R-Darter
The R-Darter is a beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile guided by an active radar homing seeker. It was designed and manufactured by the South African firm Kentron, now known as Denel Dynamics.
| Kentron V4 R-Darter | |
|---|---|
| Type | Air-to-air missile |
| Place of origin | South Africa |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1995-2008[1] |
| Used by | South African Air Force Pakistan Air Force |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Denel Dynamics |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 118 kg (236 lb) |
| Length | 3.62 m (11.88 ft) |
| Diameter | 0.16 m (6.3 in) |
| Engine | Solid-fuel rocket |
Operational range | >80 km [2] |
Guidance system | Active radar homing |
Launch platform | Combat aircraft or Attack helicopter: |
The South African air-to-air missile program benefited from cooperation with Israel [3] during the 1980s and the R-Darter is very similar to the Python Derby.
Service
The missile armed the South African Air Force's Cheetah C fighter aircraft and was withdrawn from service when those were retired in 2008. The SAAF has not yet publicly announced which BVR missile will be procured to equip the 26 Saab JAS 39 Gripens which have replaced the Cheetahs.
The Brazilian Air Force is said to be evaluating the R-Darter for use with their F-5 fighters since Denel will be selling the missiles used for the test at a low price, as they are nearing the end of their shelf-life.[4]
It was reported in 2010 that the R-Darter is being operated by the Pakistan Air Force.[5]
See also
- AIM-120 AMRAAM, a similar type of missile (beyond visual range)
- A-Darter, Denel's short range infrared homing missile.
References
- "NCACC inspectorate probing Icarus Marine". 12 October 2010.
- "The South African Air Force".
- "International Assessment and Strategy Center > Research > China's Emerging 5th Generation Air-to-Air Missiles". Archived from the original on 21 October 2009. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
- "Air Force Acquiring Additional F-5s and Evaluating R-Darter Missiles for Upgraded F-5s". Forecast International. January 2006. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 6 March 2007.
- Engelbrecht, Leon (12 October 2010). "NCACC inspectorate probing Icarus Marine". Defence Web (defenceweb.co.za). Retrieved 31 May 2011.
defenceWeb could find no record of Denel sales to Pakistan, but the International Institute for Strategic Studies notes in its 2010 Military Balance publication that the Pakistan Air Force operates the "R-Darter" a beyond visual-range air-to-air missile.