Storm Shadow

Storm Shadow is an Anglo-French air-launched cruise missile, manufactured by MBDA and used by Britain, France, and Italy.

Related Topics:
Anglo - French - Cruise missile - MBDA

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Storm Shadow is the British name for the weapon; in French service it is called

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SCALP EG (Emploi Général, meaning General Purpose).

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The stealthy missile has a range in excess of 150 mi (250 km), is powered by a turbojet at mach 0.8 and can be carried by the Tornado GR4, Italian Tornado IDS, Eurofighter Typhoon, Harrier GR7, Mirage 2000 and Rafale aircraft. The warhead features an initial penetrating charge to clear soil or enter a bunker, then a variable delay fuse to control detonation of the main warhead. The missile weighs about 1,300 kg has a maximum body diameter of 1 m and a wingspan of 3 m. Intended targets are command, control and communications; airfield facilities; port facilities; AMS/ammunition storage; ships/submarines in ports and bridges.

Related Topics:
Tornado - GR4 - Tornado IDS - Eurofighter Typhoon - Harrier - GR7 - Mirage 2000 - Rafale

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Mission planners program the missile with the target, air defence locations and planned ground path, then the missile uses a low terrain-hugging flight path guided by GPS and terrain matching to the proximity of the target. Once there the missile commences a bunt (climb) manoeuver to an altitude intended to achieve the best probability of target acquisition and penetration. During the bunt, the nose cone is jettisoned to allow a high resolution infrared camera to see the target area. The missile attempts to match the target image with the planned target. If it can't and there is a high risk of collateral damage, it will steer to a pre-designated crash point instead of risking an inaccurate attack with undesired consequences.

Related Topics:
GPS - Infrared camera

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Matra BAe Dynamics (UK) was the main UK contractor and Matra BAe Dynamics (France) the main French contractor. The two parts of the same company handled the international co-operation work, reducing project management overhead.

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