British Aerospace Skyflash
From Scramble - The Aviation Magazine
Contents |
History
The British Aerospace Skyflash was a medium-range semi-active radar homing air-to-air missile derived from the US AIM-7 Sparrow missile. It was designed to operate in severe electronic countermeasures conditions, for years, the Skyflash was the RAF's major air defence weapon. The weapon entered RAF service in 1978, originally for use by the Phantom.
Description
The Skyflash was a development of the AIM-7E2 Sparrow, retaining its aerodynamics, with a cruciform of delta control wings mounted on the mid-point of the cylindrical body. It also features a compatible cruciform of delta stabilising surfaces at the tail. Major changes from the AIM-7E2 Sparrow were the addition of a Marconi inverse monopulse radar seeker, improved electronics, adapted control surfaces and a Thorn EMI active radar fuze. The engine was the Bristol Aerojet Hoopoe. Interestingly, the inverse monopulse radar seeker was only introduced in the AIM-7M Sparrow model.
Versions
Skyflash
Initial and only production model, ordered by United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and Sweden. Mach 4 capable, it could be launched as low as 100 m to attack a high-altitude target at 45 km range or launched at high level to engage a target flying as low as 75 m. Used by Swedish Air Force as RB.71.
Skyflash Mk.2
A version with an active radar seeker derived from the Matra MICA active radar seeker, Skyflash Mk 2 (called Active Skyflash), was proposed for both the RAF and Sweden but not developed.
Aircraft platforms
Images
 Tornado F.2 armed with Skyflash |
Sources
- Wikipedia English pages
