Rocket "Harpoon": specifications and photos

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 18:37

The Harpoon rocket was developed by McDonald Douglas back in the early 1970s. The design documentation provided for four versions of these munitions: for ships, submarines, aircraft and coast guards. The basic modification is RGM-84A. They first entered service in 1976. Consider the characteristics, features and application of these ammunition.

Features

The Harpoon missile was built according to the normal aerodynamic scheme, equipped with a modular configuration with a universal body. The design also includes a cross-shaped folding wing and four steering elements. The trapezoidal wing has a significant sweep at the leading edge, and its transforming consoles are fixed on the fuel tank body.

The launch of the considered ammunition is carried out according to the bearing or in a combined way (taking into account the range of the target). In the second case, the activation of the HOS is performed within the period set by the operator, at the maximum possible approach to the target. This makes it possible to reduce the RCC detection factor and the periodpossible interference. To search for an object, radar scanning sectors of different ranges are used.

Guidance

To increase the effectiveness of the Harpoon missile, several degrees of scanning are used to search for a target. Starting from the smallest sector. If the target could not be found, then they switch to a larger location sector. Such actions are repeated until the target is detected and captured. The system in this case does not have selective recognition, therefore, the ammunition hits the first target captured.

If firing using bearings, guidance is activated at a given distance in such a way as not to hit a random ship or its equivalent. When conducting an attack on a group object, it is practiced to turn on the heads with a retreat in time, which makes it possible to bypass some floating craft and hit other ships. The SSN has a moving target sensor, which minimizes the targeting of passive interference.

Modernization

The company finalized the first versions of the Harpoon anti-ship missiles, creating an updated modification of the C1 type, the deliveries of which continued until the middle of 1980. In 1985, the next model of the family under consideration appeared. Initially, it was designed for a land-based anti-submarine complex. Among the innovations - a memory device with a memory increased twice, the appearance of three reference points on the trajectory,the ability to change the flight at low altitudes.

Thanks to such design changes, the ammunition load became possible for use in closed water areas and around the islands. This made it possible to hide the true direction of the strike, which ensured the disguise of the carriers and guaranteed the ability to attack the object from different points. On the specified modification of the RCC, an improved seeker with enhanced protection against interference is provided. Also, work on the creation of a radar surveillance system did not stop. In 1986, digital signal reading technology also entered production.

Version C and D use fuel with higher energy intensity. For this, it was not necessary to make significant transformations and changes to the propulsion unit. It is important to note that the flight range has increased by 15-20%. In the future, the specified fuel became the base for the newly created samples. In terms of software, there are also steps to upgrade.

Launchers

For surface vessels with anti-ship missiles, the United States ("Harpoon") has created a special lightweight launcher (PU) container configuration Mk141. Its design includes an aluminum alloy frame, on which up to four fiberglass launch containers are placed at a certain angle. They are designed for 15 volleys. The elements are sealed, maintain a stable temperature regime. Ammunition stored in them does not require additional maintenanceand are always on alert.

In addition, Harpoon missiles can be launched from Mk112 and 13 ("Tartar") launchers. If the launch is carried out from a torpedo tube, the combat unit is placed in a sealed capsule compartment, which is made of aluminum and fiberglass. In the "tail" of the installation is a vertical keel and a pair of folding stabilizers. After lifting, the tail section and the nose fairing are fired off, after which the rocket's starting engine is started.

Aviation version

The aircraft configuration of the Harpoon missile (USA) is compatible with many modifications of NATO combat aircraft. The launch can be performed in different speed modes and at different high- altitude flights. When the carrier and warhead are separated, the missile stabilizes in terms of pitch and roll. Its decline occurs with a dive angle of about 33 degrees. This maneuver is carried out until the signal of a special indicator about reaching the required altitude level is given.

After that, the propulsion motor is activated (in automatic mode). When the warheads are launched from the Orion and Viking aircraft, which are designed to fly at low altitudes and at low speeds, the marching power unit is launched while still on the pylon.

Coastal Launchers

The complex of coastal anti-ship cruise missiles "Harpoon" is installed on four special tractors. Two PUs are placed on two machineslight version, and on the second pair - spare ammunition containers and a control unit. For ground installations, various vehicles are used, which facilitates the completion of SCRC detachments. In addition, a wide variety of communications, reconnaissance, navigation and control kits are possible.

The control nodes placed on the carrier calculate the orientation for guidance and activation of the GOS, taking into account the received information about the target. Also, these elements provide electrical power supply, calculate the combat direction of the carrier, perform pre-launch checks, and transform the electrical signal to launch the missile. The creation of such a system implies the installation of a combat complex on various carriers with simultaneous aggregation between new and existing launch modifications.

Characteristics of the "Harpoon" missile

Parameters	RGM-84A/B	RGM-84C/O	RGM-84D2	RGM-84E
Length with accelerator (mm)	4570	4570	5180	5230
Length without accelerator (mm)	3840	3840	4440	4490
Diameter (mm)	340	340	340	340
Wing span (mm)	910	910	910	910
Starting weight (t)	0, 667	0, 667	0, 742	0, 765
Minimum range (km)	13	13	13	13
To the maximum (km)	120	150	280	150
Speed at march distance (M number)	0, 85	0, 85	0, 85	0, 85
Guidance on the march area	Inertia	Inertia	Inertia	Inertia with NAVSTAR correction
The same at the finishing stage	Active radar	-	-	Thermal imaging with telecontroller

Testing and combat use

The first use of the Harpoon missile took place during test launches. In combat conditions, this projectile was also involved. According to American experts, to disable a light aircraft carrier, five Harpoons will need an aimed hit. One ammunition is capable of neutralizing a small ship or boat.

In the spring of 1986, these ammunition destroyed two Libyan patrol boats. The distance from the launch point to the target was only 11 miles. After being hit by two missiles, the boat sank in 15 minutes. The second ship was sunk by a modification launched from the Intruder attack aircraft. The entire crew, except for the captain, managed to escape. An hour later, the craft sank.

Desert Storm

Harpoon missiles were used against the Iraqi Navy. The distance to the target did not exceed 40 kilometers, guidance was carried out using external sources. There were some difficulties with the calculation of small targets, as well as flights of low-sided objects. Often the ammunition exploded, passing the ship, which reduced the combat effectiveness. Nevertheless, aiming the projectile at the target in the final phase was extremely accurate.