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The Javelin is a SACLOS derivative of the established Blowpipe. This missile is virtually immune to jamming and highly effective against close- ing threats. Note the fins unfolding at launch.
Technology Explained – Man Portable SAMS
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Man Portable Surface-To-Rir Missiles
The proliferation of the second generation man portable Surface-Air-Missile must rank as one of the most important military developments of the decade.
These insidious little weapons have rendered battlefield airspace unusable by any aircraft other than high performance tactical jets, while effectively countering the principal weapon of counterinsurgency forces, the helicopter gunship. The mass deployment of the FIM-92A Stinger in Afghanistan tipped the scales in favour of the Mujahedeen insurgents who successfully engaged large and medium transports, helicopters and, significantly, tactical aircraft. This forced the Soviets to change their weapons delivery profiles much to the detriment of bombing accuracy. This in turn rendered Soviet air superiority meaning density point targets typical of such warfare less, as the be accurately hit from altitude with dumb weapons. The Soviets consequently lost their greatest tactical advantage in the campaign and the result is evident in this year’s reluctant withdrawal. It is therefore hardly necessary to elaborate upon the potential of the modern man portable SAM in the hands of a competent terrorist cleverly positioned within a couple of miles of a major airport. The sheer military incompetence of many Third World governments makes the use of supposedly independent terrorist organisations a very attractive optionortable SAM has forced major changes in thinking The man pby those confronted with it, those yet to be confronted still allow themselves the luxury of flying helos and tactical transports without exhaust infra-red {IR) suppressors, IR jammers and chaff/flare dispensers, the latter tied into IR warning systems and
Radar Warning Receivers {RWR). Second and first generation man portable SAMs use, much like point defence SAMs, heat seeking, command link or beam riding guidance therefore each class of weapon will have unique strengths and weaknesses. This will become very apparent upon closer examination.
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