One-way and two-way datalinks and new airframe included in proposed enhancements to MBDA cruise missile
European missile house MBDA has revealed a package of planned enhancements to its Storm Shadow/Scalp EG cruise missile, a little over a year after the type made its combat debut with the UK Royal Air Force in Iraq.
The French ministry of defence will from this year fund a €15 million ($18.5 million) technology demonstration programme that will study the addition of new capabilities to its Scalp EG weapon, with the UK also interested in the effort.
An initial focus of the proposed missile enhancement will be the addition of a one-way datalink from the weapon to its carriage aircraft, enabling the missile to relay bomb damage assessment information in real time. This will reduce the need for later reconnaissance of the target area, says MBDA.
A later aspiration is to add a two-way datalink, enabling the missile to be reassigned a new target after its release from a host platform.
Other long-term enhancements being considered for the Storm Shadow/Scalp EG as it evolves to meet requirements such as the UK's Future Offensive Air System include the use of a new airframe with enhanced survivability. Company officials decline to elaborate, but say this could involve materials now in development for the ship and submarine-launched Scalp Naval, which will enter production during 2006.
Another future option is to equip the missile with a new all-weather seeker offering enhanced target location capabilities at the expense of a reduction in the weapon's range from the current maximum of more than 250km (135nm).
RAF Panavia Tornado GR4s dropped 27 Storm Shadows during Operation Telic in Iraq, and the weapon is now fully qualified for use by the service.
The French air force's identical Scalp EG missile underwent its final evaluation trial earlier this month with two Dassault Aviation Mirage 2000D strike aircraft. Each aircraft released one weapon during the trial and both missiles hit their intended target.
Storm Shadow/Scalp EG is now in full-rate production for both the French and UK air forces, and first rounds will be delivered later this year to export customers Greece and the United Arab Emirates.
The Italian air force will also receive its first training rounds later this year and will start evaluation trials with its Tornado strike aircraft next year.
MBDA will display its mission planning system for the weapon for the first time during the Farnborough air show.
CRAIG HOYLE / STEVENAGE
Source: Flight International
