Modified Centurion launcher to fire missiles this year

Innovative low cost launcher will be used in swarm situations

Defence firms Raytheon and Chemring plan to test an innovative naval launcher initially designed to fire countermeasures with live missiles later this year. 

The Centurion Launcher consists of 12 130 mm barrels in a self contained “pod” unit which measures 2m across and weighs around one tonne. The launcher was originally designed so that each barrel can independently fire countermeasures and was tested as working in May on Salisbury Plains. 

However, Chemring is modifying the launcher to fire Raytheon missiles, independently and all 12 barrels simultaneously, in order to provide “surface to air capability for small boats”.

Speaking at the Raytheon Technology Day in London this week, Steve Kerchey, Chemring Countermeasures Senior Naval Business Manager, said: “The main innovation is in the vertical narrow tubes, the inspiration for which came from a visit to the Imperial War museum and looking at World War One mortar tubes.”

“It has the main mass very low, close to the centre of rotation, reducing inertia, weight and making it very transportable. It is able to provide different elevations, each barrel is able to move independently using actuators and adjust for pitch and roll. The barrels are also swappable. It’s electromechanical, reducing maintenance requirements and increasing reliability.” 

The launcher is being developed for use first by small boats such as corvettes and frigates. Applications being looked at include its use in larger boats, as protection for oil and gas fields, on drones and support ships. “We’ve even drawn up ideas to put it onto a six wheeled truck for land applications,” said Kerchey.

The countermeasures version of the launcher will be ready for market in 12-18 months time, with the capability to add missiles soon after.  

“This launcher offers a wide capability with low capital outlay and through life costs. We’re working hard to bring it to market. I’m not aware of another solution as flexible or capable as this and the live missile firing later this year is a key step in the program," said Kerchey.