A-Darter (missile)

Infobox Weapon
is_missile=yes
name=A-Darter


caption=
origin=
type=air-to-air missile
service=
used_by=
manufacturer=Denel Aerospace Systems
unit_cost=
production_date=
service=planned 2009
engine=Solid-fuel rocket
weight=89 kg
length=2.980 m
diameter=166 mm
wingspan=488 mm
speed=
vehicle_range=
ceiling=
altitude=
filling=
guidance=Infrared homing
detonation=
launch_platform=

The A-Darter is a fifth generation short range infrared homing air-to-air missile designed and manufactured by the South African firm of Denel Aerospace Systems (formerly Kentron).

In 2006 it was announced that Denel would use the latest solid-state inertial measurement unit, the SiIMU02 from BAE Systems for mid course range guidance. [cite web
url = http://www.baesystems.com/Newsroom/NewsReleases/press_25092006.html
title = BAE SYSTEMS Inertial Measurement Unit Selected for New Air-to-Air Missile
accessdate = 2007-03-06
date = 2006-09-25
publisher = BAE SYSTEMS
pages = ]

ervice

A decision will be taken in 2007 if it will equip the South African Air Force's new JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft from 2009. [cite web
url = http://www.af.mil.za/news/2005/caf_interview.htm
title = CAF interview with Helmut Römer Heitman
accessdate = 2007-03-06
year = 2005
month = April
publisher = Janes Defence Weekly]

The Pakistan Air Force may choose to equip its JF-17 combat aircraft with the A-Darter missile as part of the program's 5th Generation WVRAAM requirement. [cite web
url = http://www.strategycenter.net/research/pubID.179/pub_detail.asp
title = Chinese Dimensions of the 2007 Dubai Airshow by Richard Fisher, Jr.
accessdate = 2008-04-21
year = 2008
month = January
publisher = International Assessment and Strategy Center]

References

ee also

*R-Darter, different type (radar guided, beyond-visual-range, but similarly named air-to-air missile also from Denel.

External links

* [http://www.denel.co.za/Resources/AS_A-Darter.pdf A-Darter Official information]
* [http://www.denel.co.za/Aerospace/MISSILES.asp Denel missile page]