New air launched lightweight anti-ship missile
The new air launched lightweight anti-ship MBDA SEA VENOM missile is completing qualification process ahead of an expected delivery to the first customer, the Royal Navy, in 2020. The missile, developed under a joint programme between France and UK, is intended to replace SEA SKUA
missiles in the Royal Navy and AS-17 TT in the French Navy. During 2016 major milestones were reached including air-carriage and jettison trials that were successfully carried out from a French Navy PANTHER helicopter used as test bed and now he missile has started the integration process with a LYNX Mk8 helicopter.
missiles in the Royal Navy and AS-17 TT in the French Navy. During 2016 major milestones were reached including air-carriage and jettison trials that were successfully carried out from a French Navy PANTHER helicopter used as test bed and now he missile has started the integration process with a LYNX Mk8 helicopter.
SEA VENOM can equip a large range of platforms as PANTHER, LYNX, SUPER LYNX and NH90. The first helicopter to receive the new weapon system will be the AW-159 WILDCAT which can be equipped with four missiles installed at new twin launchers under the sponsons. It is worth underlying that a helicopter can also employ the salvo of four missiles contrary to what it’s experienced with the SEA SKUA which can be only used one at a time.
