The Starstreak missile is transported in a sealed launch tube. This tube is attached to an aiming unit for firing. The operator tracks the target using the aiming unit's optically stabilized sight. The process of tracking the target allows the aiming unit to compute the right trajectory to bring the missile together with the target. The operator can indicate wind direction to the unit, and in the case of a long range target provide super elevation. When the initial tracking is complete, the operator fires the missile by pressing a button.
The missile then fires the first stage rocket motor, which launches the missile from the tube — but burns out before leaving the tube to protect the operator. When the missile is a safe distance from the operator the second stage fires, which rapidly accelerates the missile to burn out velocity of about Mach 3.5 four hundred meters away from the operator. As the second stage burns out the three dart sub-munitions are released. The darts are each 396 millimetres (15.6 in) long with a diameter of 22 millimetres (0.87 in) and weigh about 900 grams (32 oz). Each dart consists of a rotating fore-body with two canard fins attached to a non-rotating rear assembly which has four fins. The rear assembly also houses the electronics that guide the missile. The dart housing is made from a tungsten alloy, and contains approximately 450 g (16 oz) of explosive with a delayed impact activated fuze.
The missiles are guided by two laser beams projected into a two dimensional matrix by the aiming unit. The laser is modulated according to its position in the projected matrix, this modulation is detected by each sub-munition and allows it to determine any steering correction. The sub-munitions steer by briefly decelerating the rotating fore-body with a clutch. The front wings then steer the missile in the appropriate direction. The three sub-munitions fly in a formation about 1.5 meters in radius, and have enough kinetic energy to maneuver to meet a target evading at 9G at 7,000 meters.
On impact with the target a delayed action fuze is triggered. This gives time for the projectile to penetrate the target before the explosive warhead detonates. The tungsten housing is designed to fragment and produce maximum damage inside the target.
A demonstration was conducted in September 1999 that showed the missile being used against an FV432 armoured personnel carrier, showing the missile's effectiveness as surface-to-surface weapon. Each sub-munition dart travelling at 1,250 meters per second (2,800 mph) has comparable kinetic energy to a shell from a Bofors 40 mm gun and probably has sufficient energy to penetrate the front armour of an infantry fighting vehicle. However it lacks the armour penetration capabilities of a purpose-built anti-tank guided missile or a dual purpose missile such as Air Defence Anti-Tank System.
Variants
- ATASK (Air To Air Starstreak): Fired from a helicopter. This was developed in combination with McDonnell-Douglas and Lockheed-Martin electronics between 1995 and 1998 specifically for use with the AH-64 Apache. It has yet to enter service.
- LML: Fired from a Lightweight Multiple Launcher (LML) which holds three missiles ready for firing and can be used as either a stationary launch unit or mounted on a light vehicle such as a Land Rover or HMMWV (Humvee). This practice was first used with the Javelin system.
- Seastreak: Two versions of a naval mounting have been demonstrated—a one-man mount similar to the LML but carrying a total of six missiles, and a close in weapon system mounting holding 24 missiles.
- SP HVM: Carried on an Alvis Stormer AFV with a roof mounted eight round launcher with internal stowage for a further 12 missiles.
- Starstreak Avenger: Built to a U.S. Army requirement in the early 1990s this system integrated the Starstreak missile on the Boeing Avenger vehicle, replacing 1 pod of Stinger missiles with 1 pod of 4 Starstreak and modifying the fire control system accordingly.
- Starstreak Mark II: Upgrade to the Starstreak.
- THOR/Multi Mission System (MMS): A four missile turret mounted on a Pinzgauer (6x6) cross-country chassis, unveiled by Thales UK in 2005.
| Starstreak | |
|---|---|
| Type | Manportable/Vehicle mounted surface-to-air missile |
| Place of origin |  UK |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1997 - Present |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1980s |
| Manufacturer | Thales Air Defence |
| Produced | November 1986 |
| Number built | 7,000 |
| Specifications (Starstreak High Velocity Missile) | |
| Weight | 16.82 kg |
| Length | 1.397 m |
| Diameter | 13 cm |
| Crew | 1 |
| | |
| Effective range | 0.3–7 km |
| Warhead | Three explosive sub-munitions ("darts") |
| Warhead weight | 0.9 kg |
| Detonation mechanism | Impact Delay |
| | |
| Engine | First stage: Royal Ordnance 'Brambling' cast double-based propellant blip rocket motor. Second stage: Royal Ordnance 'Titus' cast double-based propellant |
| Speed | Mach 3.5 at second stage burnout |
| Guidance system | SACLOS system |
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