The M48 Chaparral SAM system consists of an infrared heat seeking missile, a launcher with a Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) sight, and a tracked vehicle. The defense system was designed to be used in conjunction with the shorter-ranged M163 Vulcan Air Defense System. At its core, the Chaparral system is essentially a modified version of the M548 tracked carrier mated to the M54 launch and control system containing four launch rails. The system uses the M730 series cargo carrying, self-propelled tracked vehicle "9A" variant of the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier, which can be made amphibious by adding an existing swim kit. A towed configuration is also available.
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.
Chile; Ecuador; Egypt; Israel; Morocco; Portugal; Taiwan; Tunisia; United States
(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Anti-Aircraft / Airspace Denial
Base model or variant can be used to search, track, and neutralize airborne elements at range.
Track-and-Wheel Arrangement
Vehicle utilizes a track-and-wheel arrangement to provide enhanced cross-country travel capability.
NBC Protection
Crew is provided (either as standard or optional) protection against Nuclear-Biological-Chemical agents for enhanced survivability in contaminated zones.
Nightvision
Crew has access to night-vision equipment, allowing for low-light or night time operations.
Length
19.3 ft 5.89 m
Width
8.8 ft 2.68 m
Height
9.2 ft 2.81 m
Weight
28,299 lb 12,836 kg
Tonnage
14.1 tons LIGHT
(Showcased structural values pertain to the base M730 Chaparral production variant. Length typically includes main gun in forward position if applicable to the design)
Powerplant:
1 x General Motors GM 6V53 6-cylinder diesel engine developing 212 horsepower at 2,800rpm.
Speed
35.0 mph (56.3 kph)
Range
300.0 mi (482.8 km)
(Showcased performance specifications pertain to the base M730 Chaparral production variant. Compare this entry against any other in our database)
4 x MIM-72A short-range, surface-to-air missiles
Supported Types
(Not all weapon types may be represented in the showcase above)
12 x MIM-72A short-range, surface-to-air missiles
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
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective campaigns / operations.
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Chile; Ecuador; Egypt; Israel; Morocco; Portugal; Taiwan; Tunisia; United States
