Best in Class
The STARStreak High Velocity Missile (HVM) is a best in class, battle wining capability. The lightweight missile designed for short-range air defence (SHORAD) is soldier portable and capable of engaging with a wide range of diverse threats including attack helicopters, unmanned aerial systems and light skinned armoured vehicles at a range of 6km. At a speed greater than Mach 3.0, it is the fastest missile on the market among its SHORAD competitors and can be launched from a range of platforms.
Manufactured by Thales in the UK, STARStreak is deployed with the British Army, Royal Marines and various export customers overseas. A proven in-service missile, STARStreak first saw active service during the Iraq conflict in 2003 and over the last 19 years it has been deployed on multiple operations by the UK and global users.
Unique Design
STARStreak's highly unique design significantly differentiates it from other SHORAD missiles. Designed and developed to engage fast, evasive or armoured pop-up targets, all in a very short timeframe, the system is required to travel at exceptionally high speed. Simultaneously, it has to be small and light enough to be soldier-portable on the battlefield where it may need to be deployed in urban environments.
The missile itself comprises three tungsten darts, released from a carrier which is powered by a rocket motor. The darts are accelerated to a speed in excess of Mach 3.0 and the laser beam riding guidance ensures exceptional accuracy whilst being immune to all known countermeasures. The operator has full control of the missile during flight, meaning the launch can be cut down in flight if required.
These unique characteristics and the exceptional speed of STARStreak pose a significant challenge to adversary pilots who are unlikely to have sufficient time to react once an engagement begins. This, in conjunction with the missile being immune to all known countermeasures, makes for a lethal engagement and a formidable deterrent against threats.
Fire Control Platforms
Thales’ fire control systems are designed to launch both STARStreak and the Lightweight Multi-role Missile (LMM), with varying configurations designed to suit the customer’s needs. Versatile, manoeuvrable and agile, platforms can be mobile, stationary, soldier-portable, on land, sea and air.
Beyond the UK, the STARStreak system is in service with a number of nations whose requirements have driven further system enhancements. The latest launcher system variant, the Lightweight Multiple Launcher – Next Generation (LML-NG), provides 24 hour operational capability, as well as the option to be tripod or vehicle mounted, supporting flexibility of deployment. Furthermore, the LML-NG system can be used to provide a complimentary air and surface surveillance capability. The soldier-portable system is designed to suit a wide range of missions from lightweight rapid reaction roles to air assault operations.
Documents
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StarStreak datasheetStarStreak - High Velocity Missile
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