Britain's Guided Weapons

Britain’s Guided Weapons

Britain has been at the forefront of weapons technology since the Industrial Revolution and, with the Brennan wire-guided torpedo, has pioneered guided weapons. It was during World War Two that Britain’s scientists laid the foundations for a guided weapons industry that continues to this day. Ultimately, the early guided weapons gave Britain’s armed forces valuable operational experience. Sea Vixens, Javelins and Lightnings were armed with Firestreak and Red Top, while Vulcans and Victors carried Blue Steel, the UK’s nuclear deterrent. The Army fielded weapons such as Thunderbird, Rapier, Corporal and Lance.

Navy submarines carried Polaris and Trident, while surface ships had Sea Dart, Sea Wolf, Exocet and Harpoon. From this solid foundation, the aerospace companies merged and collaborated, with lessons learned from the earlier weapons paving the way for a new generation of weapons including Skyflash, Meteor, ASRAAM, Brimstone and Storm Shadow to arm the Tornado, Typhoon and Lightning. Sea Viper and Sea Ceptor protect the Navy; and Sky Sword defends the Army.

With more than 140 images, tells the narrative of these weapons and how Britain operates some of the finest guided weapons available today.

Available: NOW

ISBN: 978 1 80282 323 3

Price: £15.99

Format: Paperback, 96 pages

Author: Chris Gibson