CASE STUDY

Client /  MBDA Missile Systems

During its development, Defence Imaging was approached by MBDA's Head of Future Systems to create a number of CG videos and 3D visuals of their new CAMM/Ceptor missile. Highlighting the ground-breaking technology used in this new defence system, the video was useful to demonstrate its concept of operation to key stake-holders. The CAMM missile was still in early testing, therefore CGI to demonstrate possible target scenarios and launch platforms was very useful.

The Ceptor is a Surface-to-air missile and Air-to-air missile in development by MBDA. It is one of the core UK Complex Weapons programmes that is intended to replace the Sea Wolf Block 2, ASRAAM and Rapier FSC missile systems in service with the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Artillery under the Future Local Area Air Defence System (FLAADS) requirement.

In the land-based truck-launched variant of the system, a computer generated video was required to highlight the flexibility and strategic advantage offered by such a setup. We created a full CGI video which demonstrated a Land Ceptor launch operation from a truck concealed in a forest environment, the missile proceeding to eliminate a fast incoming missile threat.

Working closely with the engineers and project leaders, we built the missile launch systems and the MAN HX60 launch vehicle. We also studied test footage which showed how the missile behaved during the launch and its unique flight pattern: A compressed gas launch followed by small tail thrusters that 'kick' the missile onto the correct target vector before the solid rocket ignites. Simulating and rigging this multi-thruster system in CGI was a demanding technical challenge.

The video is currently used as a marketing and sales video by MBDA. High quality CGI stills have been distributed widely, especially in 2012 when the missile featured widely in the international media.