Javelin (surface-to-air missile)

For the American Javelin anti-tank missile, see FGM-148 Javelin.

Javelin
British soldier posing with Javelin triple launcher(1996)
Type	Manportable surface-to-air missile
Place of origin	United Kingdom
Service history
Used by	See Operators
Wars	Soviet war in Afghanistan
Production history
Manufacturer	Thales Air Defence
Specifications
Weight	11.1 kilograms (24 lb) (Missile) 24.3 kilograms (54 lb) (System)
Length	1.39 metres (4 ft 7 in)
Diameter	76 millimetres (3 in)
Crew	1
Effective firing range	300 to 4,500 metres (980 to 14,760 ft) against jets to 5,500 metres (18,000 ft) against helicopters
Warhead	High Explosive warhead
Warhead weight	2.74 kilograms (6.0 lb) (containing 0.6 kilograms (1.3 lb) of HE) with contact and proximity fuzes
Detonation mechanism	Impact force or Proximity Fuze
Engine	Solid Fuel Rocket
Speed	Mach 1.7+ approx.
Guidance system	SACLOS system

Javelin is a British, man-portable surface-to-air missile, formerly used by the British Army and Canadian Army. It can be fired from the shoulder, or from a dedicated launcher known as Javelin LML—Lightweight Multiple Launcher. Capable of being vehicle mounted, the LML carries three rounds.

It was replaced in front line British service by the Javelin S-15, sold commercially as the Starburst surface-to-air missile in 1993 (radio frequency guided Javelin was retained for some time thereafter for training purposes), and later by the Starstreak starting around 1997. The Canadian Forces have retired it without replacement.

History

The missile was developed as a replacement for the Blowpipe missile, which had proven largely ineffective in the Falklands War although it was used by both sides. Only two hits were recorded out of more than 100 launches: a British Harrier GR3 (XZ972) attacked by Argentine Army special forces (Commandos Company), and an Argentine Aermacchi MB-339 (0766 (4-A-114)) during the Battle of Goose Green.

Operational use

Similar in overall appearance to the Manual Command Line of Sight (MCLOS), radio frequency guided Blowpipe, Javelin is slightly more compact, uses Semiautomatic Command Line of Sight (SACLOS) radio frequency guidance and is fitted with Semi and improved warhead. The operator is equipped with a 6× magnification sight and a long range T.V. camera to locate targets. Although the Javelin's accuracy is somewhat susceptible to smoke, fog, or clouds, it is claimed to be virtually impossible to decoy it away from a target with flares. It has been alleged that some were supplied to the Mujahideen by the United States during the Soviet war in Afghanistan.

Operators

Map with Javelin operators in blue

Current operators

• Botswana
• Canada, used by the Canadian Army (no longer in service)
• United Kingdom, used by the British Army and British Royal Marines
• Peru
• South Korea
• Malaysia, used by the Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy, and Royal Malaysian Air Force

References

• Jane's Land-Based Air Defence 2005–2006, ISBN 0-7106-2697-5