The UK Royal Navy's newest air defence missile, designed to arm the service's new fleet of Type 45 destroyers, has successfully completed its toughest test yet during barge-launched trials in the Mediterranean.
Sea Viper, the missile system previously called PAAMS until it was renamed by the Royal Navy, achieved a direct hit in a salvo (multiple missiles) firing against a manoeuvrable sea-skimming target.
According to the navy, Sea Viper is capable of defending the Type 45 and ships in its company against multiple attacks from enemy aircraft or missiles approaching from any direction and at supersonic speeds.
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The MBDA-produced system can engage more than 10 targets simultaneously, employing a BAE Systems designed phased-array Sampson radar with a range of 215nm (400km).
A test firing from a Type 45 destroyer is expected later this year.
Source: Flight International