BAE completes ground-rig tests on Brimstone missile system

LONDON, March 23 (UPI) -- BAE Systems reports the completion of a series of ground-rig trials with MBDA's air-to-ground Brimstone missile.

The Brimstone missile system is comprised of a launcher loaded with three weapons. It is to be integrated with Typhoon fighters.

For the tests at a site in Lancashire, the Brimstone system was connected to an avionics systems integration ground rig to test the communication between the launcher and software.

The tests followed the completion of avionics design activity and the start of informal testing on the initial software in the rig as part are part of the test campaign for the Phase 3 Enhancement package for the aircraft.

"The ground rig trials are a key milestone in the integration of the Brimstone weapon on to Typhoon and we are delighted they have been successful," said Paul Ascroft, BAE's technical manager for Phase 3 Enhancement package. "While testing of the software will largely be performed using a Brimstone simulator, it is vital to ensure that there is successful communication between the weapon and the aircraft."

The Phase 3 Enhancement package is to give the Typhoon a low collateral precision strike, air-to-surface capability. As well as Brimstone missiles, MBDA's Storm Shadow deep strike missile and MBDA Meteor Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air missile are part of the weapons enhancement program.

Flight tests on the Brimstone missile are due to take place later this year, BAE Systems said.