Aster missile to be tested against sea-skimming supersonic missile

[C.Puffs]

Got any videos of the Coyote target missile? Those were made and tested a few miles away from me at Aerojet where my grandpa used to work.

None. In fact I can only think of two pictures every released of the thing even in flight.

[C.Puffs]

Wonder if the GQM 163A Coyote could be turned into a Harpoon replacement or an American answer to the Sunburn? Wouldn't think it'd be that much of a stretch to turn it into the weapon its emulating.

No. 123456789

Yeah, I've been wondering that myself for some time. It's only got a 60 mile range, so that might be the reason. Although, I'm sure it wouldn't be hard to extend it.

Much easier said than done.

[twinblade]

"Tsyrkon" for russian navy.

That's the first time I have heard that name.

[shuredgefan]

About time!

Thanks for posting.

Yeah, I would have thought they would have run this test during the Development-Demonstration phase 10 years ago.

[artjomh]

That's the first time I have heard that name.

Zircon-S is a new Russian hypersonic naval missile. That's all we really know about it.

It's possible that it is made by NPO Mashinostroyenia (makers of naval cruise missiles and ICBMs). It's possible that it is the domestic Russian version of the Brahmos-2. But we don't really know anything for sure.

[Lawndart]

Wonder if the GQM 163A Coyote could be turned into a Harpoon replacement or an American answer to the Sunburn? Wouldn't think it'd be that much of a stretch to turn it into the weapon its emulating.

I believe Lockheed are developing a weapon thus far named LRASM-B, which is a supersonic, RAM-jet powered long range anti-ship missile, comparable to the likes of BrahMos et al. However, it's been a while since there's been an update on LRASM. Last I heard, it was projected to enter service in 2013.

[Halidon]

Wonder if the GQM 163A Coyote could be turned into a Harpoon replacement or an American answer to the Sunburn? Wouldn't think it'd be that much of a stretch to turn it into the weapon its emulating.

Target missiles can't (easily) be made into operational missiles. A target doesn't need to worry about long-term storage, corrosion, fitting into existing tubes, shock effects, jamming, complex guidance, long range, smokeless exhaust, series production concerns, etc.

[Halidon]

I believe Lockheed are developing a weapon thus far named LRASM-B, which is a supersonic, RAM-jet powered long range anti-ship missile, comparable to the likes of BrahMos et al. However, it's been a while since there's been an update on LRASM. Last I heard, it was projected to enter service in 2013.

LRASM does not have a "service entry" date, its a tech development and test program aimed to have flight tests next year. A program for a production missile would follow the testing.

[C.Puffs]

LRASM does not have a "service entry" date, its a tech development and test program aimed to have flight tests next year. A program for a production missile would follow the testing.

It's basically an ASALM. Same configuration, same engine, etc. It's a shame we have to blow the dust off a 35 year old design to come up with something "cutting edge".

[Lawndart]

LRASM does not have a "service entry" date, its a tech development and test program aimed to have flight tests next year. A program for a production missile would follow the testing.

Thanks for the update.

[C.Puffs]

Zircon-S is a new Russian hypersonic naval missile. That's all we really know about it.

Is there any evidence that it's *actually* a hypersonic weapon? ("Hypersonic" gets tossed around so often these days because it's the latest buzzword, when in fact most vehicles it's applied to aren't hypersonic.)

[C.Puffs]

Target missiles can't (easily) be made into operational missiles. A target doesn't need to worry about long-term storage, corrosion, fitting into existing tubes, shock effects, jamming, complex guidance, long range, smokeless exhaust, series production concerns, etc.

Or things like warheads and lots of fuel. And nevermind the fact there's no way in hell a Coyote and it's booster would fit any existing US launch system.

[artjomh]

Is there any evidence that it's *actually* a hypersonic weapon? ("Hypersonic" gets tossed around so often these days because it's the latest buzzword, when in fact most vehicles it's applied to aren't hypersonic.)

Its name and the "naval" and "hypersonic" parts come from Russian deputy minister of defense.

Before he actually mentioned it last year, we didn't even know such a program existed (although it would have been an easy guess, since Indians confirmed that Brahmos-2 was going to be hypersonic, which I always assume to be M>5).

[C.Puffs]

Its name and the "naval" and "hypersonic" parts come from Russian deputy minister of defense.

Before he actually mentioned it last year, we didn't even know such a program existed (although it would have been an easy guess, since Indians confirmed that Brahmos-2 was going to be hypersonic, which I always assume to be M>5).

Yeah, they say Mach 8 for Brahmos 2. You'll have to forgive me for wanting to see it before I believe it though. Mach 2.8 of Brahmos 1 is a cake walk by comparison.

[artjomh]

Yeah, they say Mach 8 for Brahmos 2. You'll have to forgive me for wanting to see it before I believe it though. Mach 2.8 of Brahmos 1 is a cake walk by comparison.

Raduga made a long-range missile with a hypersonic ramjet that could do 4.5 Mach in mid 80's. Was supposed to replace Kh-55 ALCM. Was tested twice, but shelved in early 90's.

Also, NPO Mash had a flying lab design similar to NASA's X-43 that was supposed to do 6-14 Mach.

We'll see how it goes.