Ikara (missile)

Ikara
Ikara test missile on launcher[1]
TypeAnti-submarine missile
Place of originAustralia
Service history
In service1960s–1990s
Used byRoyal Australian Navy
Brazilian Navy
Chilean Navy
Royal New Zealand Navy
Royal Navy
Production history
DesignedCirca 1959–60
ManufacturerAustralian Government Aircraft Factories/Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC)/Australian Defence Scientific Services (ADSS)[2]
ProducedEarly 1960s
VariantsTwo: Royal Australian Navy, Royal Navy
Specifications
Mass513 kilograms (1,131 lb)
Length3.429 metres (135.0 in)
Wingspan1.524 metres (60.0 in)
WarheadMark 44 (two versions)
Mark 46
NDB (Nuclear Depth Bomb).
Detonation
mechanism
none

EngineBristol Aerojet Murawa two-stage solid-fuel rocket engine.[3]
Operational
range
Maximum range: 10 nautical miles (19 km)
Minimum (safety) range: 914 metres (1,000 yd)
Flight ceiling335 metres (1,099 ft)
Maximum speed Boost max: 713 kilometres per hour (443 mph)
Cruise: 658 kilometres per hour (409 mph)
Maximum boost acceleration: 10.9G
Boost burn time: 1.96 seconds
Launcher maximum elevation: 55°
Maximum range time interval: 100 sec.
Guidance
system
Command guidance
Steering
system
Elevons
Launch
platform
Ship-borne

The Ikara missile was an Australian ship-launched anti-submarine missile, named after an Australian Aboriginal word for "throwing stick". It launched an acoustic torpedo to a range of 10 nautical miles (19 km), allowing fast-reaction attacks against submarines at ranges that would otherwise require the launching ship to close for attack, placing itself at risk. By flying to a distant target, the engagement time was dramatically shorter than provided by short-range weapons, giving the target less time to respond.

  1. ^ Note: Test missiles (explosively inert) were blue and warshots and practice (live) missiles were white.[citation needed]
  2. ^ "Chapter 13 – Defence Science and Technology". Technology in Australia 1788–1988. Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. 1988. p. 921. ISBN 0-908029-49-7. Retrieved 2011-01-26. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  3. ^ "Part of RecordSearch unavailable". Naa12.naa.gov.au. Retrieved 2011-01-26.[permanent dead link]