A MM38 being launched from a coastal defense system and showing its swept back main wings.
Source: www.hellenicnavy.gr -
© copyright lies with original owner
The MM38 Exocet is a Cold War era anti-ship missile of French origin. The MM38 is the first generation of the Exocet missile and was one of the first operational sea skimming missiles.
The MM38 has what is now known as a conventional layout, but was a quite novel concept at the time. The long and thin cylindrical has a pointed nose that houses the radar with the warhead located behind. The rear half of the missile is made up of the solid propellant rocket motor. The main wings are mounted behind the center of gravity and four small control fins are located at the nozzle. The MM38 is the only Exocet to feature swept back main wings.
The MM38 is launched towards a target area by the host vessel or coastal defense system. Since the Exocet flies just above water level inertial guidance is used until the target can be acquired by the active radar homing system.
The MM38 is a subsonic missile flying a Mach 0.9 out to a maximum range of about 38 km. The 165 kg warhead is of a blast-fragmentation type optimized for use against post World War 2 ships without armor. The delayed impact fuse ensures a detonation within the target.
The MM38 proved to be a versatile anti-ship missile that could be used on a wide variety of ship types. These range from small and fast missile craft to frigates and destroyers. Many nations around the world acquired this first generation of Exocet. Several types of land based coastal defense missiles were developed as well.
Second generation Exocet missile. Larger and improved rocket motor doubles the range. The Block 2 upgrade has a much improved guidance section.
Third generation Exocet missile. Features a long range due to its turbojet propulsion and has a land attack capability.
© WeaponSystems.net | All rights reserved.