LMM (using Starstreak components, but apparently much cheaper) is being offered for FASGW (Light). Descriptions are all here (Word documents) –
http://www.mbda-systems.com/mbda/site/ref/scripts/EN_Press-info_287.html

Wildcat might also have the 50kg weapon, which seems to be based on Brimstone.

I worry about the Team Complex Weapons stuff. Re-using technology, designing for commonality, striving for low cost, planning for upgrades – why haven’t these people been fired for their breaches of tradition?

Does make you wonder how they got past the interview:p

On a serious note though I just hope the funding is there for these projects to be realised and for continued investment in the future, it sounds like a good team with some very sound project management. It would be a shame if what sounds like good work wasn’t allowed to come to fruition.

It’s particularly encouraging that a lot of the stuff in the pipeline has export potential.

Yes, but as Jonesy says, it could be being put forward. The MCM demonstration fits the role.

Yep certainly would, just read all of the available blurb on it and it does sound very capable. The only concern’s I have about it are down to cost and the telescopic hanger; anyone got any idea how durable this would be?

Among the highlights of that article –

C1 expected to enter service 2020.
The new medium range radar being bought for T23 will end up on C1, & maybe C2.
FLAADS will be fitted first to T23, then C1.
10 C1 & 8 C2.

A video (CGI, of course) of CAMM firings from BMTs proposed Venator minor surface combatant (a C3 option?).
http://www.bmtdsl.co.uk/Documents%20&%20Resources/?/188/2954/2954
And the MCM configuration –
http://www.bmtdsl.co.uk/Documents%20&%20Resources/?/188/2713/2713

Interesting videos anyone else think the venator looks a little expensive for C3?

You’re preaching to the choir

I seem to be doing a lot of this lately:o

On the up side though, i’ve just heard that initial gate for FSC will be sometime this year. If only they slipped 2 more AAW’s in I’d be a happy guy.

That’s what the article I posted says, I’d love it if the got the 2 extra’s T45s, without a new Government with a radical new investment in defence I don’t see how this is possible.

The T45 article is scary though, 5 of the six T45’s have to available at all times to cover the RN’s current AAW requirements. CAMM article is also good.

Yeah pretty ridiculous requirement for the T45s, really need more………..

Personally I would say for the sake of conformitty with the existing fleet it makes a great deal more sense to purchase Merlins to replace the Puma’s and Seakings.

As Al said, you’re preaching to the choir with that one.

I often wonder why they haven’t tried to increase sub manufacturing capability here. When demand outstrips in industry, you expand your manufacturing capability, that’s the normal thing to do in industry. Clearly we need more SSNs than we can produce in the time frame required and we also need to build 4 new SSBNs (no I won’t accept 3, I don’t care what the govt. might say, we can’t assure continuous at sea deterrence with 3, especially if the French keep ramming the damn things), and it’s like the workforce in Barrow is that spoilt for choice so how hard could expanding capability be?

On top of that, i’ve wondered whether Plymouth could be used to bolster the sub manufacturing capability. It has the biggest dockyard in Western Europe and does all the refit work for the sub fleet so at least some of the expertise and gear necessary is there already. And they’re going to have free space pretty soon with the frigates leaving.

Yes I know I got off the soap box at lunchtime;)

To be honest I think our industrial capacity would probably fit demand just fine if it weren’t for the big gap between the building of the Vanguards and Astute.

You might be onto something with Plymouth but the necessary skills for SSN production would still be in short supply, engineers qualified for nuclear work are a very scarce resource and their skills will be in even more demand once the Government starts building their new nuclear power stations.