Javelin is a British, man-portable surface-to-air missile, formerly used by the British Army and Canadian Army. It can be fired from the shoulder, or from a dedicated launcher known as Javelin LML—Lightweight Multiple Launcher. Capable of being vehicle mounted, the LML carries three rounds.
Javelin was replaced in front line British service by the Javelin S-15, sold commercially as the Starburst surface-to-air missile in 1993 (radio frequency guided Javelin was retained for some time thereafter for training purposes), and later by the Starstreak starting around 1997. The Canadian Forces have retired it without replacement.
The Javelin Anti Aircraft Missile was developed as a replacement for the Blowpipe missile, which had proven largely ineffective in the Falklands War, with only two hits recorded out of more than 100 launches. A British Harrier GR3 (XZ972) attacked by Argentine Army special forces (Commandos Company), and an Argentine Aermacchi MB-339 (0766 (4-A-114)) during the Battle of Goose Green.
It has been alleged that some were supplied to the mujahideen by the United States during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. It has 4 barrels and is usally green the barrels are connected at the back
Similar in overall appearance to the Manual Command Line of Sight (MCLOS), radio frequency guided Blowpipe, Javelin is slightly more compact, uses Semiautomatic Command Line of Sight (SACLOS) radio frequency guidance and is fitted with Semi and improved warhead. The operator is equipped with a 6x magnification sight and a long range TV camera to locate targets. Although the Javelin's accuracy is somewhat susceptible to smoke, fog or clouds, it is claimed to be virtually impossible to decoy it away from a target with flares.
| Javelin | |
|---|---|
| Type | Manportable surface-to-air missile |
| Place of origin |  UK |
| Service history | |
| Wars | Soviet invasion of Afghanistan |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Thales Air Defence |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 11.1 kilograms (24 lb) (Missile) 24.3 kilograms (54 lb) (System) |
| Length | 1.39 metres (4 ft 7 in) |
| Diameter | 76 millimetres (3 in) |
| Crew | 1 |
| | |
| Effective range | 300 to 4,500 metres (980 to 14,800 ft) against jets to 5,500 metres (18,000 ft) against helicopters |
| Warhead | High Explosive warhead |
| Warhead weight | 2.74 kilograms (6.0 lb) (containing 0.6 kilograms (1.3 lb) of HE) with contact and proximity fuzes |
| Detonation mechanism | Impact force or Fuse Proximity |
| | |
| Engine | Solid Fuel Rocket |
| Speed | Mach 1.7+ approx. |
| Guidance system | SACLOS system |
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