Independent Working Group Report: Missile Defense, the Space Relationship, and the Twenty-First Century. »»
September 8, 2008
IWG Report 2007
Independent Working Group Report: Missile Defense, the Space Relationship, and the Twenty-First Century. »»
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AS-34 Kormoran 2
| Country: | Germany |
|---|---|
| Class: | ALCM |
| Target: | Ship |
| Length: | 4.40 m |
| Diameter: | 0.34 m |
| Launch Weight: | 630.00 kg |
| Payload: | 220 kg HE, SAP |
| Propulsion: | Solid w/ solid booster |
| Range: | 35.00 km |
| Guidance: | INS, active radar |
| Status: | Operational |
| In Service: | 1991-Present |
Details
The AS-34 Kormoran 2 is a short-range, air-launched, solid-propellant, single warhead, air-to-surface missile developed and manufactured by Germany.
Development of the AS-34 Kormoran 1 began in 1962, and Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm became the prime contractor in 1967. The missile was initially designed for anti-ship warfare in coastal waters, although it can also be used against land targets as well. It is currently deployed on F-104G Starfighter and Tornado aircraft.
The AS-34 Kormoran 2 is an enhanced version of the AS-34 Kormoran 1. Development began in 1983, and the first flight and firing trials took place in 1986. The missile features an improved warhead, digital electronics, an updated active radar seeker, a more powerful booster rocket, a longer range, target selection, multiple launch capability, and an increased resistance to countermeasures.
The AS-34 Kormoran 2 has the same basic airframe as Kormoran 1. It is 4.4 m in length, has a body diameter of 0.34 m, and has a launch weight of 630 kg. Propulsion is solid propellant, and the missile is guided by an inertial navigation system (INS) in the midcourse phase, and an active radar in the terminal phase. Its larger booster motors give the AS-34 Kormoran 2 a longer maximum range of 35 km. The missile carries a 220 kg high explosive semi-armor piercing warhead.
Testing was completed in 1987, and the AS-34 Kormoran 2 entered production two years later. In 1991, the missile entered service with the German Navy. About 140 missiles were produced. Duncan Lennox, ed., Jane's Strategic Weapons Systems 45 (Surrey: Jane's Information Group, July 2006), pp. 46-48; GlobalSecurity.org, "AS.34 Kormoran," available at http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/as34.htm, accessed on August 1, 2006.
