The original Brimstone was designed to be a Hellfire missile. It is now a high-performance, air-to-ground missile. It can also be used on ships, aircraft, and helicopters. It can also be used from drones. This is known as "fire & forget." It has been deployed in several countries, including Saudi Arabia. In fact, more than 2000 Brimstone models have been produced.
In 2005, the Brimstone rocket was put into service. It was initially designed to be used on aircraft like the Tornado GR.4, although this was prevented by the rules for engagement during air-to ground combat in Afghanistan. Brimstone was originally intended to be used by the RAF with its Harrier GR.7 strikes jets. However, it was taken from the British fleet before they could use it. This forced the RAF to find a solution that would allow the GR.4 to carry Brimstone without compromising the aircraft's operational capability.
The Brimstone was created to carry a tandem, shaped-charge warhead. The warhead can penetrate all known reactive armour, as well as conventional armour. The missile can be fired from helicopters or aircraft, but it is also available as a naval version called the Sea Spear. The missile will also be used to attack UAVs such the MQ-9 Reaper (attack helicopter) and AH64 Apache attack helicopters (UAVs).
Semi-active laser and millimetre-wave (mmW) radar guidance allow the Brimstone missile to target fast-moving targets. This allows the missile and launcher to be directed towards the target. The target is then destroyed.
The missile's dual guided systems can pinpoint enemy targets even in complex environments. The missile also has the ability to lock on to its target after launch. It can also be programmed to search in a specified area. The missile's lock-on feature after launch is important because it can withstand enemy countermeasures.
The Brimstone is capable of carrying a tandem shaped-charge HEAT warhead. The warhead is capable of piercing 800 mm of steel armor. The warhead can also be used to engage material targets and troop concentrations. The missile can also be used to destroy small boats, aircraft, and boats. It is currently being used in wars of Yemen and Libya and was recently deployed in Ukraine by forces opposing Russian forces.
The Brimstone is one of the few missiles to use dual guidance systems. The Dual Mode Brimstone has been contracted by MBDA to be supplied to Britain. The DMB was created under an Urgent Operational Requirement. Dual Mode Brimstone has a millimetre wave seeker as well as a semi active laser guidance system. Its dual guidance system allows the missile to be steered by a second party.
Brimstone's missile series is a key part of the RAF air-to–ground combat strategy. The Dual Mode Brimstone will be installed on Eurofighter aircraft and MBDA's Meteor Beyond Visual Range (MBVR) air-to-air missile. UK Army Air Corps aircraft flying on the Apache AH Mk.1 gunship will also use the missile.