KP-SAM Chiron
South Korean shoulder-launched surface-to-air missile
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The KP-SAM Chiron[note 1] (Korean Portable-Surface to Air Missile; Korean: 신궁; Hanja: 神弓; RR: Singung) is a South Korean shoulder-launched surface-to-air missile manufactured by LIG Nex1.[4]
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| KP-SAM Chiron 신궁 휴대용 지대공 미사일 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Type | Manportable surface-to-air missile (MANPADS) |
| Place of origin | South Korea |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2005–present |
| Used by | See Operators |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Agency for Defense Development LIG Nex1 |
| Designed | 1995–2004[1] |
| Manufacturer | LIG Nex1 |
| Unit cost | €2.6 million (2023)[2] |
| Produced | 2004–present |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | Total: 19.5 kg (43 lb)[3] Missile: 15 kg (33 lb)[1] |
| Length | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Diameter | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Crew | 2 (If based from a tripod), 1 (If held) |
| Maximum firing range | 7 km (4.3 mi)[1] |
| Warhead | 720 Tungsten balls[3] |
| Warhead weight | 2.5 kg (5.5 lb)[3] |
| Engine | Solid fuel rocket |
| Flight ceiling | 4 km (13,000 ft)[1] |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.5 (851 m/s; 3,060 km/h)[3] |
Guidance system | Infrared homing[3] |
History
The KP-SAM Chiron was created to protect ROK troops in the forward area, which started in 1995 under the direction of LIG Nex1.[5] In late 2003, the delivery of the Igla SAMs from Russia in payment for Russian debts to Korea appear to have solved the problem momentarily.[3][6] The KP-SAM began production in 2004 with extended trials in early 2005.[1][5]
In late 2005, the KP-SAM entered service with the South Korean Army, after being in development for nearly 8 years.[1][6] The South Korean Army has ordered some 2000 units to be delivered in the near future.[6]
In 2011, the KP-SAM was proposed to the Indian military for potential export.[4] It was being marketed in 2012 for India's modernization of their VSHORAD system, competing with the RBS 70, the Starstreak, the Mistral-2 and the SA-24.[7]
In November 2012, Peru announced that they will purchase the Chiron alongside 108 missiles and three TPS-830KE radar under a $USD 43 million defense contract.[8] However, the deal was called off in May 2013 over problems on paying for the contract.[8]
In 2014, Indonesia bought the KP-SAM for integration with the Skyshield 35 mm anti-aircraft system.[9] It was previously shown at the Indo Defence 2014 exhibition.[10]
In 2021 it is reported that failure rate of the KP-SAM was at 24% due to aging inventory that has been improperly stored along lacking proficiency with the system by its operators.[11]
Features
While the missile system externally resembles a French Mistral system, the entire missile system including the seeker, control section, warhead and motor were developed and manufactured in South Korea.[5][6] The missile features integrated IFF systems, night and adverse weather capabilities, a two-colour (IR/UV) infrared seeker to aid in negating infrared countermeasures (IRCM) and a proximity-fuse warhead. During development tests the missile scored a 90% hit ratio.
According to Agency for Defense Development officials, the missile is superior to the American FIM-92 Stinger or the French Mistral in hit probability, price and portability.[12] It had been involved in a missile test where the Shingung's missile made impact on a low-flying target as high as 3.5 kilometers with a speed of 697.5 m/s (more than Mach 2.36)[13] and a distance range of 7 km.[4]
Operators
Indonesia: Indonesian Air Force acquired and operated Chirons since 2014 which was integrated with Oerlikon Skyshield 35 mm anti-aircraft gun system.[9] Additional 2 Chirons transferred according to a 2019 SIPRI small arms report.[14]
Romania: 54 KP-SAMs.[15][16] First systems delivered in June 2024.[17]
South Korea: In ROK Army service since 2005.[4]
Failed contracts
See also
- K-SAM (based on Crotale)
- K-SAAM
- M-SAM
- L-SAM
- List of surface-to-air missiles
- List of anti-aircraft weapons
