Chiron (missile)
| KP-SAM Shingung | |
|---|---|
| Type | Manportable surface-to-air missile |
| Place of origin | South Korea |
| Service history | |
| In service | Late 2005 |
| Used by | See Operators |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Agency for Defense Development |
| Manufacturer | LIG Nex1 |
| Produced | 1995 - 2004 |
| Number built | 2000 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight |
24.3 kg (System) |
| Length | 1.68m |
| Diameter | 80 mm |
| Crew | 2 (If based from a tripod), 1 (If held) |
|
| |
| Effective firing range | 3-5 km |
| Maximum firing range | 7 km |
| Warhead weight | 2.5 kg |
|
| |
| Engine | solid-rocket motor |
Guidance system | Infrared homing |
The KP-SAM Shin-Gung or Shin-Kung (Korean: hangul: 신궁, hanja: 新弓) is a South Korean shoulder-launched surface-to-air missile manufactured by LIG Nex1. It is marketed internationally as the Chiron.[1]
Overview
The Shin-Gung was created to protect ROK troops in the forward area, which started in 1995 under the direction of LIG Nex1 Co., Ltd.[2] 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] The KP-SAM began production in 2004 with extended trials in early 2005.[2] In late 2005, the KP-SAM Shingung entered service with the South Korean Army, after being in development for nearly 8 years.[3] The South Korean Army has ordered some 2000 units to be delivered in the near future.[3]
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.[2][3] 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.[4] 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)[5] and a distance range of 7 km.[1]
Operators
Current operators
-
South Korea: In ROK Army service since 2005.[1] -
Indonesia: Indonesian Air Force acquired and operated Chirons since 2014 which was integrated with Oerlikon Skyshield 35 mm anti-aircraft gun system.
References
- 1 2 3 Brahmand.com (2011-04-27). "S Korean firm offers anti-aircraft missile to India: report". Retrieved 2011-05-27.
- 1 2 3 "Chiron (Singung) (Korea, South), Man-portable surface-to-air missile systems". Jane's. Retrieved 2011-05-27.
- 1 2 3 4 "KP-SAM / KPSAM New Bow (Shingung / Shingoong)". Global Security. Retrieved 2011-05-27.
- ↑ Yoo Yong-won. "Locally-Made Surface-Air Missile Toutedaccessdate=2011-05-27". Digital Chosunilbo. Archived from the original on 2004-03-22.
- ↑ http://www.deagel.com/Surface-to-Air-Missiles/Chiron_a002644001.aspx
External links
- Shingung Overview (Korean)