Umkhonto (missile)
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (June 2011) |
| Umkhonto | |
|---|---|
| Type | Surface-to-air missile |
| Place of origin | South Africa |
| Service history | |
| Used by | See users |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Denel Dynamics |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 130 kg (290 lb)[1] |
| Length | 3.32 m (10.9 ft)[1] |
| Diameter | 180 mm (7.1 in)[1] |
| Wingspan | 500 mm (20 in)[1] |
| Warhead | 23 kg (51 lb)[1] |
| Flight ceiling | 8,000 m (26,000 ft)[1] |
| Maximum speed | Approx. Mach 2[1] |
Guidance system | All-aspect infra-red, command update fire and forget |
Launch platform | 8-cell (naval version) or 4-cell truck mounted land version |
Umkhonto (Zulu: spear) is a South African, vertical launch (VLS) surface-to-air missile (SAM) manufactured by Denel Dynamics (formerly known as Kentron) available in infrared homing (Umkhonto-IR) and radar homing version (Umkhonto-R).
Variants
Umkhonto-IR Mk1
Designed for all-round defence against simultaneous air attacks from multiple targets, the Umkhonto-IR missile is the first vertically launched infrared-homing surface-to-air missile, also the first IR-homing missile to use lock-on-after-launch. Upon launch, the missile flies to a lock-on point, following on-board inertial navigation. The missile then activates its two-colour IR-seeker (variant of U-Darter AAM's seeker) and locks on. Target updates are received via data link, enabling the missile to counter evasive manoeuvres by the target.
The Umkhonto has a set of tail-mounted, aerodynamic control fins, as well as thrust vectoring vanes in the motor nozzle (similar to Denel's A-Darter AAM), allowing for 40 g manoeuvring. The system's 3-D fire-control radar enables simultaneous engagement of eight targets for the naval version. The missile uses a low-smoke propellant to avoid detection. In July 2005 it was successfully tested in various scenarios against Denel-made Skua drones.
Extended range versions (Umkhonto-ER) are in development. They will feature a rocket booster and IR or Radar seekers.[2]
Umkhonto-IR Mk2
This variant of the IR Umkhonto was recently developed for the Finnish Navy. It has a more advanced seeker-head algorithms for differentiating between the target and background clutter often found in and around the Baltic archipelago. Because of the improvement in the seeker head, the newer version has a more efficient flight path allowing for an increase in range of 3km; a new maximum range of 15km.
Denel Dynamics has stated its intention to end production of the Mk1 and continue with Mk2 version of the missile, as a part of the missile's overall growth path.
Umkhonto-R
The radar-homing version's range is extended to 25 km (16 mi) and has a higher operational ceiling 12,000 m (39,000 ft). It is also 65 kg (143 lb) heavier and 98 cm (39 in) longer than the Umkhonto-IR version. Denel Dynamics is currently in negotiations with the Brazilian Navy for joint development of the missile.
Users
| External image | |
|---|---|
 The Denel Umkhonto IR/R surface-to-air missiles on static display |
- Finnish Navy: local designation ItO 2004, fitted on the Hamina class missile boats in 2002 and the Hämeenmaa class minelayers in 2006.
- South African Navy: fitted on the Valour class frigates.
Potential sales
| This section needs additional citations for verification. (May 2012) |
In 2004 Brazil expressed an interest in acquiring the missile system for its aircraft carrier São Paulo.[3]
The Swedish government has expressed interest in the Umkhonto-IR system for five Visby class corvettes for at total cost of about 1 bn SEK.[4] Due to budgetary contstraints a decision was taken in 2008 to delete the SAM requirement.[citation needed]
Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering of South Korea proposed this system for their corvette offer for the Bangladesh Navy's Corvette tender in 2011. The offer is under consideration.
The Indonesian goverment are interested in the Umkhonto-IR system for the SIGMA class Corvette
The Algerian Navy ordered two Meko A-200 frigates from Germany, which are to be equipped with Umkhonto missiles. These ships are the same type as the South African Navy's Valour class frigates.[5]
See also
References
- Notes
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Umkhonto-IR Surface-to-air Missile System" (PDF). Graphic Art Services (on behalf of Denel Dynamics). September 2008. Retrieved 18 March 2011.
- ^ http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/brazil-still-pondering-possibility-of-a-second-joint-development-project-with-sa-2010-01-22
- ^ The Hindu - 2004-03-06 - Defence ties among India, Brazil, South Africa to be strengthened
- ^ Defencetalk.com - 2007-04-30 - Visby class corvettes to be equiped with South African Missiles
- ^ - Seanews.com.tr - Algeria: Purchase of Two Frigates Confirmed