Typhoon fighter tests new Spear long-range missile

HALBERGMOOS, Germany, July 12 (UPI) -- MBDA's Spear air-to-surface strike weapon has successfully been fired by a British-production Eurofighter Typhoon for the first time, Eurofighter reports.

The test of the networked weapon was conducted by teams from MBDA and BAE Systems in England and involved the Spear transitioning to powered flight and completing a series of maneuvers before reaching its pre-planned point of impact.

"The success of this trial demonstrates the inherent flexibility of the Typhoon aircraft as a platform in supporting such a crucial phase of testing on this next generation missile -- and further cements the strong relationship between BAE Systems, MBDA and the UK customer," said Paul Stone, Typhoon Product Development and Future Capability manager for BAE Systems.

"The weapon operated exactly as expected during the trial and we are delighted to have supported such important step in further development of SPEAR using Typhoon."

The Typhoon is made by a consortium that includes BAE Systems and undergoes continual capability upgrades. It has been designated as the test aircraft for trials and development of the Spear.

The Spear missile is being developed to meet Britain's Selective Precision Effects At Range Capability 3 requirement for F-35 Lightning II aircraft, with the potential to equip the Typhoon.

Spear is for precise engagement of long-range, mobile, fleeting and re-locatable targets in all weathers. It is fitted with the latest generation multi-sensor seeker.

Eurofighter said the test firing from the Typhoon was the culmination of trials performed by missile-maker MBDA to prove the weapon is ready to move to the next stage of development work.