Over the space of 10 days, pilots from eight different squadrons successfully launched a total of 53 ASRAAM missiles at target drones.
RAF Typhoon and Lightning jets have successfully conducted their largest ever mass firing of Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM). Over the space of 10 days, pilots from eight different squadrons successfully launched a total of 53 missiles at target drones.
As told by Eleanor Tomlin in the article RAF Typhoon and Lightning aircraft conduct major missile training exercise appeared on RAF website, the Missile Practice Camp took place over the sea in the Hebrides Air Weapon Ranges last month and was the largest mass firing of the infra-red guided Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles from Typhoon and F-35B Lightning II. Typhoon pilots from 1(F), II(AC), 6 and IX(B) Squadrons based at RAF Lossiemouth, as well as from 3(F), and 41 Test & Evaluation Squadron at RAF Coningsby, worked with Lightnings from 207 and 617 Squadrons based at RAF Marham in the event.
The ability to end-to-end test these missiles develops confidence in the weapon, whilst simultaneously developing personnel from professions across the RAF. From the movement and loading of live weapons onto the aircraft, to the aircrafts’ transit to the Air Weapons Ranges, the integration of personnel and aircraft from around the country was key to the success of the event. The training has proved the impressive capability of Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles across both RAF combat air platforms, providing training and real-world feedback by destroying Banshee drone targets.
A Typhoon pilot from RAF Lossiemouth explains;
‘It surpassed all expectations of what my first live firing exercise on the Typhoon would be. Selecting the weapon and knowing a live missile would come off the rail was a unique moment; hearing the missile tone and pulling the trigger, followed by a large whoosh sound and a slight wobble of the aircraft was fantastic.
‘Watching the missile disappear into the sky in front of me was a moment to remember, it really is impressive how fast the Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles can go. The experience has given me a real appreciation of the capability of the missile and how it can be employed in a real combat situation.’
Crucial experience of safely transporting and loading live weapons onto aircraft was gained by logistical and engineering personnel.
IX(B) Squadron Weapons Technicians explain;
‘As a Weapons Technician you get massive job satisfaction when you’ve loaded the aircraft, carried out all the post-load testing and watched it taxy away armed. When the aircraft returns “clean” having successfully fired its missiles, it validates the years of training, the hard work and months of preparation.’
The ASRAAM is in service with the RAF as its Within Visual Range (WVR) dominance weapon. The missile accepts target information via the aircraft sensors, such as the radar or helmet mounted sight but can also act as an autonomous infrared search and track system.
For WVR scenarios, ASRAAM’s unmatched off-rail fly-out and high speed and resultant aerodynamic manoeuvrability provide the greatest dominance of any missile in its class with a first shot, first kill capability. Notably it offers 360º engagement coverage, including over-the-shoulder firing capability in LOAL mode. The ASRAAM costs around £200,000 and has a range of 12-15 miles, flies at supersonic speed.
A Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon FGR4 fighter jet shot down a “small hostile drone” over Syria on Dec. 14, 2021 by means of an ASRAAM missile.
Photo credit: Geoffrey Lee via Wikipedia and U.S. Air Force
