MIM-72 / M48 Chaparral Mobile Surface-to-Air Missile System (SAM) (1969)
The M48 Chaparral was removed from frontline service with American forces in 1997.
The M48 Chaparral Fire Unit may be used either carrier mounted or unmounted. The launcher contains a rotating mount that includes four missile launch rails and provides the gunner the means to aim and fire using automatic or manual tracking (the operator can optically guide the missiles to their target, relying on the internal infrared guidance system to complete the job). Eight additional missiles are stowed in the vehicle. The missile (a surface-to-air version of the air-to-air AIM-9 Sidewinder missile) is lightweight, supersonic, fire-and-forget, with an infrared homing guidance system capable of engaging fixed-wing and rotary targets. To enhance the missile's acquisition range and capability the Rosette Scan Seeker (RSS) guidance section has been developed and is effective against infrared jammers. The missile is carried and handled as an assembled single round of ammunition. Prior to firing, the crew unveiled the provided blast shields to protect themselves, the cab and engine compartment from the violent launch blast inherent in such missiles. There was a front winch installed on the tracked carrier.
The M48 Chaparral provides mobile short-range (5,250 yards / 2,500 meters) air defense to defeat low-altitude aircraft. The system is designed to be mobile, self-contained and air transportable. The US Army utilized a total of 600 Fire Units with over 5,300 AIM-9 missiles on hand with more units in export for other armies. The M48 Chaparral was discontinued from frontline service at the end of 1997.
The M548 saw her cooling systems improved and this benefit was added to existing M730 series models, producing the M730A1 designation. NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) was added as was the new RISE power package while the front winch was removed, resulting in a further designation of M730A2 being used. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
MIM-72 / M48 Chaparral
Mobile Surface-to-Air Missile System (SAM)
Country of Origin: United States
Manufacturer: Loral Aerospace Corporation - USA
Initial Year of Service: 1969
Production: 600
Focus Model: MIM-72A / M48 Chaparral
Crew: 2
Overall Length: 19.32ft (5.89m)
Width: 8.79ft (2.68m)
Height: 9.22ft (2.81m)
Weight: 14.1 US Short Tons (12,836kg; 28,299lbs)
Powerplant: 1 x General Motors GM 6V53, 6-cylinder engine delivering 212 horsepower @2,800rpm.
Maximum Speed: 35mph (56.32 km/h)
Maximum Range: 300 miles (483 km)
NBC Protection: Yes (later)
Nightvision: Yes - Optional
Armament:
4 x MIM-72A short-range, surface-to-air missiles
Ammunition:
12 x MIM-72A short-range, surface-to-air missiles
Variants:
MIM-72 - Base Series Designation
MIM-72A - Original Production Missiles
MIM-72B - Training missiles
MIM-72C - "Improved" Chaparral; all-aspect missile; increased range; AN/DAW-1 guidance; beginning service in 1978.
MIM-72D - Proposed Experimental Missile
MIM-72E - Revised MIM-72C series missiles with smokeless motor system.
MIM-72F - New-Build missiles with smokeless motor system.
MIM-72G - AN/DAW-2 guidance
MIM-72H - Export Model based on the MIM-72F.
MIM-72J - Revised/Downgraded export model based on the MIM-72G.
M30 - Training Missile
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