KP-SAM Chiron

KP-SAM Chiron
신궁 휴대용 지대공 미사일
TypeManportable surface-to-air missile (MANPADS)
Place of originSouth Korea
Service history
In service2005–present
Used bySee Operators
Production history
DesignerAgency for Defense Development
LIG Nex1
Designed1995–2004[1]
ManufacturerLIG Nex1
Unit cost€2.6 million (2023)[2]
Produced2004–present
Specifications
MassTotal: 19.5 kg (43 lb)[3]
Missile: 15 kg (33 lb)[1]
Length1.68 m (5.5 ft)
Diameter80 mm (3.1 in)
Crew2 (If based from a tripod), 1 (If held)
Maximum firing range7 km (4.3 mi)[1]
Warhead720 Tungsten balls[3]
Warhead weight2.5 kg (5.5 lb)[3]
EngineSolid fuel rocket
Flight ceiling4 km (13,000 ft)[1]
Maximum speed Mach 2.5 (851 m/s; 3,060 km/h)[3]
Guidance
system
Infrared homing[3]

The KP-SAM Chiron[note 1] (Korean Portable-Surface to Air Missile; Korean: 신궁; Hanja: 神弓; RR: Singung) is a South Korean shoulder-launched surface-to-air missile manufactured by LIG Nex1.[4]

History

KP-SAM Chiron of the Republic of Korea Navy, 2013

The KP-SAM Chiron was created to protect ROK troops in the forward area, which started in 1995 under the direction of LIG Nex1.[5] 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][6] The KP-SAM began production in 2004 with extended trials in early 2005.[1][5]

In late 2005, the KP-SAM entered service with the South Korean Army, after being in development for nearly 8 years.[1][6] The South Korean Army has ordered some 2000 units to be delivered in the near future.[6]

In 2011, the KP-SAM was proposed to the Indian military for potential export.[4] It was being marketed in 2012 for India's modernization of their VSHORAD system, competing with the RBS 70, the Starstreak, the Mistral-2 and the SA-24.[7]

In November 2012, Peru announced that they will purchase the Chiron alongside 108 missiles and three TPS-830KE radar under a $USD 43 million defense contract.[8] However, the deal was called off in May 2013 over problems on paying for the contract.[8]

In 2014, Indonesia bought the KP-SAM for integration with the Skyshield 35 mm anti-aircraft system.[9] It was previously shown at the Indo Defence 2014 exhibition.[10]

In 2021 it is reported that failure rate of the KP-SAM was at 24% due to aging inventory that has been improperly stored along lacking proficiency with the system by its operators.[11]

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.[5][6] 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.

Indonesian air force Chiron MANPADS and other air defense elements on display during 2016 Angkasa Yudha Exercises.

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.[12] 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)[13] and a distance range of 7 km.[4]

Operators

Map with KP-SAM operators in blue

Failed contracts

See also

Notes

  1. ^ The origin of the name is Chiron, a centaur in Greek mythology.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Shin In-ho (5 November 2018). "[신궁 1회] 승리의 믿음 K-PSAM 신궁". Defense Media Agency. Archived from the original on 29 April 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  2. ^ "Slovenská vláda schválila nákup systémov Barak MX a Piorun". Magnetpress.sk. 4 October 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "한국형 지대공 유도무기 신궁 전력화 완료". Defense Acquisition Program Administration. January 2023. Archived from the original on 29 April 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d Brahmand.com (2011-04-27). "S Korean firm offers anti-aircraft missile to India: report". Retrieved 2011-05-27.
  5. ^ a b c "Chiron (Singung) (Korea, South), Man-portable surface-to-air missile systems". Jane's. Archived from the original on July 29, 2017. Retrieved 2011-05-27.
  6. ^ a b c d "KP-SAM / KPSAM New Bow (Shingung / Shingoong)". Global Security. Retrieved 2011-05-27.
  7. ^ "VSHORAD – India's Next Big Air Defense Program". April 2012.
  8. ^ a b c https://mags.shephardmedia.com/HB-samples-2018/AAD5-webmag.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  9. ^ a b "Indonesia might buy more Chiron MANPADS systems from South Korea | November 2018 Global Defense Security army news industry | Defense Security global news industry army 2018 | Archive News year". 13 November 2018. Archived from the original on 8 December 2022. Retrieved 19 September 2019.
  10. ^ "LIG Nex 1 showcases Chiron portable SAM and Raybolt 3rd anti-tank guided missile | IndoDefence 2014 Official Show Daily News Coverage | Defence and security military army exhibition 2014". 6 November 2014.
  11. ^ ""신궁 유도탄, 3년간 24% 사격 실패…발사 직후 지상 낙하도"". 12 October 2021.
  12. ^ Yoo Yong-won. "Locally-Made Surface-Air Missile Toutedaccessdate=2011-05-27". Digital Chosunilbo. Archived from the original on 2004-03-22.
  13. ^ "Chiron". www.deagel.com. Retrieved 2015-04-08.
  14. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). www.smallarmssurvey.org. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 December 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  15. ^ Petru Zoltan (15 December 2023). "EXCLUSIV MApN, achiziție secretă de sisteme portabile de rachete antiaeriene din Coreea de Sud de la o companie implicată în achiziții trucate și mituirea unor oficiali". defapt.ro. Archived from the original on 21 December 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  16. ^ "Sistemul antiaerian CHIRON a intrat în dotarea Forțelor Terestre". Pro Patria MApN (in Romanian). 19 June 2024.
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