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AS.34 Kormoran

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
AS.34 Kormoran
TypeMedium-range, active radar homing air-to-surface missile
Place of originGermany
Service history
Used byGermany, Italy
Production history
ManufacturerEADS
ProducedKormoran 1: 1973
Kormoran 2: 1991
VariantsKormoran 1
Kormoran 2
Specifications
Mass600 kg/630 kg
Length4.40 m
Diameter344 mm
Warhead165 kg/220 kg

Enginesolid-propellant rocket motor
Operational
range
23 km/35 km
Maximum speed Mach 1-2
Guidance
system
INS/active radar
Launch
platform
Aircraft:
Kormoran 1 on a German Navy F-104G in 1984
A German Tornado IDS launching a Kormoran

The AS.34 Kormoran (cormorant) is a German-produced anti-ship missile. The Kormoran uses an inertial guidance system for the midcourse phase, switching to active radar homing during the terminal attack phase. It carries a 165 kg (363 lb) delay-fused warhead, designed for 90mm of penetration prior to detonation. The maximum range is 23 km (~14 miles).

Design and development

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Development of the Kormoran started in 1962, being taken over by Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (now a part of EADS) in 1967. The missile was originally designed for anti-shipping roles in coastal waters, although it retains a secondary land-attack capability as well. It was deployed on the Panavia Tornado. 350 Kormoran 1s were produced.

The AS.34 Kormoran 2 is an improved version of the AS.34 Kormoran 1. Development was started in 1983, with first flight and firing trials taking place in early 1986. The missile features an improved warhead, all-digital electronics, improved active radar seeker, increased ECM-resistance, a stronger booster rocket, a longer range, improved automated target selection, multiple launch capability, and an increased resistance to countermeasures.

While still using the same basic airframe as Kormoran 1, the Kormoran 2 has a greater range of 35 km (21.7 miles) and a heavier 220 kg (485 lb) warhead.

Testing ended in 1987, and the missile entered service with the German Navy in 1991. Approximately 140 missiles were produced for Germany.

Operators

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 Germany
 Italy

Specifications

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Profile of the AS34 Kormoran 2.
  • Name: AS.34 Kormoran 1/2
  • Weight: 600/630 kg
  • Length: 4,40 m
  • Range: 23/35 km
  • Warhead: 165/220 kg
  • Guidance: INS/active radar homing
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