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Albatros



Overview

Albatros

Mk 29 octuple launcher of the Albatros system in use with Italian navy.
Source: marina.difesa.net - © GNU Attribution Share Alike license

Origin
Italy
Type
Naval SAM system
Entered service
1977
Status
In service
Development
Early 1970’s
Developer
Italy - Alenia
Production
Late 1970’s - present
Producer
Italy - Alenia (now MBDA)
Notable users
Italy
Argentina
Venezuela

Description

Introduction

The Albatros is a naval surface to air missile system of Italian origin. It is mainly intended as a point defense system for frigates. The design is very similar to the US RIM-7 Sea Sparrow system. Various parts are interchangeable, it is even possible to launch Sea Sparrow missiles with minor modifications.

Design

The design of the Albatros is based around the Aspide missiles, an improved variant of the AIM-7E Sparrow air to air missile. The launcher is the US Mk 29 octuple launched, also used by the Sea Sparrow system. For use on corvettes a smaller quadruple launcher was developed.

Guidance

The Aspide missile is a semi-active radar homing missiles. This requires the targed to be illuminated by a continuous wave fire control radar. A single target is engaged at a time.

Firepower

The Albatros system fires the Aspide missile, a semi-active radar homing missile. Maximum range is 15 km and maximum altitude is 6 km. Four or eight missiles are ready to launch, depending on launcher type. It is possible to combine the octuple launcher with a storage and reloading system holding 16 more missiles. Using the more capable Aspide 2000 the range increases to over 25 km and maximum altitude is 8 km.

Users

The Albatros was adopted by Italy for use on various frigates. It was also an export success. Albatros is in use with 16 nations in over 70 ships.

Details

Facts Aspide Aspide 2000
General
Origin
Italy
Type
Air to air missile
Surface to air missile
Dimensions
Length
3.65 m
Diameter
0.21 m
Wingspan
1.00 m
Weight
230 kg
Guidance
Type
Semi-active radar homing
Warhead
Type
High explosive fragmentation
Weight
33 kg
Fuse
Proximity and contact fuse
Engagement envelope
Propulsion
Single-stage solid propellant rocket motor
Max speed
4.520 km/h
Range
25 - 35 km (air to air)
15 km (surface to air)
Altitude
6 km (surface to air)

Media

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Mk 29 IBPDMS

The Albatros uses the same Mk 29 octuple launcher as used for the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow.

Read more about Mk 29 IBPDMS