Orange Nell, a rainbow code name, was a 1950s design for a short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) to defend Royal Navy ships against supersonic strike aircraft and anti-ship missiles. It was designed to be mounted on any ship capable of carrying the QF 5.25-inch naval gun, whose turret would be replaced by a twin-rail missile launcher and 40-round magazine. Started in 1953,[a] the system was intended to offer performance against missile developments into the 1970s.
During development a problem was raised that ultimately led to its cancelation. The issue involved the warhead of the target missile; as these were designed to penetrate armour, they were very robust. While Orange Nell could reliably destroy the missile itself, it was not clear that the warhead would be damaged. Given the close quarters engagements, the warhead might continue on to impact the ship anyway. In 1957 the decision was made to concentrate only on long-range interception, preventing the enemy missile from being launched in the first place.
An even slower and shorter-range weapon, Seacat, would enter service a few years later filling the identical role.
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