Bruiser Loose, Bruiser is the NATO name for an air launched anti-ship missile. Last week, the first launch by an RNZN Seasprite helicopter of a Penguin anti-ship guided missile was conducted.
The Penguin, which replaced the Maverick air-to-ground missile, is propelled at high subsonic speed by a solid rocket engine which has an operational range of 34+km. This provides our Navy with a critical standoff, over the horizon, strike capability for the Naval Combat Force.
The missile, which carries a 120kg warhead, is designed to skim the sea and penetrate targets at their waterline. The warhead has a delay fuse which detonates inside the target.
Following the successful firing, the Seasprite returned to HMNZS Te Kaha where it is embarked for Te Kaha’s deployment to the Arabian Sea in support of CTF150.
The helicopter’s primary role on this mission is forward-reaching identification and surveillance of suspicious vessels based on intel from CTF HQ in Bahrain. The helIcopter will then provide force protection for Te Kaha’s boarding crews who are searching for illicit cargoes of narcotics and weapons being shipped by terrorist and criminal organisations.
