Russian and American Missiles

 

Read the text and study the infographics below. Use the information to discuss the types of Russia’s land-based missiles.

Russia has the widest inventory of ballistic and cruise missiles in the world. Russia remains a major power in the development of missiles of all kinds, and Russian strategic rocket forces constitute a significant element of the military strategy. Russian missiles perform a wide variety of missions. A significant modernization program continues in Russia. It includes new heavy ICBMs and a long-range ground-launched cruise missiles. Russia has also begun to equip some of its ballistic missiles with its new Avangard hypersonic glide vehicles.

Compare the missiles in 1. Use the language structures from Grammar Time (page 93).

Look at the table. Match items 1-13 with the correct items a-m in the table.

1) Originated from	a) Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) / Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM)
2) Possessed by:	b) Road-mobile
3) Alternate name:	c) 12 m
4) Class:	d) Nuclear, single warhead or MIRV
5) Basing:	e) In development
6) Length:	f) Russia
7) Diameter	g) SS-X-31, Frontier, Avangard, Yars-M, KY-26
8) Launch weight:	h) Russia
9) Payload:	i) Solid propellant
10) Warhead:	j) 1.8 m
11) Propulsion:	k) 36,000 kg
12) Range	l) 800 kg
13) Status:	m) 5,800 km

 

Work in pairs. Open your book on page 85. Look through Table 1. Ask and answer questions about Russian missiles.

 

Work in pairs. Choose three or four Russian and American missiles and ask questions to find out the information about them.

Russian Missiles

Kinzhal

The Kinzhal is a nuclear-capable, Russian air-launched ballistic missile, derived from Russia’s ground-launched Iskander-M. It was one of six “next generation” weapons unveiled in March 2018.

Kinzhal at a Glance

Originated from: Russia
Possessed by: Russia
Alternative name: KH-47M2 Kinzhal (trans: “Dagger”)
Class: Air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM)
Basing: Modified MiG-31 fighter
Length: 8.0 m
Diameter: 1.0 m
Payload: 480 kg
Warhead: Nuclear or conventional
Range: 1,500-2,000 km
Status: Operational
In Service: 2017-present

The Kinzhal has a reported range of 1,500-2,000 km while carrying a nuclear or conventional payload of 480 kg. A July 2018 TASS news report suggested the missile’s range would exceed 3,000 km if outfitted on the Tupolev Tu-22M3 bomber. It has similar dimensions as the OTK 9M723 Iskander-M; according to one report, the Kinzhal has a length of 8 m, a body diameter of 1 m, and a launch weight of approximately 4,300 kg. There are key distinct features from the ground-based Iskander, however, including a redesigned tail section, reduced rudders, and a special stub at the missile’s tail designed to protect engine nozzles during high-speed fight.

Following launch, the Kinzhal rapidly accelerates to Mach 4 (4,900 km/h), and may reach speeds of up to Mach 10 (12,350 km/hr). This speed, in combination with the missile’s erratic flight trajectory and high maneuverability, could complicate interception. It is worth noting that Russia’s designation of the Kinzhal as a “hypersonic” missile is somewhat misleading, as nearly all ballistic missiles reach hypersonic speeds (i.e. above Mach 5) at some point during their flight.

SS-26 Iskander

The SS-26 Stone or “ Iskander” is a road-mobile short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) with a range of up to 500 km. Using a common transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) and support vehicles, the system can also fire cruise missiles.

Iskander At a Glance

Originated From: Russia
Possessed By: Russia
Alternate Names: Stone, Tender, 9M720, 9M723, 9M723-1
Class: Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM)
Basing: Road-mobile
Length: 7.3 m
Diameter: 0.92 m
Launch Weight: 3,800 – 4,020 kg
Payload: 480–700 kg, 480 kg (Export variant)
Warhead: High-explosive, submunition, earth-penetrator, thermobaric
Propulsion: Single-stage solid propellant
Range: 400–500 km, 280 km (Export variant)
Status: Operational
In Service: 2006

Iskander Development

 Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense

The Iskander is a tactical missile system capable of launching ballistic and cruise missiles. The “Iskander” designation is typically used to identify both the launch system and its associated ballistic missiles, the Iskander-M (9M723), exclusive for Russian military use, and the Iskander-E (9M720) for export. A third variant, the Iskander-K, uses the Iskander transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) to fire the SSC-7 (9M728) cruise missile.

 

The 9M723 Ballistic Missile

9M723 SRBM is 7.3 meters long, 0.92 meters in diameter, and have a launch weight of 3,800 kilograms. The missiles possess a maximum range of 500 km and carries payloads between 480 and 700 kg. The export variant, the 9M720 has a reduced range of 280 km while carrying a 480 kg payload.  These missiles fly on a depressed trajectory and can maneuver up to 30g in flight. Additionally, the 9M723 is reported to have a separating warhead which can independently maneuver in the terminal stage. Using a combination of inertial, GLONASS, and radar terrain correlation guidance, the missile can strike targets within a circular error probable (CEP) of 2-5 meters. The 9M720 export model employs inertial guidance for midcourse flight and electrooptical terminal guidance to achieve accuracies between 5 and 10 m CEP. Several units may also be fitted with a digital scene matching area correlation (DSMAC) terminal guidance system, which was first tested in 2011 and entered service in 2012.

 

The 9P78 Transporter-Erector Launcher

 Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense

Each launcher (9P78) is equipped with an armored roof to protect its two ballistic or cruise missiles. The TEL’s cabin is hardened against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) hazards and extreme temperatures. The vehicle is also amphibious and can travel at speeds up to 70 km/h (43 mph) for 1,100 km (684 miles). Each TEL is capable of operating independently. Reload vehicles, each carrying two missiles and a crane, enable prolonged battlefield operations.

SS-N-30A (3M-14 Kalibr)

The SS-N-30 (3M-14 Kalibr) is a Russian land attack cruise missile (LACM), and improved version of the 3M-14E “Club” LACM. The SS-N-30A has an estimated range of around 1,500 to 2,500 km and has become a mainstay in the Russian Navy’s ground-strike capabilities.

Kalibr at a Glance

Originated From: Russia
Possessed By: Russia
Alternate Name: 3M-54, Kalibr
Class: Sea-launched Land Attack Cruise Missile
Basing: Ship/Submarine-based
Length: 6.2 m
Payload: 450 kg warhead: High explosive, possibly nuclear capable
Propulsion: Turbojet
Range: 1,500-2,500 km
Status: Operational
In Service: 2015-present

Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense

 

Although commonly referred to as the Kalibr cruise missile in media reports, the SS-N-30A is in fact just one part of the larger Kalibr family of Russian sea-launched missiles, which includes the SS-N-27 (Sizzler) anti-ship cruise missile and the 91R anti-submarine missile. All three Kalibr missiles share common Kalibr vertical launch system (VLS) tubes, which are quickly becoming a mainstay of the Russian Navy’s cruise missile launch capabilities.

In October 2015, Russia launched 26 SS-N-30A missiles at anti-Assad regime forces in Syria. The missiles were launched from Russian naval vessels in the Caspian Sea, including a Geperd class frigate and three smaller Russian Buyen-M corvette-class ships. The missiles reportedly flew approximately 1800 kilometers before reaching their targets. Some U.S. military leaders assessed this operation as an opportunity to demonstrate its strike capability. NORTHCOM Commander William Gortney, commenting on Russia’s use of cruise missiles in Syria, told Congress that “there’s no operational or tactical requirement to do it. They’re messaging us that they have this capability.”

Later in October 2015, an SS-N-30A was fired from a Russian ship in Caspian Sea in conjunction with the launch of ground-based ICBM and SLBMs as part of a larger Russian military exercise.

Russia also deploys a submarine launched variant, dubbed 3M-14K.

In October 2016, Russia deployed two Buyan-M class corvettes armed with SS-N-30A’s to the Baltic Sea.

 

RS-24 Yars

The RS-24 is a three-stage solid fuel missile that reportedly carries a payload of three reentry vehicles (RV) and penetration aids.

Yars At a Glance

Originated From: Russia
Possessed By: Russia
Alternate Name: SS-27 Mod 2, SS-29, RS-24, Yars/Yantz/Yahres
Class: Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)
Basing: Road-mobile, Silo-based
Length: 22.5 m
Diameter: 2.0 m (first stage)
Launch Weight: 49,600 kg
Payload: Three MIRV warheads, 1,200 kg
Warhead: Nuclear, 150-200 kT
Propulsion: Three-stage solid propellant
Range: 10,500 km
Status: Operational
In Service: 2010

 

 Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense

 

The RS-24 Yars is believed to have entered into service in February 2010. While details about the missiles specifications and capabilities are limited, it is reported to be designed similarly to Russia’s SS-27 (Topol M) ICBM and the Bulava (SS-NX-32) SLBM.

Development of the RS-24 Yars is believed to have started in 2004. Its first flight test was made in May of 2007. The RS-24 was tested again in December of 2007 and November of 2008. These first test flights were conducted from mobile Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL) vehicles.The first RS-24s to be declared operational were road mobile, but it is believed that the missile will eventually be deployed in silos. A Russian state news agency report from December 2014 alleges that the RS-24 was in fact successfully test fired from a silo-based position.

The missile is estimated to be 22.5 meters in length and 2 meters in diameter. The missile is also believed to be fitted with a newer RV design that will allow the RV’s to maneuver in space and during re-entry. The total launch weight of the RS-24 is assessed to be 49,000 kg and is expected to have a minimum range of 2,000 km and a maximum of 10,500 km.

 

SS-N-32 Bulava

The SS-N-32 “Bulava” is an intercontinental-range, submarine-launched, solid propellant ballistic missile. Alongside the SS-25 and the SS-27, both land-based ICBMs, the Bulava represents a core component of Russia’s future strategic nuclear force. Development of the program began in the 1990’s with official production contacts going into effect in the 2007-2008 timeframe. The Bulava was designed to be deployed onto Russia’s Borey-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBN’s), also referred to as Dolgorukiy-class or Project 955 submarines, which are capable of holding 12-16 missiles each.

Bulava at a Glance

Originated From: Russia
Possessed By: Russia
Alternate Name: Bulava, RSM-56, SS-N-32
Class: Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM)
Basing: Submarine-launched
Length: 12.1 m
Diameter: 2.0 m
Launch Weight: 36,800 kg
Payload: Up to 10 MIRVs, 1,150 kg
Warhead: Nuclear, 100-150 kT
Propulsion: Three-stage solid propellant
Range: 8,300 km
Status: Operational
In Service: 2013-present

 Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense

 

The first Borey SSBN was commissioned in January 2013 and is stationed with Russia’s Northern Fleet. The second Borey-class sub was commissioned in April 2015, and as of September 2015 is stationed with the nation’s Pacific Fleet. A third has been commissioned but has yet to be deployed for specific assignment. Reports indicate that Russia plans to field 6-8 Borey-class submarines.

The first powered flight test of the Bulava missile occurred in September 2005. It’s first submerged test launch followed in December. It demonstrated its ability to be launched from its host, a Borey SSBN, in June 2011. As of November 2015, the missile has undergone 24 total tests, 16 of which are considered successes.

The dimensions of the Bulava missile is not precisely known, but it is estimated that it is 12-13.5 m in length, has a diameter of approximately 2.0 m, and weighs between 36,000-39,000 kg. The missile is expected to carry 10 MIRV warheads, with a yield of 100-160 kT, to a maximum distance of 8,300 km. The missile would likely carry decoys and according to Russian officials, the missile’s RV’s are capable of in-flight maneuverability and re-targeting to out maneuver any enemy defense. The RVs have an expected accuracy around 250 to 300 m CEP.

 

Avangard

The Avangard is a nuclear-capable, hypersonic boost-glide vehicle under development by the Russian Federation. It was one of six “next generation” weapons described by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a speech in March 2018.

Avangard at a Glance

Originated from: Russia
Possessed by: Russia
Alternative names: Project 4202, Yu-74
Class: Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV)
Length: Unknown
Diameter: Unknown
Warhead: Nuclear 2 MT option (reported)
Speed: Mach 20 (6.86 km/s)
Range: >6,000 km
Status: In development

 

Development

Notional depiction of Avangard HGV. Photo Credit: Youtube / Ruptly

 

The origins of the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) reach back to the mid-1980s, at which time the USSR first started research on hypersonic warheads. This initial effort ceased around the time of the Soviet Union’s breakup in 1991. Russian defense manufacturer NPO Mashinostroeniya reportedly reinstated the project in the mid-1990s under the designation “Project 4202.”

There have been approximately 14 flight reported tests of the Avangard between 1990 and 2018. In December 2018, Russia test fired the weapon from the Dombarovskiy missile base in Orenburg Oblast. Testers fitted the HGV atop an SS-19 ICBM, which boosted the vehicle more than 6,000 km before striking a target in the Kura shooting range in Kamchatka.

Specifications

The Avangard has a range of over 6,000 km, weighs approximately 2,000 kg, and can carry a nuclear or conventional payload. One TASS report said that the HGV’s nuclear warhead is “more than 2 megatons in TNT equivalent.” As a boost-glide weapon, the Avangard is carried to its apogee by a ballistic missile. This carrier is currently the SS-19 “Stiletto” (UR-100NUTTH), but will later be replaced by the R-28 “Sarmat.” Russia had initially planned to mount the Avangard on the road-mobile RS-26 “Rubezh” (SS-X-31) but chose to use the silo-based R-28 “Sarmat” after the Rubezh was delayed due to financial constraints.

Once boosted to its suborbital apogee of around 100 km, the glide vehicle separates from its rocket. It then cruises down towards its target through the atmosphere. The HGV can maintain atmospheric speeds of up to Mach 20 (6.28 km/s) and can maneuver. This maneuverability could make Avangard’s trajectory unpredictable, complicating intercept attempts after its boost phase.

There are no publicly available images of the Avangard HGV. According to one report, however, it is likely “either a short wedge-shaped design, or a shuttle with small stabilizer wings, which is installed in the head of the launch vehicle.” The HGV likely does not employ a propulsion system, relying on gravity and its aerodynamic features to maintain speeds and altitude.

 

RS-26 Rubezh

The RS-26 Rubezh is a Russian solid-fueled, road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) currently in development. Although classified as an ICBM under the New START Treaty, the RS-26 has been tested with heavier payloads at ranges below 5,500 km, potentially putting Russia in violation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.

RS-26 at a Glance

Originated from: Russia
Possessed by: Russia
Alternate name: SS-X-31, Frontier, Avangard, Yars-M, KY-26
Class: Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) / Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) [classification disputed] Basing: Road-mobile
Length: 12 m
Diameter: 1.8 m
Launch weight: 36,000 kg
Payload: 800 kg
Warhead: Nuclear, single warhead or MIRV
Propulsion: Solid propellant
Range: 5,800 km
Status: In development

RS-26 Development

 Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense

 

The RS-26’s first test launch, which ended in failure, occurred September 28, 2011 at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. The missile veered off course and crashed eight kilometers from its launch site.

In May 2012, a second test was reportedly successful. The missile travelled 5,800 km with a single, light-weight warhead. As a result of this flight test, the RS-26 was classified as an ICBM under the New START Treaty, which seeks to limit and reduce the number of strategic arms between the United States and Russia.

A subsequent test in October 2012, however, flew 2,000 km with a heavier payload from the Kapustin Yar testing range to Sary Shagan (located in southern Kazakhstan). All flight tests since have also been flown to medium-range distances (between 1,000 and 3,000 km). This has raised questions concerning Russia’s compliance with the INF Treaty, which forbids the deployment of missiles with ranges between 500-5,500 kilometers.

Specifications

The RS-26 is a solid-propellant, road-mobile ICBM. It is estimated to be 12 m long and 1.8 m in diameter. It is reportedly based on the RS-24 Yars ICBM, but its dimensions are also similar to the SLBM Bulava-30. It weighs 36,000 kg and carries an 800 kg nuclear warhead. It is currently unclear if the RS-26 carries a single warhead or multiple MIRVed warheads. Russia tested the missile with both payload configurations in 2013.

 

RS-28 Sarmat

The RS-28 Sarmat is a liquid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile.

Sarmat at a Glance

Originated from: Russia
Possessed by: Russia
Class: Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)
Alternate names: SS-X-30 Satan II
Basing: Silo-based
Length: 35.3 m
Diameter: 3.0 m
Launch Weight: 208.1 metric tons
Payload: 10,000 kg of MIRV or glide vehicles
Propulsion: Liquid-fueled
Range: 10,000 – 18,000 km
Status: In development
In Service: 2021 (est.)

 

 Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense

Description

The Sarmat is a three-stage, liquid-fueled missile with a range of 18,000 km and a launch weight of 208.1 metric tons. The missile is 35.3 meters long and 3 meters in diameter. Designated a “heavy” ICBM, the Sarmat can carry a 10 ton payload and can load a wide variety of warhead options. According to Russian media, Sarmat can reportedly load up to 10 large warheads, 16 smaller ones, a combination of warheads and countermeasures, or hypersonic boost-glide vehicles.

American Missiles

Tomahawk

The Tomahawk is an intermediate range, subsonic cruise missile that is launched from U.S. Navy ships and submarines. It provides a long-range, deep strike capability. The Tomahawk can carry either conventional or nuclear payloads, though policy decisions have phased out their nuclear role.

Tomahawk at a Glance

Originated From: United States
Possessed By: United States, United Kingdom
Alternate Name: TLAM-N, TLAM-A, RGM/UGM-109A, RGM/UGM-109B, RGM/UGM-109C, RGM/UGM-109D, RGM/UGM-109E, TASM, TLAM-C, TLAM-D, TLAM-E, TLAM/C, TLAM/D, Tactical Tomahawk, BGM-109G Gryphon, Griffin
Class: Subsonic, Intermediate Range Cruise Missile
Basing: Ship/submarine-launched
Length: 5.55 m without booster; 6.25 m with booster
Diameter: 0.52 m
Launch Weight: 1,315 kg (without booster)
Payload: 454 kg
Warhead: HE/fragmentation unitary, various submunitions
Propulsion: Turbofan
Range: 1,250 – 2,500 km
Status: Operational
In Service: 1983

 Photo: US Navy

Service History

Tomahawks are designed to fly at subsonic speed while maintaining a low altitude, which makes them difficult to detect on radars. They use tailored guidance systems to maneuver while at such low elevation. The Tomahawk was first used by the United States in combat during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and the United States began selling them to the UK in 1995. Tomahawks can be launched from over 140 U.S. Navy ships and submarines, including four converted Ohio-class submarines, as well Astute, Swiftsure, and Trafalgar-class submarines of the Royal Navy.

In 2016, the Navy requested $434 million to start modifying 245 TLAMS for anti-ship missions, making them capable of hitting enemy ships up to 1,000 nautical miles away within the next decade. This plan would call for modifications to missiles currently on Ticonderoga guided missile cruisers, Arleigh Burke -class guided missile destroyers, the Navy’s attack submarine fleet (SSNs), and the four Ohio-class guided nuclear missile submarines (SSGNs). This program, if funded, will continue the Navy’s life extension program for Tomahawk missiles.

 

The U.S. Navy began its development of sea-launched cruise missiles in 1972. Since then, numerous variants of the Tomahawk have been produced. The Block I versions included the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile-Nuclear and the Tomahawk Anti-Ship Missile. Block II variants include the TLAM designed to attack hardened targets, and the TLAM-D designed to attack ‘soft’ targets such as aircraft and troop concentrations. Block III updates included new electronics allowing for coordinated attacks. Block IV missiles, the most modern version, are capable of loitering in flight for hours and possess a two-way datalink designed for receiving updated mission information of course corrections.

 

Minuteman III

The LGM-30G Minuteman III is a three-stage, solid-fueled, intercontinental-range ballistic missile. The Minuteman III is the sole land-based component of the U.S. nuclear triad. The Minuteman III has a fast launch time, nearly 100 percent testing reliability, and backup airborne launch controllers to preserve retaliatory capabilities.

Minuteman III at a Glance

Originated From: United States
Possessed By: United States
Class: Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)
Basing: Silo-based
Length: 18.2 m
Diameter: 1.85 m
Launch Weight: 34,467 kg
Payload: Up to 3 Mk 12A; 1 Mk 21 RV with penetration aids
Warhead: W78 at 335 kT, W87 at 300 kT nuclear
Propulsion: Three-stage solid propellant
Range: 13,000 km
Status: Operational
In Service: 1970

 Photo: US Navy

The Minuteman family of missiles have served as the backbone of the U.S. land-based nuclear strategic force since 1962. The Minuteman III began development in 1964 and entered service in 1970 with a force of 550. The United States usually conducts two or more tests of the Minuteman III each year to ensure the arsenal is functioning and reliable. It currently has an estimated 440 missiles in its arsenal.

The Minuteman III missile has a maximum range of 13,000 km and is capable of carrying a payload of three reentry vehicles. The missile originally carried a 170 kT yield Mark 12 RV and, later, a 300 to 350 kT Mark 12A RV. However, it is likely that the LGM-30G missiles are equipped with the larger and likely more accurate single 300 to 475 kT Mark 21 RV. Its original inertial navigation system provided it with an accuracy of about 200 m CEP, but an updated inertial guidance system gives it 120 m CEP. The missile is 18.2 m long with a diameter of 1.85 m and a launch weight of 34,467 kg.

The Minuteman III entered development in 1966 as an improvement program for the earlier Minuteman missile systems. In 1968 it underwent its first successful flight test and became operational two years later. Initially, 550 missiles were produced with an estimated 10-year lifespan. This has been far exceeded with continual life extension programs.

From 2002 to 2012, the United States spent an estimated $7 billion to upgrade and extend the service lives of the 450 missiles in its arsenal to 2030. The Air Force maintains these weapons with approximately 150 missiles located at each missile field in Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota.

The Minuteman III was the first U.S. missile fitted with MIRVs. Each missile was originally deployed with three warheads for a fleet total of 1,500 warheads on 500 launchers. The U.S. removed 2 warheads from 150 missiles in 2001 in order to meet its treaty obligations under START. The Obama Administration began de-MIRVing the rest of the Minuteman arsenal as part of the New START treaty. As of June 16, 2014, the U.S. Minuteman III missiles have only a single warhead. However, unlike under START, the United States was not obligated to alter the missile in order to de-MIRV it. Therefore, “the United States could restore warheads to its ICBM force if the international security environment changed.”

With the removal of the LGM-118 Peacekeeper missile in 2005, the Minuteman III has become the only U.S. land-based ICBM in service and the United States is expected to rely on it until 2030. The Air Force requested proposals for a follow-on missile, the Ground-based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD), in July 2016. The service could award a contract for the entire replacement of the U.S. silo-based nuclear deterrent as soon as September 2017 with the first delivery of missiles in 2029.

Harpoon

The Harpoon (RGM-84/UGM-84/AGM-84) is a U.S.-designed subsonic antiship cruise missile that has been in service since 1977. Numerous variants have been produced since its inception, including air-, ship-, and sub-launched versions. The Harpoon has also undergone multiple upgrades to improve its range and guidance. Variants of the Harpoon have been exported to 32 countries.

Harpoon at a Glance

Originated from: United States
Possessed by: United States, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, United Kingdom, and Venezuela
Class: Subsonic Cruise Missile
Basing: Fixed-wing aircraft, surface ships, submarine
Length: 3.8 m (air launched) 4.6 m (ship- & sub- launched)
Diameter: 0.343 m
Launch weight: 515.25 kg (air-launched) 690.8 kg (surface- & sub-launched)
Guidance: Inertial, semi-active radar
Payload: 224 kg
Warhead: HE fragmentation
Propulsion: Turbojet, solid propellant
Range: 90-240 km
Speed: 0.85 Mach (High subsonic), 291.55 m/s
Status: Operational
In service: 1977

 

Photo: US Navy

 

Because the missile would target “whales”—naval slang for submarines—the missile was designated the Harpoon. The Harpoon surface attack guided missile, AGM-84 series (AGM-84/C/D Tactical) air-launched missile, is an all-weather antiship attack weapon. The SLAM tactical missile, AGM-84E, is a standoff land attack missile. The Harpoon can be delivered from the F/A-18, P-3, and S-3 aircraft. Both missiles are AURs and require no assembly other than installation of the wing and control fin assemblies. The missile consists of the guidance section, warhead section, sustainer section, boattail section, wings, and control fins. The missile is approximately 151 inches in length and weighs approximately 1,144 pounds.

The Harpoon missile has a low-level cruise trajectory with over-the-horizon range that makes it less susceptible to radar detection. It uses active guidance and has counter-countermeasure capability.

