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MM38 Exocet


First generation Exocet missile


Overview


MM38 Exocet

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

Origin
France
Type
Anti-ship missile
Entered service
1975
Status
Limited service
Development
1968 - 1972: development
1973 - 1974: trials
Developer
France - Nord Aviation (later AĆ©rospatiale)
France - AĆ©rospatiale
Production
1975 - 2001
Producer
France
Unit cost
About $ 350.000 to 450.000
Number produced
1.270 MM38
Designations
MM38 | Mer-Mer 38 km
French for "sea to sea missile 38 km range"
Exocet
French for "flying fish"
GWS50 (UK service designation)
Notable users
France
Argentina
Iraq

Description


Introduction

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.

Design

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.

Guidance

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.

Firepower

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.

Platforms

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.

Details


Facts MM38
General
Origin
France
Type
Anti-ship missile
Dimensions
Length
5.21 m
Diameter
0.35 m
Wingspan
1.04 m
Weight
735 kg
Guidance
Terminal phase
Active radar homing
I-band monopulse radar with 24 km max range
Initial phase
Inertial guidance
Warhead
Type
GP1A fragmentation warhead
Weight
165 kg
Fuse
SERAT delayed impact fuse, secondary proximity fuse
Engagement envelope
Propulsion
151 kg solid propellant sustainer motor
100 kg solid propellant booster motor
Speed
Mach 0.9
Range
38 to 42 km maximum
4 km minimum
Altitude
30 to 50 m above sea level upon launch
2 to 5 m above sea level in terminal phase

Media


Related articles


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MM40 Block 3 Exocet

Third generation Exocet missile. Features a long range due to its turbojet propulsion and has a land attack capability.