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IRIS-T
IOC: 2005
Total Production: 4,000
Total Program's Cost: USD$1.1 billion
Unitary Cost: USD$270,000
Also Known As:
RB98
Origin:Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden
Contractor/s:
Diehl-Gruppe, MBDA, Saab
Description:
The IRIS-T is an International initiative to replace current AIM-9L/M Sidewinder short-range, air-to-air missiles. The missile combines advanced aerodynamics and thrust vector control in a tail controlled airframe to achieve outstanding performance. It utilizes a solid-propellant rocket motor. IRIS-T features a roll-pitch (128x128) IR seeker with �90� look angle for high off-boresight angle missile engagements. Engagements against targets in the rear hemisphere can be done successfully with the missile locked-on target after launch. IRIS-T outstanding agility is the key to successfully engage highly maneuverable advanced aircraft.
Overall, IRIS-T delivers increased agility, target acquisition range, hit accuracy, a more effective warhead and considerably improved protection against countermeasures compared with the Sidewinder missile. The mass, length, diameter and interface of the IRIS-T missile are very close to its predecessor achieving a high degree of compatibility which is a must for the IRIS-T program. During the flight tests, the IRIS-T achieved direct impact on the target even with IRCM (IR countermeasures) presence. The highly maneuverable IRIS-T missile will be integrated onto Typhoon, Gripen, F-16, Tornado, and F/A-18 aircraft. Dhiel BGT is the prime contractor for the program and Germany is the lead nation.
In October 2003, Spain joined the IRIS-T program ordering 700 missiles to be integrated on the Spanish Air Force Typhoon and F/A-18 fighter aircraft. All in, IRIS-T program represents around 4,000 missiles for the armed forces of Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Spain and Sweden.
The one billion Euro contract covering IRIS-T series production was signed on December 20, 2004, between German Federal Office for Military Technology and Procurement (BWB) and Diehl BGT Defence & Co. KG, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dhiel Group. BWB acted on behalf of the six European partner nations participating in this program. Deliveries of the 4,000 missiles are expected to begin in 2005 and to be ongoing until 2011.
Specifications
Dimensions: Diameter 127 mm, Length 3 m
Weights: Max Weight 89 kg (196 lb)
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Notes
(*) lead contractor
IOC: Initial Operating Capability
FOC: Full Operating Capability
CEP: Circular Error Probable
Comm: Commissioning Date
Meters (m) Kilometers (km) Nautic Miles (nm) Inch (in) Yard (yd) Foot (ft) Millimeter (mm)
Pound (lb) Kilogram (kg) kN (KiloNewton) Ton (t)
Meters per Second (mps) Kilometers per Hour (kph) Knot (kt) Miles per Hour (mph)
Liter (l) Galon (gl)
Year (yr) Minutes (min) Second (sec)
Shaft-Horse-Power (shp)
Last Updated: Monday, August 18, 2008
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Austria
Germany / 1,250 
Greece / 350 
Italy
Norway
South Africa
Spain / 700 
Sweden