Storm Shadow/SCALP

Storm Shadow/SCALP is the air-launched long range, conventionally armed, deep strike weapon, designed to meet the demanding requirements of pre-planned attacks against high value fixed or stationary targets. MBDA’s Storm Shadow/SCALP missile can be operated in extreme conditions and provides operators with a highly flexible, deep strike capability based around a sophisticated mission planning system. After launch, the Storm Shadow/SCALP missile descends to a low cruising altitude powered by a turbojet engine. Guidance is based around a robust triple navigation system that uses Inertial Navigation, GPS (Global Positioning System) and Terrain Reference Navigation, ensuring that the route selected by the mission planners can be achieved over land and water, even in the most severe countermeasure environments. This three level system provides the weapon with a high degree of navigational precision. Storm Shadow/SCALP is equipped with an imaging infrared seeker that is activated during the final target approach phase. Automatic target recognition algorithms then compare the real scene with the target impact point designated during the mission planning phase, in order to hit the target exactly where required. Alternatively an Attack on Coordinate capability is available for time constrained missions. Fitted with the acclaimed “BROACH“ penetrator and warhead, and with the ability to select direction and dive angle of attack, Storm Shadow/ SCALP is able to effectively engage a variety of targets such as control centres, hardened aircraft shelters, runways, buildings and bridges, enemy air defence emplacements and ships in port. Storm Shadow/SCALP is in service with the Royal Air Force and the French Air Force and has seen operational service in the Gulf, Iraq and Libya. The weapon is now in service with many other nations giving unrivalled deep strike capability. Web site : LinkedIn : Twitter: