Sunday, November 23, 2008

IRIS-T

IOC: 2005
Total Production: 4,000
Total Program's Cost: USD$1.1 billion

IRIS-T SL

Origin
Germany

Contractor/s
Diehl-Gruppe
EADS

Family Members
IDAS
IRIS-T
IRIS-T SLS
LFK NG

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.

IRIS-T SL (Surface Launch) is a new member of the IRIS-T missile family which intends to meet the German Air Force requirement for a medium range surface-to-air missile within the US-German-Italian MEADS ground-based air defense program. IRIS-T SL would include major missile modifications to meet the medium range criteria such as a new rocket motor, data-link and GPS-based navigation system.

Specifications
Performance: Max Range 30 km (16 nm)

News
IRIS-T Missile to Complement PAC-3 on German MEADS Air Defense System

Operators

Germany / Planned

Being developed for the German Air Force

Image Gallery

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: Saturday, November 22, 2008

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