SCIENTISTS and engineers from QinetiQ in Malvern are helping put the UK at the forefront of missile technology.

The company's phased-array radar sensor has just been successfully tested by the Ministry of Defence.

Until now, missile radars have relied on mechanically-steered antennas within their nose cones to detect the target.

The phased-array radar has a fixed antenna and the beam is steered electronically. It expected to be more cost-effective, reliable and resistant to electronic counter-measures, which would fool seekers in conventional missiles.

Chris Alder, of QinetiQ, said: "The development of the phased-array seeker concept has seen a team of experts from across QinetiQ working together over a number of years to deliver this outstanding achievement."