KP-SAM Chiron
| KP-SAM | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Manportable surface-to-air missile (MANPADS) |
| Place of origin |  South Korea |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2005–Current |
| Used by | See #Operators |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Agency for Defense Development |
| Designed | 1995 |
| Manufacturer | LIG Nex1 |
| Produced | 2003–Current |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 24.3 kg (Launcher) |
| Length | 1.68 m |
| Diameter | 80 mm |
| Crew | 2 (If based from a tripod), 1 (If held) |
| Maximum firing range | 7 km |
| Warhead weight | 2.5 kg |
| Engine | Solid fuel rocket |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.1 |
Guidance system | Infrared homing |
The KP-SAM (Korean: 신궁 "Shingung", hanja: 新弓) is a South Korean shoulder-launched surface-to-air missile manufactured by LIG Nex1. It is marketed internationally as the Chiron.[1]
History
The KP-SAM was created to protect ROK troops in the forward area, which started in 1995 under the direction of LIG Nex1.[2] In late 2003, the delivery of the Igla SAMs from Russia in payment for Russian debts to Korea appear to have solved the problem momentarily.[3] The KP-SAM began production in 2004 with extended trials in early 2005.[2]
In late 2005, the KP-SAM entered service with the South Korean Army, after being in development for nearly 8 years.[3] The South Korean Army has ordered some 2000 units to be delivered in the near future.[3]
In 2011, the KP-SAM was proposed to the Indian military for potential export.[1] It was being marketed in 2012 for India's modernization of their VSHORAD system, competing with the RBS 70, the Starstreak, the Mistral-2 and the SA-24.[4]
In November 2012, Peru announced that they will purchase the Chiron alongside 108 missiles and three TPS-830KE radar under a $USD 43 million defense contract.[5] However, the deal was called off in May 2013 over problems on paying for the contract.[5]
In 2014, Indonesia bought the KP-SAM for integration with the Skyshield 35 mm anti-aircraft system.[6] It was previously shown at the Indo Defence 2014 exhibition.[7]
Features
While the missile system externally resembles a French Mistral system, the entire missile system including the seeker, control section, warhead and motor were developed and manufactured in South Korea.[2][3] The missile features integrated IFF systems, night and adverse weather capabilities, a two-colour (IR/UV) infrared seeker to aid in negating infrared countermeasures (IRCM) and a proximity-fuse warhead. During development tests the missile scored a 90% hit ratio.
According to Agency for Defense Development officials, the missile is superior to the American FIM-92 Stinger or the French Mistral in hit probability, price and portability.[8] It had been involved in a missile test where the Shingung's missile made impact on a low-flying target as high as 3.5 kilometers with a speed of 697.5 m/s (more than Mach 2.36)[9] and a distance range of 7 km.[1]
Operators
South Korea: In ROK Army service since 2005.[1]
Indonesia: Indonesian Air Force acquired and operated Chirons since 2014 which was integrated with Oerlikon Skyshield 35 mm anti-aircraft gun system.[6] Additional 2 Chirons transferred according to a 2019 SIPRI small arms report.[10]
Failed contracts
See also
References
- ^ a b c d Brahmand.com (2011-04-27). "S Korean firm offers anti-aircraft missile to India: report". Retrieved 2011-05-27.
- ^ a b c "Chiron (Singung) (Korea, South), Man-portable surface-to-air missile systems". Jane's. Archived from the original on July 29, 2017. Retrieved 2011-05-27.
- ^ a b c d "KP-SAM / KPSAM New Bow (Shingung / Shingoong)". Global Security. Retrieved 2011-05-27.
- ^ "VSHORAD – India's Next Big Air Defense Program". April 2012.
- ^ a b c https://mags.shephardmedia.com/HB-samples-2018/AAD5-webmag.pdf [bare URL PDF]
- ^ a b "Indonesia might buy more Chiron MANPADS systems from South Korea | November 2018 Global Defense Security army news industry | Defense Security global news industry army 2018 | Archive News year".
- ^ "LIG Nex 1 showcases Chiron portable SAM and Raybolt 3rd anti-tank guided missile | IndoDefence 2014 Official Show Daily News Coverage | Defence and security military army exhibition 2014".
- ^ Yoo Yong-won. "Locally-Made Surface-Air Missile Toutedaccessdate=2011-05-27". Digital Chosunilbo. Archived from the original on 2004-03-22.
- ^ "Chiron". www.deagel.com. Retrieved 2015-04-08.
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). www.smallarmssurvey.org. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 December 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
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