010 MBDA achieved a turnover of € 2.8 billion with an order book of € 10.8 billion. With more than 90 armed forces customers in the world, MBDA is a world leader in missiles and missile systems.
MBDA is the only group capable of designing and producing missiles and missile systems that correspond to the full range of current and future operational needs of the three armed forces (land, sea and air). In total, the group offers a range of 45 missile systems and countermeasures products already in operational service and more than 15 others currently in development.
MBDA is jointly held by BAE SYSTEMS (37.5%), EADS (37.5%) and FINMECCANICA (25%).
