PARS 3 LR
TRIGAT | AC 3G
Overview
PARS 3 LR
A PARS 3 LR anti-tank missile being held by a robot arm.
Source: MBDA Deutschland -
© Copyright lies with original owner
France
2000 - 2011 (test launches)
France
€ 558.000 (nominal)
AC 3G | Anti-Char 3me Generation
PARS 3 LR
Description
Introduction
The PARS 3 LR is a modern era long range anti-tank missiles of French-German origin. It was de long range missile in the TRIGAT program run as a joint initiative by France, Germany and the United Kingdom since the late 1980's. The latter subsequently withdrew from the program and France hasn't ordered it yet. After a protracted development and testing program, lacking sense of urgency in the post-Soviet era, it finally entered service in 2019.
Design
PARS 3 LR is a long range fire and forget missile developed to be launched at low altitude by helicopters from a stand-off range. The range combined with the immediate ability to move after launch should protect the helicopter from short range air defense. The missile has a solid propellant rocket motor and larger fins at the middle and smaller control fins at the rear. The nose houses the optical seeker and warhead.
Guidance
The optical seeker in the nose of the missile works in the IR spectrum and guides itself to the target. Target acquisition is done via a mast mounted optical sight, which transfers the target profile to the missile. Since this is a passive system the target should have no warning, unless the launch aircraft uses a laser range finder. The fire and forget mode of operation allows the launch aircraft to move immediately after launch, for instance hiding behind a terrain feature.
Firepower
PARS 3 LR has a tandem HEAT warhead that improves effectiveness versus explosive reactive armor. Penetration is quoted as over 1.000 mm RHA behind ERA. This should be sufficient against modern main battle tanks. The warhead has an impact fuse.
Platforms
In German service the PARS 3 LR is carried on the Tiger attack helicopter. This is fitted with a mast mounted optical sight.
Users
The PARS 3 LR was adopted by the German army and is used on the Tiger light attack helicopter.
Media
PARS 3 LR
A PARS 3 LR seen upon launch from a Tiger helicopter. Note that the wings are still in folded position.
Source: MBDA Deutschland
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
PARS 3 LR
A launch cannister containing a PARS 3 LR missile being loaded into a missile pod on a Tiger helicopter.
Source: MBDA Deutschland
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
PARS 3 LR
Four launch cannisters containing a PARS 3 LR missiles seen in front of a Tiger helicopter.
Source: MBDA Deutschland
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
PARS 3 LR
Close-up of a missile pod for four PARS 3 LR missiles seen on a Tiger helicopter. The two sleeker missiles are FIM-92 Stinger.
Source: MBDA Deutschland
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
PARS 3 LR
Four launch cannisters containing a PARS 3 LR missiles seen in front of a Tiger helicopter.
Source: MBDA Deutschland
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Details
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