Sea Venom rockets first used from AgustaWestland Utillot
This test is a confirmation of the improved Wildcat offensive capabilities, which allows to affect the overwlowing goals in size to the corvette. Such an opportunity is intended to strengthen the firing power of the royal fleet in the preparation for future deployment of the aircraft carrier group, including and planned for 2025. Sea Venom is equipped with an infrared head with a "fired - forgot" function, which gives the rocket the possibility of autonomous persecution of the target.
Among other things, a high -speed two -way data transmission channel allows operators to track and adjust the rocket trajectory during flight and renew it, clarify the aiming points or interrupt the mission as needed. SEA Venom integration on Wildcat has to complement other missile systems such as Martlet. Wildcat helicopters have been in service with British troops since 2015, and, among other things, the role of protection of Queen Elizabeth aircraft carriers.
Both varieties-SEA Venom and Martlet missiles are integrated with AW159 helicopters of the royal fleet as part of Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapon. Although both of the air-top class functions, they are needed for different types of goals and operational needs. SEA Venom has several attack profiles, including attack modes from above and sliding the surface of the sea, which makes it universal for different types of goals and conditions.
In turn, Martlet is a light rocket for a quick and shunting lesion of small and poorly protected goals, such as high-speed shock boats or unmanned surface vessels. With a weight of only 13 kg with a warhead of 3 kg, it can develop a speed that is twice higher than the speed of sound. The range of the lesion is more than 6 km. The compact Martlet size allows you to carry up to 20 missiles, which provides significant fire power against swarm attacks from small boats.