KP-SAM

The KP-SAM (Korean: 신궁 "Shingung", hanja: 新弓) is a South Korean shoulder-launched surface-to-air missile manufactured by LIG Nex1. It is marketed internationally as the Chiron.[1]

KP-SAM
TypeManportable surface-to-air missile (MANPADS)
Place of originSouth Korea
Service history
In service2005–Current
Used bySee Operators
Production history
DesignerAgency for Defense Development
Designed1995
ManufacturerLIG Nex1
Produced2003–Current
Specifications
Mass24.3 kg (Launcher)
Length1.68 m
Diameter80 mm
Crew2 (If based from a tripod), 1 (If held)

Maximum firing range7 km
Warhead weight2.5 kg

EngineSolid fuel rocket
Maximum speed Mach 2.1
Guidance
system
Infrared homing

History

The KP-SAM was created to protect ROK troops in the forward area, which started in 1995 under the direction of LIG Nex1.[2] In late 2003, the delivery of the Igla SAMs from Russia in payment for Russian debts to Korea appear to have solved the problem momentarily.[3] The KP-SAM began production in 2004 with extended trials in early 2005.[2]

In late 2005, the KP-SAM entered service with the South Korean Army, after being in development for nearly 8 years.[3] The South Korean Army has ordered some 2000 units to be delivered in the near future.[3]

In 2011, the KP-SAM was proposed to the Indian military for potential export.[1] It was being marketed in 2012 for India's modernization of their VSHORAD system, competing with the RBS 70, the Starstreak, the Mistral-2 and the SA-24.[4]

In November 2012, Peru announced that they will purchase the Chiron alongside 108 missiles and three TPS-830KE radar under a $USD 43 million defense contract.[5] However, the deal was called off in May 2013 over problems on paying for the contract.[5]

In 2014, Indonesia bought the KP-SAM for integration with the Skyshield 35 mm anti-aircraft system.[6] It was previously shown at the Indo Defence 2014 exhibition.[7]

In 2021 it is reported that failure rate of the KP-SAM was at 24% due to aging inventory that has been improperly stored along lacking proficiency with the system by its operators.[8]

Features

While the missile system externally resembles a French Mistral system, the entire missile system including the seeker, control section, warhead and motor were developed and manufactured in South Korea.[2][3] The missile features integrated IFF systems, night and adverse weather capabilities, a two-colour (IR/UV) infrared seeker to aid in negating infrared countermeasures (IRCM) and a proximity-fuse warhead. During development tests the missile scored a 90% hit ratio.

Indonesian air force Chiron MANPADS and other air defense elements on display during 2016 Angkasa Yudha Exercises.

According to Agency for Defense Development officials, the missile is superior to the American FIM-92 Stinger or the French Mistral in hit probability, price and portability.[9] It had been involved in a missile test where the Shingung's missile made impact on a low-flying target as high as 3.5 kilometers with a speed of 697.5 m/s (more than Mach 2.36)[10] and a distance range of 7 km.[1]

Operators

Map with KP-SAM operators in blue

Failed contracts

See also

References

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