The guidance section contains the seeker, radar altimeter, midcourse guidance unit, and power supply. A radome on the front of the guidance section provides the required aerodynamic shield to protect the internal components of the seeker. During ground handling, a radome protector cap protects the radome. The warhead section contains a penetration blast type of explosive, the guided missile fuze, fuze booster, and the pressure probe assembly. It also provides internal routing of the interconnecting cable from the guidance section to other parts of the missile.

The sustainer section contains the fuel tank and fuel supply system, missile battery, pyrotechnic relay panel, and the turbojet engine. Three BSU-4/B missile wings and one BSU-43/B missile wing are attached to the sustainer section by quick-attach, clevis-type fittings. These wings are attached to the missile at the organizational level. They provide the aerodynamic lift required sustaining missile flight. They are made of a framed aluminum honeycomb construction and are nonfolding.

The boattail section contains four control actuators, which control the control fins. Four identical nonfolding missile control fins (BSU-44/B) provide directional control of the missile's airframe proportional to the input signal received from the guidance section. The control fins are one-piece aluminum castings, and are attached to the control fin actuators by means of an integral torque-limiting, screw-type device.

Sparrow III Guided Missile

The AIM-7F/M missile is a supersonic, air-to-air DTRM, guided missile. It is designed to be rail or ejection launched from an interceptor aircraft. The missile's tactical mission is to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft in all-weather environments. It is designed to be launched from the F-14 and F/A-18 aircraft. The AIM-7F/M missile is a semiactive missile. Missile guidance depends on RF energy radiated by the launching aircraft and reflected by the target. Excluding the radome, the missile body has four sectional tubular shells that house the major functional components. The four major functional components are the target seeker, flight control, warhead, and rocket motor. The overall length of the missile is approximately 142 inches with a diameter of 8 inches. It weighs approximately 510 pounds. The missile is issued to the fleet as an all-up-round (AUR). The only assembly required at fleet level is the installation of the wing and fin assemblies, which are shipped in separate shipping containers.

The radome is ceramic and forms the nosepiece of the missile. It does not obstruct RF energy. It covers the RF head assembly of the target seeker and provides protection against environmental damage. The target seeker receives and interprets the radar energy reflected from the target. Then it produces signals that are sent to the flight control section to direct the missile to intercept the target or come within lethal range of it.

The flight control consists of the autopilot and the hydraulic group. These function to provide control signals and mechanical energy to move the external control surfaces that guide the missile toward the point of intercept, and to stabilize the missile in pitch, yaw, and roll.

The warhead is located between the target seeker and flight control section. The warhead is explosive-loaded, and it contains the fuze, fuze booster charge, and the safety and arming (S&A) device. It is a continuous-rod type of warhead. At detonation, the rod sections expand into a continuous ring. Target kill is accomplished by collision of the continuous ring with the target. Detonation is triggered either by a fuze pulse from the target seeker at the nearest point of intercept or a fuze pulse from the flight control upon impact with the target.

The DTRM attaches to the aft end of the missile flight control section. It is equipped with a SAFE/ARM igniter assembly that is manually locked in either the SAFE or ARMED position. This switch can only be repositioned with an arming key. When in the SAFE position, the arming key cannot be removed. This switch prevents accidental firing of the motor. It should not be moved to the ARMED position until immediately before aircraft launch.

The control surfaces consist of four delta-shaped wing and fin assemblies. The wings and fins are designed for quick attachment and release without the use of tools. The wing assemblies attach to the flight control section, which controls their rotary motion to produce the desired pitch, yaw, and roll. The tail fin assemblies attach to fittings on the rear of the rocket motor and provide stability to the missile.

Another series of the Sparrow III guided missile is the RIM-7E and RIM-7H. These missiles are surface-to-air guided missiles. They are used in some ships in the ship's Basic Point Defense Surface Missile System (BPDSMS) and Improved Point Defense Surface Missile System (IPDSMS), respectively. As an Aviation Ordnanceman, your responsibility for these missiles is in the area of handling and stowage only.

 

UNIT 5

Round-table discussion:

Divide into groups. Choose two or three missiles in Unit 4

· Prepare short presentations paying attention to the specific features

· Present your group’s ideas to the rest of the class