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Royal Navy tests new helicopter missile system which will defend HMS Queen Elizabeth | The News
THE Royal Navy has tested a new missile system which will be used to defend HMS Queen Elizabeth when she enters operational service.
By Kieran Davey
Sunday, 24th May 2020, 1:03 pm
The Yeovilton-based Wildcat Maritime took part in trials to test the new Martlet missile this week off the coast of Wales.
Blasting from a Wildcat HMA Mk2 helicopter, the missile detached in 0.3 seconds and accelerated to one and a half times the speed of sound.
The new system will be used to arm the Wildcat helicopters that deploy as part of HMS Queen Elizabeth’s maiden operational deployment next year.
Commander Matt Boulind Royal Navy, the Wildcat Maritime Force Commander, said: ‘This test firing shows the Wildcat helicopter will be ready to help defend our Queen Elizabeth-class carriers and their strike groups for years to come.
‘The Royal Navy and Army introduced Wildcat helicopters into service five years ago and the firing of the Martlet this week is a very significant milestone and represents a huge success for the joint industry and MoD team.
‘This firing underpins future Royal Navy offensive capability and the defence of the surface fleet.’
The laser-sensor missile, managed by DE&S and manufactured by Thales, can be used against stationary and moving targets.
Captain Mark Langrill, DE&S Wildcat Delivery Team Leader, said it was important these trials went ahead.
‘These firings mark a vital step forward in the integration of the uniquely flexible Martlet missile into what is already an outstanding helicopter to provide the Royal Navy with a world-class capability.,’ he added.
‘I am grateful to all those, across industry and the Ministry of Defence, who have worked so hard to achieve this milestone.’
The team also had the extra difficulty of carrying out the tests while maintaining social distancing in line with government guidelines.
Martlet, also known as the Lightweight Multirole Missile, had already been successfully launched off frigate HMS Sutherland so the latest firing was to test it in its primary role.
The firing was captured with high resolution cameras so the teams could analyse the system in minute detail.
Philip McBride, general manager of Integrated Airspace-protection Systems as Thales UK, said: ‘Martlet will ensure the Wildcat has the best-in-class offensive capability to protect the carrier strike group. With each helicopter capable of carrying up to 20 missiles, the Wildcats deployed will be a significant deterrent to anyone wishing to interfere with UK interests.’
Nick Whitney, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters, added: ‘This major milestone demonstrates that the combination of the AW159 Wildcat and Martlet missile will be a flexible and effective tool for the Royal Navy. Next year the Wildcat fleet will embark on Carrier Strike Group missions with HMS Queen Elizabeth on its maiden operational deployment. As the only British company to design and manufacture helicopters on-shore, we’re extremely proud to be equipping the UK Armed Forces with world-beating sovereign capabilities.
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