Rocket "Harpoon": specifications and photos

The Harpoon rocket was developed by McDonald Douglas back in early 1970. The design documentation provided for four versions of these ammunition: for ships, submarines, aircraft and coastguards. The basic modification is considered RGM-84A. For the first time they began to enter service in 1976. Consider the characteristics, features and application of these ammunition.

Features

The Harpoon rocket was built according to the normal aerodynamic design, equipped with a modular configuration with a universal body. The design also includes a cross-shaped folding wing and four steering elements. The trapezoidal wing has a significant sweep at the leading edge, and its transforming consoles are fixed on the fuel tank body.

The launch of the ammunition in question is carried out by bearing or in a combined manner (taking into account the range of the target). In the second case, the activation of the GOS is carried out in the period set by the operator, at the maximum possible approximation to the target. This makes it possible to reduce the RCC detection factor and the period of possible interference arrangement. To search for an object, various sectors of scanning by a radar station are used.

Guidance

To increase the effectiveness of the Harpoon rocket, several degrees of scanning are used to search for targets. Start from the smallest sector. If the target could not be found, then switch to a larger location sector. Such actions are repeated until the target is detected and captured. The system in this case does not have selective recognition, therefore, the ammunition hits the first captured target.

If shooting is carried out using a bearing, guidance is activated at a given distance so as not to hit a random ship or its analogue. When conducting an attack on a group object, the inclusion of heads with a time delay is practiced, which makes it possible to bypass some swimming facilities and hit other vessels. The CCH has a moving target sensor, which minimizes guidance on passive interference.

Modernization

The company finalized the first versions of the Harpoon anti-ship missiles by creating an updated modification of the C1 type, the supply of which continued until mid-1980. In 1985, the following model of the family in question appeared. Initially, it was designed for a land-based anti-submarine complex. Among the innovations - a storage device with doubled memory, the appearance of three reference points on the trajectory, the ability to change flight at low altitudes.

Thanks to such constructive changes, the ammunition has become possible for use in closed waters and in the area of ​​the islands. This made it possible to hide the true direction of the strike, which provided masking of the carriers and guaranteed the ability to attack the object from different points. On the specified modification of the RCC provides an improved seeker with enhanced anti-jamming. Also, work on the creation of a radar surveillance system did not stop. In 1986, a digital signal reading technique also entered production.

In versions C and D, fuel with an increased energy intensity indicator is used. For this, it was not required to introduce significant transformations and changes in the motor unit. It is important to note that the flight range increased by 15-20%. Subsequently, the specified fuel became the basis for the newly created samples. In terms of software, steps have also been taken to modernize.

Launchers

For surface ships with anti-ship missiles, the United States (Harpoon) created a special lightweight launcher (launcher) of the Mk141 container configuration. Its design includes an aluminum alloy frame on which up to four fiberglass launch containers are placed at a certain angle. They are designed for 15 volleys. Elements are tight, keep a stable temperature condition. The ammunition stored in them does not require additional maintenance and are always on alert.

In addition, the Harpoon missiles can launch with Mk112 and 13 launchers (Tartar). If the launch is carried out from a torpedo tube, the combat unit is placed in a sealed compartment capsule, which is made of aluminum and fiberglass. In the “shank" of the installation is a vertical keel and a pair of folding stabilizers. After raising, the tail and nose fairing are shot off, after which the rocket's starting engine starts.

Aviation version

Harpoon (USA) missile configuration is compatible with many modifications of NATO combat aircraft. Start can be performed in different speed modes and at different high-altitude flights. When the carrier and warhead are separated, the rocket stabilizes in terms of pitch and roll. Its decline occurs with a diving angle of about 33 degrees. This maneuver is carried out until a signal of a special indicator is reached on reaching the required level of height.

After that, the running motor is activated (in automatic mode). When launching warheads from Orion and Viking aircraft, oriented to flights at low altitudes and low speed, the marching power unit is launched on the pylon.

Coastal PU

Harpoon anti-ship cruise missile system of coastal deployment is mounted on four special tractors. Two vehicles have two lightweight launchers, and the second pair contains spare ammunition containers and a control unit. Various vehicles are used for ground installations, which facilitates the assembly of PKRK detachments. In addition, a wide variety of communication, reconnaissance, navigation and control kits are possible.

The control nodes located on the media calculate the orientation of the guidance and activation of the GOS taking into account the received information about the target. Also, these elements provide electrical power, calculate the combat direction of the carrier, perform checks before launch, transform the electrical signal to launch the rocket. The creation of such a system involves the installation of a combat complex on a variety of media with simultaneous aggregation between new and existing launch modifications.

Characteristics of the harpoon rocket

Tests and combat use

The first use of the harpoon rocket occurred during test launches. In combat conditions, this projectile was also involved. According to American experts, in order to incapacitate a light aircraft carrier, it will take an aimed hit of five “Harpoons”. One ammunition can neutralize a small ship or boat.

In the spring of 1986, two Libyan patrol boats were destroyed by these ammunition. The distance from the launch point to the target was only 11 miles. After hitting two missiles, the boat sank in 15 minutes. The second ship was sunk by a modification launched from the Intruder attack aircraft. The entire crew, except the captain, managed to escape. An hour later, the swimmer sank.

"Desert Storm"

Harpoon missiles were used against the Iraqi Navy. The distance to the target did not exceed 40 kilometers, guidance was carried out using external sources. Some difficulties were observed with the calculation of small targets, as well as flights of low-sided objects. Often the ammunition exploded, passing the ship, which reduced combat effectiveness. Nevertheless, aiming the projectile at the target in the final phase was extremely accurate.