Image source: topwar.ru
The European concern MBDA showed a mock–up of the Spear Glide, a new air-launched planning munition based on the small-sized Spear cruise missile, designed primarily for the F-35 fighter and also under development.
MBDA explained that after the first days of the war, when more advanced weapons are used that reduce the effectiveness of the enemy's air defense, it is necessary to switch to using the Spear Glide as a cheaper and more massive product that can "finish off the targets" by doing away with the main pockets of organized enemy resistance.
Unlike the Spear, the Spear Glide does not have a turbojet engine and fuel system. It is designed to act as a penetrating projectile designed to destroy unprotected and moderately fortified stationary objects such as bunkers and control rooms, as well as slow-moving targets. The destruction device uses kinetic energy and an undisclosed amount of explosives.
The Spear radar seeker has been replaced by an electro-optical/infrared seeker, which allows image-based navigation and targeting at the end of the trajectory, even in the absence of satellite communications. The ammunition is also equipped with a semi-active laser seeker, which will further improve accuracy with third-party illumination of the target.
Image source: topwar.ru
When developing the Spear Glide, three main priorities were taken into account: the possibility of rapid production; accelerated integration into various combat platforms; and cost reduction.
Since this is a gliding munition, its energy at the final stage of flight is significantly less than the means of destruction equipped with an engine, and maneuverability at the end of the route is relatively limited. However, since these are cheaper weapons, MBDA believes that several Spear Glide units can be used against a single target, which will significantly increase the likelihood of defeat.
The Spear Glide is less than 2 m long and weighs less than 100 kg. Existing launchers, such as three- and four-container launchers developed for Spear, are used to launch it. The developer is targeting the 4th generation combat aircraft market, and the new product is suitable for aircraft such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab Gripen, and KAI KF-21. At the same time, the company is close to certifying the internal fuselage PU for the F-35. The range is not specified, as it largely depends on the height of the discharge and the wind.
Image source: topwar.ru
According to the EDR Online publication, the range should be comparable to the flight distance of competing systems such as GBU-53/B Storm Breaker and Spice 250.
The Spear Glide was designed so that it could be easily produced on a traditional engineering basis, rather than on the high-tech facilities typical for weapons production. This will not only allow for mass production, but also simplify the potential transfer of technology to customer countries with the possibility of introducing national components into the product.
MBDA says that the Spear Glide has already been formed as a concept, and the company is busy testing two new main components: the seeker and the warhead. The full development will be launched when the customer arrives. In this case, it will take 2.5-3 years.
