Type 90
SSM-1B
Overview
Type 90 / SSM-1B
Eight Type 90 anti-ship missiles seen on a Murasame class destroyer in 2017.
Source: Hunini -
© CC BY-SA 4.0
Japan - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
90式艦対艦誘導弾
Description
Introduction
The Type 90 is a modern era anti-ship missile of Japanese origin. It is also known as the SSM-1B, since it was developed from the land based SSM-1 / Type 88 missile. The Type 90 replaced the RGM-84 Harpoon as the standard issue anti-ship missile on surface vessels.
Design
The Type 90 is a naval version of the Type 88 / SSM-1 missile. As such has a very similar layout and performance as the American RGM-84 Harpoon. Unlike the land based Type 88 / SSM-1 there are no terrain avoidance maneuvers since this missile is launched at sea. The missiles are launched from cylindrical container often grouped in blocks of four. A solid propellant booster motor provides initial velocity while a turbojet engine sustains the flight speed. Type 90 is a subsonic sea skimming missile that follows a pre-programmed flight path. The fire control computers are also compatible with the American Harpoon, of which large numbers remain in Japanese service.
Guidance
The Type 90 uses active radar homing in the terminal phase. The onboard computer features target selection algorithms and ECCM capabilities. The missile reaches the target area using its inertial navigation system. Maneuvers can be pre-programmed. There is no GPS positioning or mid course update capability.
Firepower
The Type 90 has a 260 kg high explosive warhead. Maximum range of the Type 90 is reported as 150 km. Notable that it is low flying or sea skimming all the way. Flight in terminal phase is reported as 5 to 6 m above sea level.
Users
The Type 90 was fitted to Japanese destroyers produced for several decades. Starting with the Murasame class in the 1990's up to the first of the Maya class around 2019. The Type 90 replaced the American RGM-84 Harpoon as the standard ship-borne anti-ship missile. The newer Type 17 is now the new standard anti-ship missile in Japanese service. In accordance to Japanese legislation the Type 90 was never offered for export sales.
Media
Type 90 / SSM-1B
Three Type 90 anti-ship missiles seen on an Akizuki class destroyer in 2017.
Source: Hunini
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0
Type 90 / SSM-1B
Two Type 90 missile containers seen on an Akizuki class destroyer in 2014.
Source: Hunini
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0
Type 90 / SSM-1B
Six Type 90 anti-ship missiles seen on a Murasame class destroyer in 2017.
Source: Z3144228
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0
Type 90 / SSM-1B
Three Type 90 anti-ship missiles seen on an Atago class destroyer in 2014.
Source: Hunini
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0
Details
Platforms
Hayabusa class
Japanese missile boat, 6 ships in class. Fitted for 2x2 Type 90.
Murasame class
Japanese destroyer, 9 ships in class. Fitted for 2x4 Type 90.
Takanami class
Japanese destroyer, 5 ships in class. Fitted for 2x4 Type 90.
Atago class
Japanese destroyer, 2 ships in class. Fitted for 2x4 Type 90.
Asahi class
Japanese destroyer, 2 ships in class. Fitted for 2x4 Type 90.
Related
RGM-84 Harpoon
The Type 90 is the successor of the RGM-84 Harpoon in Japanese service. These missiles follow a very similar design pattern.