Rb 05
| Rb 05A | |
|---|---|
| Type | anti-ship, land attack and air-to-air |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1967 - 2005 |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Saab-Scania, Missiles and Electronics |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 305 kg (672 lb) |
| Length | 3.6 m (11.8 ft) |
| Diameter | 0.3 m (11.8 in) |
| | |
| Warhead | 160 kg high explosive |
| | |
| Engine | liquid propellant rocket motor |
| Wingspan | 0.8 m (31.5 in) |
| Operational range |
9 km (5.6 mi/4.9 nm) |
| Speed | supersonic |
| Guidance system |
optical manual command |
| Launch platform |
AJ 37 Viggen |
The 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 air-to-surface 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
Sweden- The Swedish Air Force operated the Rb 05A on the AJ 37 Viggen.
External links
- Scanned sales brochure of Rb 05A
- List of Air-to-Surface guided missiles
- Info on the Rb 05A with the AJ 37 Viggen
