Umkhonto (missile)

Infobox Weapon
is_missile=yes
name=Umkhonto-IR


caption=
origin=
type=short range surface-to-air missile
used_by=
manufacturer=Denel Aerospace Systems
unit_cost=
propellant=
production_date=
service=Test phase (as of 2005)
engine=
engine_power=
weight=130kg
length=3.32m
height=
diameter=180mm
wingspan=500mm
speed=800m/s, roughly Mach 2.5
vehicle_range=12 km
ceiling=
altitude=10 km
filling=23 kg
guidance=all-aspect infra-red, command update fire and forget
detonation=
launch_platform=8-cell (naval version) or 4-cell truck mounted land version

Umkhonto ( _zu. spear) is a South African, vertical launch (VLS) surface-to-air missile (SAM) manufactured by Denel Aerospace Systems (formerly known as Kentron) available in infrared homing (Umkhonto-IR) and radar homing version (Umkhonto-R).

It is used by the South African and Finnish navies.

Overview

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" manoeuvres. 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.

An extended range version (Umkhonto-NG) is rumoured to be in development. It will feature a rocket booster and a RF seeker head.

Umkhonto-R

The radar-homing version's range is extended to 25 km (from 12 km) and has a higher operational altitude (12 km (up from 10 km). It is also 65 kg heavier and 98 cm longer than the Umkhonto-IR version.

Users

Finland

Umkhonto-IR was ordered by the Finnish Navy to arm its four Hamina class missile boats in 2002 and its two Hämeenmaa class minelayers in 2006. The missile is designated ItO 2004 in Finnish Navy service.

outh Africa

The South African Navy has selected the system for its four MEKO A-200 frigates. The South African Army has the Umkhonto in land based service, where one missile battery is composed of four launch units, one 3-D radar unit and one command unit.

Others

In 2004 Brazil expressed an interest in acquiring the missile system for its aircraft carrier São Paolo.

ee also

*Denel Aerospace Systems, the manufacturer
*Hamina class missile boat, Finnish Navy vessel armed with Umkhonto.

External links

* [http://www.denel.co.za/Aerospace/MISSILES.asp Manufacturer's website]
* [http://www.navy.org.za/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=258 Post regarding missile flight trials in November 2005]