It is identical form factor as it’s using the Stormbreaker casing and wing-kit but the electronics and internal components are going to be 95% British + 5% from European markets.
So most probably 4 per rack unless they go for a longer rack to have more on.
GBU-53/B (SBD-II) has an expensive and complex tri-mode thing that seems to go against the ethos of Red Kite being low-cost and high-volume.
In many ways the render resembles Boeing’s GBU-39B/B Laser-SDB, which is basically just the LJDAM seeker on a GBU-39/B (SDB-I) airframe
The US have earmarked GBU-39B/B for MQ-9 Reaper, so we might want something similar but sovereign for Protector RG.1 (MQ-9B), to go along with the UK’s Paveway IV and Brimstone 3 that are now cleared for Protector.
Laser-SDB tests on Reaper with a twin stores carrier
Yeah the name is weird, apparently means Thunder King in Greek which is even worse to be honest.
Could have just called it Thunder keeping with the RAF’s current combat fighter fleet being weather related named, Typhoon and Lightning. Would have fit better.
I rate this one, it’s not one of those small useless CCA’s people seem to be hyping up about for no apparent reason.
Actually of competent size (Hawk sized), with an internal weapons bay, probably subsonic but its fine, and overall has utility (I wonder if you could put a fuel tank with a drogue system in the Internal weapons bay for an autonomous refueller).
Supposedly being considered for carrier operations too.
Also, nice to see BAE finally taking some initiative and developing something without being paid for it.
Rheinmetall does this all the time and BAE is 3 times the size.
Genuinely I don’t mind the name either, though I very much hope they will rename it to Stormfighter following the programme.