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 MBDA’s new Seawolf Block 2 naval point defence missile has been successfully fired for the first time at the Vidsel missile test range in Sweden. The new Seawolf Block 2 variant, which will enter service with the UK Royal Navy in 2005, was test fired on the 4th September. The missile is designed to operate with existing in-service Seawolf missile systems while benefiting from cost-effective new missile technologies introduced by MBDA. These technologies, coupled with the introduction of a new fuse, have led to significant improvements in the Seawolf missile’s performance.
Technology developments include a new electronic fin actuation system to replace the former gas actuation system, resulting in improved missile control and extended range. Drawing on experience gained from MBDA’s highly successful ASRAAM air-to-air missile programme, Seawolf now incorporates an ASRAAM’s multichip module to provide more in-flight computing power in a much smaller package. This technology also greatly simplifies the production process. A new fuse incorporating IR/RF sensors has also been developed to improve engagement success against very low sea skimming, low signature targets. Other enhancements serve to reduce cost and component package size.
MBDA has developed this cost-efficient enhancement to the missile w
hile working with the Royal Navy to meet its future Seawolf warstock requirements. Importantly the Block 2 missile will be compatible with the Seawolf ship system installations in service with the Royal Navy and other Seawolf users. Of significant logistic benefit to navies is the fact that both the conventional and vertical launch versions of the new Block 2 missile now share a common modularity with vertical launch being provided to the standard missile by the simple addition of a boost and turnover pack.
Commenting on the development of Seawolf Block 2, MBDA’s Chief Operating Officer, Guy Griffiths said: “This programme is an excellent example of incremental acquisition, where new technology is being progressively applied to an existing, in-service system in order to enhance its effectiveness. The achievement of this critical firing milestone confirms that this improvement programme is firmly on track.‘’
With the success of this first test firing, the way is now clear for further test firings of both conventional and Vertical Launch Seawolf Block 2 during 2004. Production deliveries are scheduled for 2005 when the new missile will enter service with the Royal Navy’s Vertical Launch Seawolf missile system for the Type 23 frigates and conventional launch versions, without the turnover boost, for the Type 22 Batch 3s.
Notes to Editors
Seawolf has been the UK Royal Navy’s standard naval point defence weapon system since first coming into service on the later Leander Class frigates and the Type 22 frigates in 1979. The first Seawolf featured a conventionally launched missile. Subsequently, in 1990 the Vertical Launched Seawolf variant, VL Seawolf, entered service on the Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigates. Since 1979, over 1,000 vertical and conventionally launched Seawolf missiles have been fired and the system has been successfully exported to Brazil (conventional launch Seawolf) and to Malaysia (VL Seawolf).
MBDA is Europe’s leading missile systems company. With a
fully comprehensive range of land-based, naval and airborne guided weapon systems, MBDA is capable of satisfying the requirements of each of the armed services.
MBDA currently has 45 missile system and countermeasure programmes in operational service and has proven its ability as prime contractor to head major multi-national projects. With an annual turnover exceeding €2 billion (US.3 billion), a forward order book of €14 billion (US billion) and over 70 customers world wide, MBDA is a world leading, global missile systems company.
MBDA is jointly owned by BAE SYSTEMS (37.5%), EADS (37.5%) and FINMECCANICA (25%), with equal rights.
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