RBS15
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| RBS-15 launched from Sisu truck | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Basic data | |
| Function | fire and forget anti-ship and land attack |
| Manufacturer | Saab Bofors Dynamics, Diehl BGT Defence |
| Entered service | |
| General characteristics | |
| Engine | turbojet |
| Launch mass | 800 kg |
| Length | 4.33 m |
| Diameter | 50 cm |
| Wingspan | 1.4 m |
| Speed | subsonic |
| Range | 200 km |
| Flying altitude | sea skimming |
| Warhead | 200 kg HE blast and pre-fragmented |
| Guidance | inertial, GPS, active radar (J band) |
| Fuzes | impact or proximity |
| Launch platform | naval ships, aircraft and land-based missile launchers |
The RBS 15 (Robotsystem 15) is a surface-to-surface and air-to-surface anti-ship missile with the ability to attack land targets as well, developed by the Swedish company Saab Bofors Dynamics. The project started in the late 1970s under the name KSA and the Rb 15 became operational with the Swedish Navy in 1985. The Swedish Air Force received their missiles a couple of years later.
The missile will also be produced by Diehl BGT Defence of Germany for the new class of German stealth corvettes, and is likely to be later used on other German Navy vessels as well. Finnish car maker Sisu produces missile launch cars for RBS15.
Contents |
[edit] Generations
[edit] Missile Origin
The missile has it's base in the Air Force's older RB04 Anti Ship Missile sharing the front end and warhead for example.
[edit] Mk1
First production version and no longer in production Range was 70+km. Swedish versions where designated RBS15F (Air Launched) RBS15M (Ship mounted) and RBS15KA (Truck Mounted) range was in excess of 70km, the Air Force version had no booster rockets as it was launched from either a AJS37 Viggen or JAS39 Gripen.
[edit] Mk2
Upgraded Mk1 Longer range 100+km
[edit] Mk3
Range 200+ km, Land attack capability (Not currently in use by the Swedish navy)
[edit] Mk4 (In Development)
Dual seeker, Longer range, Mission changeable warhead
The RBS 15 exists in several generations: Mk1, Mk2 and Mk3, all of which have different capabilities. The Mk1 is no longer in production. Mk2 is qualified to be launched from a number of different platforms such as land-based launchers and aircraft. The Mk3, however, is not yet designed to be launched from platforms other than naval ships. The difference between Mk2 and Mk3 is easy to observe, the Mk2 is rotated at an angle of 45 degrees at launch (as seen on the picture), while the Mk3 is not. The main difference between the Mk3 and earlier versions is the ability to attack land targets with the help of its GPS/INS guidance.
Germany has ordered the RBS 15 MK4 in advance, which will be a further development of the MK3 with increased range and a dual seeker, as a future addition to their Braunschweig class corvettes.
In an order worth €110 million, Poland has decided to buy the RBS 15 Mk3. It will equip their ORKAN-class corvettes, which are to be upgraded by Thales Naval Netherlands.
[edit] External links
 |
This weapon-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
