Britain is developing a new SPEAR cruise missile 3. She needs to become more flexible, maneuverable weapon, which could be applied to a wide range of platforms, including Eurofighter Typhoon, F-35B and, perhaps, promising Tempest aircraft. However, there were delays in the implementation of the program.
originally planned, what SPEAR 3 will be put into operation by 2025 year, which will provide the Royal Air Force with improved air-to-ground weapons and increased precision strike capabilities. However, 2021 year was announced, that full combat capability of the missile on the F-35B can be achieved no earlier than 2028 of the year.
This delay was caused by various technical difficulties and integration issues- according to the UK Defense Journal.
According to the latest statement, made by the Ministry of Defense 6 September, the SPEAR project 3 currently in demo stage. The next important milestone will be the first firing of a rocket, planned for the current year, although previously it was supposed to be 2022 year.
The cost of the program so far has been around £1.4 billion..
SPEAR 3 has a compact size, weighs less 90 kg and length 1,8 m. It is equipped with a multi-mode homing head with INS and GPS and is powered by a Hamilton Sundstrand TJ-150 turbojet engine, which provides it with a flight range of more than 140 km.
A variant of SPEAR-EW is being developed as an electronic warfare weapon.. This modification will act as a bait and jammer, similar to the American ADM-160 MALD. Expected, that SPEAR-EW will play a decisive role in suppressing enemy air defenses, allowing Allied aircraft to operate more freely in the skies.
