AS-30L
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| AS-30L | |
|---|---|
| Type | laser guided short-to-medium range air-to-ground missile |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1985 |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Aerospatiale |
| Produced | 1973 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 520 kg (1,146 lb) |
| Length | 3.7 m (12 ft 1 in) |
| Diameter | 340mm (13 in) |
|
|
|
| Warhead | 240 kg (529 lb) impact-fuzed SAPHE (Semi-Armor-Piercing High-Explosive) |
| Detonation mechanism |
Delayed AP impact fuse (2 m ferroconcrete) |
|
|
|
| Engine | two-stage solid propellant rocket motors, composite booster, double-based sustainer |
| Wingspan | 1 m (3.2 ft) |
| Operational range |
Minimum range: 3 km (1.8 mi)
Maximum range: 11 km (6.8 mi) |
| Flight ceiling | 10,000 m (32,800 ft) |
| Speed | 1,700 km/h (1,056 mph) |
| Guidance system |
semi-active laser homing |
| Launch platform |
Mirage 2000D, Mirage 2000-5, F-16, Jaguar, Mirage F1, upgraded Super Etendard, Rafale |
The AS-30L is a French short-to-medium range air-to-ground stand-off attack missile.
The AS-30L is employed for attacking targets which require a high degree of precision to engage effectively, but are also potentially dangerous enough to necessitate a longer-distance "stand off" attack profile. The missile has a range of 3-11 km, carries a 240 kg warhead, and claims a 1-meter CEP with either airborne or ground-based laser designators.
The AS-30L was deployed by French SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft during Operation Desert Storm in Iraq and Operation Deliberate Force in Bosnia, with roughly 60 missiles being launched. It was proven highly effective and accurate, with a claimed kill rate of 97%. It is also used by the Israeli Air Force and Indian Air Force.
[edit] References
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/as30.htm, Federation of American Scientists
