Firestreak
Notes: Firestreak was an early British heat-seeking missile, roughly analogous to the Sidewinder (though much larger). The testing program started in 1954, and the missile was so successful that for the first 100 launches, the engineers learned practically nothing about any potential weaknesses of the Firestreak. (Later testing revealed an accuracy rating of about 85% when fired within the proper parameters, still a remarkable total.) The Firestreak had been largely replaced by later missiles by 2003, though the few countries still using the Lightning (mostly Saudi Arabia and Kuwait) still had some Firestreaks on hand.
Weapon |
Weight |
Accuracy |
Guidance |
Sensing |
Price |
Firestreak |
137 kg |
Average |
IR |
Rear Aspect |
$7400 |
Speed |
Min Rng |
Max Rng |
Damage |
Pen |
Type |
|
Firestreak |
5095 |
1065 |
8000 |
C47 B100 |
26C |
FRAG-HE |
Red Top
Notes: The Red Top began as an upgrade to the Firestreak (and was originally called the Firestreak Mk IV). The Red Top was to overcome the narrow angle of acquisition of the Firestreak, as well as to rarrange the components of the Firestreak in a more logical and efficient pattern. Increases in technology allowed a better seeker head and the change in design as well as explosives technology allowed a more lethal warhead. However, by 2003, the Red Top has the same status as the Firestreak; largely in storage except for those countries still using the Lightning.
Weapon |
Weight |
Accuracy |
Guidance |
Sensing |
Price |
Red Top |
150 kg |
Average |
IR |
All Aspect |
$11416 |
Weapon |
Speed |
Min Rng |
Max Rng |
Damage |
Pen |
Type |
Red Top |
5435 |
1000 |
12000 |
C56 B94 |
26C |
FRAG-HE |
Skyflash
Notes: The Skyflash is a development of the AIM-7E2 Sparrow. The homing head has been replaced by one using a more advanced monopulse seeker that increases accuracy and allows the warm-up time for the missile to be decreased from the 15 seconds of the standard AIM-7E2 to less than 2 seconds. This decreases the minimum range and response time. The Skyflash was designed for the British variant of the Phantom II; it was also used by the Viggen and the Tornado. By 2003, Skyflash was largely replaced in Europe by the AMRAAM, and was on its way to replacement in other areas of the world.
Weapon |
Weight |
Accuracy |
Guidance |
Sensing |
Price |
Skyflash |
193 kg |
Average |
Radar |
All Aspect |
$17256 |
Weapon |
Speed |
Min Rng |
Max Rng |
Damage |
Pen |
Type |
Skyflash |
6795 |
1600 |
50000 |
C54 B106 |
23C |
FRAG-HE |