Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • MBDA's Viper Strike accurately hits high speed targets

Defence

MBDA's Viper Strike accurately hits high speed targets

MBDA Incorporated's GBU-44/E Viper Strike munition - launched from a Cessna Caravan test aircraft - has scored direct hits against high speed vehicles in a recent two-day test.


 
During a US Government sponsored test at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, Viper Strike successfully hit eight vehicles travelling at extremely high speeds in varying realistic scenarios.
 
“This proven high-speed target attack capability is a game-changer for warfighters that need to hit very fast vehicles with great precision and from any direction of attack” said Tom Bien, Viper Strike’s Programme Manager.

Advertisement
Marshall RT 2

 
Viper Strike has been used in combat by both manned and unmanned aircraft, and will deploy next on the US Marine Corps’ KC-130J Harvest Hawk aircraft. Viper Strike is launched from a common launch tube that can be carried either internally or externally from the host aircraft, helicopter or UAV.
 
Advertisement
Advanced Engineering RT

Viper Strike is a glide munition capable of precisely hitting targets from extended stand-off ranges using GPS-aided navigation and an end-game, semi-active laser seeker. Its small, 44-lb. highly agile airframe and quiet attack profile provides a covert launch and low collateral damage effects against stationary and high speed moving targets. Using Viper Strike’s new fast-attack software, the weapon has proven that it can be quickly employed against moving targets by both air-designated and ground-designated targets.
 
Viper Strike is in production at MBDA Incorporated’s Huntsville, Alabama facility. Jerry Agee, President and CEO of MBDA Incorporated said, "Viper Strike is performing exceptionally well in test and combat environments. We’re pleased to get this weapon in the hands of our warfighters to aid them against their most challenging, high-speed targets.”

Advertisement
Advanced Navigation LB 1
PPM Systems enables 5x increase in detection range

Defence Security Events

PPM Systems enables 5x increase in detection range

25 April 2024

Swindon based PPM Systems are increasing observational antenna radius by solving signal distribution limitations.

DE&S advances to next gen fires platform

Defence

DE&S advances to next gen fires platform

25 April 2024

A significant milestone in the modernisation of the British Army’s artillery has been agreed following a landmark defence agreement between the United Kingdom and Germany.

British Army’s Challenger 3 conducts live firings

Defence Events

British Army’s Challenger 3 conducts live firings

25 April 2024

Live firings of the British Army’s highly lethal future tank – the Challenger 3 - have taken place in Germany this week, witnessed by UK Defence Procurement Minister, James Cartlidge.

QinetiQ achieves UK’s first aircraft and autonomous drone teaming

Defence

QinetiQ achieves UK’s first aircraft and autonomous drone teaming

25 April 2024

QinetiQ has successfully trialled the UK’s first Crewed-Uncrewed-Teaming demonstration between a crewed aircraft and an autonomous jet drone.

Advertisement
ODU RT 2
Kromek receives US nuclear security contract

Defence Security

Kromek receives US nuclear security contract

25 April 2024

Kromek Group plc has been awarded a contract, worth up to $2.9 million, from a US federal entity for the provision of nuclear security products.

Babcock to manage Type 23 for Royal Navy

Defence

Babcock to manage Type 23 for Royal Navy

25 April 2024

Babcock International Group has been awarded the contract to manage the Type 23 class frigate Refit Support Group, allowing the company to take end-to-end responsibility for vessel upkeep and regeneration in preparation for handover to the ship’s crew.

Advertisement
Marshall RT 2