Alfa (rocket)

Alfa
Test launch of an Alfa
TypeIntermediate range ballistic missile
Place of originItaly
Service history
In service1973–76
Used byItalian Navy
Production history
ManufacturerAeritalia, Selenia, Snia BPD
No. builtunknown
Specifications
Mass8,000 kilograms (18,000 lb)
Length6.5 metres (21 ft)
 length3.85 metres (12.6 ft) first stage
Height6.5 metres (21 ft)
Diameter1.37 metres (54 in)

WarheadNuclear warhead (planned)

Enginefirst stage, solid fuel rocket
250 kN (56,000 lbf) thrust
second stage, solid fuel rocket
thrust unknown
Operational
range
1,600 kilometres (990 mi) with 1 tonne warhead
Boost timefirst stage, 57 seconds
second stage, unknown
Guidance
system
Inertial
Launch
platform
surface vessels

Alfa was the designation of an Italian ballistic missile program that started in 1971 under the control of the GRS (Gruppo di Realizzazione Speciale Interforze). It was related to the Polaris A-3 missile.