Rb 05

Infobox Weapon
is_missile=yes
name=Rb 05A


caption=
origin=
type=anti-ship, land attack and air-to-air
used_by=
manufacturer=Saab-Scania, Missiles and Electronics
unit_cost=
production_date=
service=1967
engine=liquid propellant rocket motor
weight=305 kg (672 lb)
length=3.6 m (11.8 ft)
diameter=0.3 m (11.8 in)
wingspan=0.8 m (31.5 in)
speed=supersonic
vehicle_range=9 km (5.6 mi/4.9 nm)
ceiling=
altitude=
filling=160 kg high explosive
guidance=optical manual command
detonation=
launch_platform=AJ 37 ViggenThe Rb 05A is a short-range air-to-surface missile that was developed in the 1960s by the Swedish company Saab-Scania, Missiles and Electronics.

History

The Rb 05A was developed as an anti-ship missile for the AJ 37 Viggen in the late 1960s. The supersonic speed was deemed necessary to reduce the threat of surface-to-air missiles. The missile would usually be launched after a high-speed attack run on very low altitude and climb to 400m for launch. The aircraft would immediately descend again and the pilot guiding the missile optically with a joystick.

Guidance commands are transmitted via a microwave transmission link. Tracking flares on the missile aid the pilot in guiding the missile on target.

It was later discovered that the missile was effective in air-to-air against non-maneuvering aircraft as well.

A TV-guided variant Rb 05B was proposed to the Swedish Air Force in the early 1970s, but was turned down in favor of the AGM-65 Maverick/Rb 75 instead.

Operators

;SWE: The Swedish Air Force operated the Rb 05A on the AJ 37 Viggen.

External links

* [http://www.yellowjacketsystems.com/jimball/saab/saab.htm Scanned sales brochure of Rb 05A]
* [http://www.vectorsite.net/twbomb_07.html#m8 List of Air-to-Surface guided missiles]
* [http://www.canit.se/~griffon/aviation/text/37viggen.htm#aj37 Info on the Rb 05A with the AJ 37 Viggen]

imilar missiles

* AGM-12 Bullpup
* AS-20
* Kh-23