Monday, June 6, 2011

AIM-2000 IRIS-T - German AAM

The AIM-2000 IRIS-T (Infra Red Imaging System Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled) is a German-led program to develop a short-range air-to-air missile to replace the venerable AIM-9 Sidewinder found in some of the NATO member countries. Any aircraft capable of carrying and firing Sidewinder is also capable of launching IRIS-T.

In 1995, Germany announced the IRIS-T development program, in collaboration with Greece, Italy, Norway, Sweden and Canada. Canada later dropped out.

Workshare arrangements for IRIS-T development are:

  • Germany 46%
  • Italy 19%
  • Sweden 18%
  • Greece 13%
  • 4% split between Canada and Norway.

In 2003 Spain joined as a partner for procurement.

The Luftwaffe took first delivery of the missile on 5 December 2005.

High ECM-Resistance, target discrimination and flare suppression and extreme close-in fight capability (60 g, 60°/s) and 5 to 8 times longer head-on firing range than the AIM-9L Sidewinder. Even targets behind the launching aircraft can be destroyed successfully by IRIS-T.

AIM 2000 IRIS-T
Type Air-to-air missile
Place of origin multinational with Germany as lead
Service history
In service December 2005
Production history
Manufacturer Diehl BGT Defence
Unit cost 400,000 €
Specifications
Weight 87.4 kg
Length 2936 mm
Diameter 127 mm

Warhead HE/Fragmentation
Detonation
mechanism
Impact and active radar proximity fuze

Engine Solid-fuel rocket
Wingspan 447 mm
Operational
range
~25 km
Flight altitude Sea level to 20,000 m
Speed Mach 3
Guidance
system
Infrared
Launch
platform
Users:
  • Germany: Typhoon, Tornado, F-4
  • Greece: F-16, F-4
  • Italy: Typhoon
  • Norway: F-16
  • Sweden: Gripen
  • Austria: Typhoon
  • Spain: F-18, Typhoon
  • South Africa: Gripen
  • Saudi Arabia: Typhoon, Tornado

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