UK Eurofighter Typhoon successfully fires MDBA Brimstone missile

July 14 (UPI) -- The first live-fire test of a MBDA Brimstone air-to-surface missile from a British Eurofighter Typhoon has been conducted as part of Phase 3 Enhancements to the Typhoon fighter jet.

The modifications to the Typhoon are part of Project Centurion, a series of upgrades that will provide the strike abilities of the Tornado GR4 to the Typhoon. The test-fire of the Brimstone involved the British Ministry of Defense, MDBA and other companies involved in the Eurofighter consortium, BAE Systems said in a news release Friday.

The test came after a series of flight trials earlier this year.

"The successful completion of this trial is an important step towards integration of the weapon on to the aircraft," CEO for Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH Volker Paltzo said in the release. "Brimstone will provide the Typhoon pilot with the ability to precisely attack fast-moving targets at range, further enhancing the aircraft's already highly potent air-to-surface capabilities."

MBDA has also participated in flight trials to integrate the MBDA Storm Shadow cruise missile and the Meteor air-to-air missile on the Typhoon.

The Brimstone air-to-surface missile is a radar- and laser-guided precision attack munition designed for use against tanks, fast-moving vehicles and naval ships.