Blowpipe
Overview
Blowpipe
Canadian soldiers in NBC gear seen in the field with the Blowpipe manportable SAM system during an exercise in 1987.
Source: US DoD -
© Public domain
Origin
United Kingdom
Type
Man portable SAM system
Entered service
1975
Status
Limited service
Development
Early 1960's - 1972
Developer
United Kingdom
-
Shorts Missile Systems
Production
1974 - 1993
Producer
United Kingdom
-
Shorts Missile Systems
Number produced
34.382 missiles produced, likely including Javelin and possibly Starburst
About 19.000 missiles by 1989 according to other sources
About 19.000 missiles by 1989 according to other sources
Notable users
United Kingdom
Canada
Ecuador
Argentina
Canada
Ecuador
Argentina
Details
Facts
Blowpipe
General
Origin
United Kingdom
Type
Surface to air missile
Dimensions
Length
1.35 m
Diameter
76 mm
Wingspan
275 mm
Weight
11 km missile only
14.5 kg missile in launch tube
6.2 kg aiming unit
Guidance
Guidance mode
Command to light of sight
Warhead
Type
High explosive fragmentation shaped charge warhead
Weight
2.2 kg
Fuse
Impact and proximity
Engagement envelope
Propulsion
Solid propellant rocket motor with booster stage
Speed
Mach 1
Range
3.5 km maximum
0.7 km minimum
Altitude
2.5 km maximum
10 m minimum
Media
Blowpipe
Canadian soldiers in NBC gear seen in the field with the Blowpipe manportable SAM system during an exercise in 1987.
Source: US DoD
Copyright: Public domain
Blowpipe
Blowpipe missile on display in a museum.
Source: geni
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0
Blowpipe
Early trails with a prototype Blowpipe system taking place in 1970.
Source: US DoD
Copyright: Public domain
Blowpipe
Rear view of a prototype Blowpipe system with laser beam riding fire control unit taking place in 1973. In modified form this guidance mode lead to the Starburst missile, which first entered service in 1990.
Source: US DoD
Copyright: Public domain
Related articles
Javelin
Successor of the Blowpipe with improved guidance, longer range and more lethal warhead.