|
| |
Performance
The Starstreak has never been used in combat, so its operational effectiveness
is unknown. It has a number of advantages over infrared guided, radar guided,
and radio command MCLOS/SACLOS (Blowpipe or Javelin), missiles:
It cannot be jammed by simple flares (infrared countermeasures) or radar/radio
countermeasures.
It cannot be suppressed with anti-radar missiles.
Its high speed makes it more likely to be able to intercept a fast moving
aircraft.
Three submunitions increase the size of the lethal area, increasing the
probability that the target will be hit by at least one submunition.
Its high speed reduces the amount of time for effective usage of any potential
countermeasure, such as the beam maneuver or illuminating the guidance laser
source with an eyesight damaging battlefield laser.
It is much quicker reacting than infrared guided MANPADS, with no seeker cooling
down period required.
The guidance laser has a low energy level, making detection more difficult for a
laser warning receiver system.
However there are some disadvantages:
The guidance laser may be detected after the missile is fired, if the target
aircraft is equipped with a suitable laser warning system, unlike entirely
passively guided infrared missiles such as the Stinger which require a
MAWS/Missile Approach Warning System. Infrared launch signature detecting MAWS
tend to be subject to a high false alarm rate, and the radar based MAWS radiate
an easily detectable signal, giving away the presence of the aircraft.
The operator can be blinded by battlefield lasers or other countermeasures.
Battlefield obscurants such as smoke can degrade the ability of the missile
operator to see the target soon enough to engage it, and can also interfere with
the guidance laser.
The training level of the operator is critical since, unlike infrared guided
missiles, the operator has to track the target exactly with the sighting unit
aimpoint (SACLOS).
The submunitions have no proximity fuse, so a near miss would do no damage to
the target.
| |
|
