MIM-72 Chaparral


RIM-72 Sea Chaparral


Overview

MIM-72 Chaparral

Close-up of MIM-72 Chaparral surface to air missiles on a M48 Chaparral system in service with Taiwan.
Source: Gen Shio - © GNU Attribution Share Alike license

Origin
United States
Type
Surface to air missile
Entered service
1969 for MIM-72A
1978 for MIM-72C
Late 1980's for MIM-72G
Status
Limited service
Development
1960's
Developer
United States
Production
1969 - 1975 (MIM-72A/B)
Late 1960's - 1990's or later
Producer
United States
Unit cost
$ 80.000
Number produced
About 21.000, including 9.500 A/B
Designations
RIM-72 Sea Chaparral (naval version)
Notable users
United States
Israel
Taiwan
Egypt

Variants

MIM-72 Chaparral

MIM-72 Chaparral being launched during trails from a trailer mounted M54 launch station.
Source: US Army - © Public domain

List of Chaparral missile variants

MIM-72A
Original production version as introduced in 1969. Based on AIM-9D Sidewinder. The MIM-72B is a training model of the MIM-72A.
MIM-72C Improved Chaparral
Much improved version of the Chaparral. Uses all-aspect IR seeker, doppler radar fuse and new warhead. Introduced in 1974 and operational by 1978.
RIM-72C Sea Chaparral
Naval variant of the MIM-72C. Practically similar to the MIM-72C.
MIM-72E/F
Variant of the MIM-72C with smokeless rocket motor. The reduced fire signature doesn't impede visibility for a follow-up shot, and reduces the enemy's ability to determine the launch site. MIM-72F indicates a new built missile and the MIM-72E is a retrofitted MIM-72C.
MIM-72G
Upgrade of existing Chaparral missiles with AN/DAW-2 seeker as used on the FIM-92 Stinger. Upgrade applied in the late 1980's . Also produced as a new missile once upgrade program was complete.
MIM-72H
Export model of the MIM-72F.
MIM-72J
Downgraded export model of MIM-72G.

Details

Facts MIM-72A MIM-72C MIM-72G
General
Origin
United States
Type
Surface to air missile
Dimensions
Length
2.90 m
Diameter
127 mm
Wingspan
0.63 m
Weight
86 kg
Guidance
Guidance mode
IR homing, rear aspect only
Seeker type
Nitrogen-cooled PbS seeker
2.5° view and 12°/s tracking rate
Warhead
Type
MK 48 continuous rod
Weight
11 kg
Fuse
Proximity fuse
Engagement envelope
Propulsion
MK 50 solid propellant rocket motor
Thrust
12.2 kN for 4.7 s
Speed
Mach 1.5
Range
Up to 6 km
Altitude
Up to 3 km

Related articles

Sea Chaparral

The RIM-72C is used on the Sea Chaparral, a one man naval mount for the Chaparral missile.

Read more about Sea Chaparral