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Skyflash is a medium-range radar-guided air-to-air missile. Designed to operate in severe electronic countermeasures conditions, the Skyflash is the RAF's major air defence weapon. Four are carried by the Tornado F3 under the fuselage. The Skyflash was a development of the AIM-7E2 Sparrow, retaining its aerodynamics, with a cruciform of delta control wings mounted on the mid-point of the cylindrical body. It also features a compatible cruciform of delta stabilising surfaces at the tail. The weapon entered RAF service in 1978, originally for use by the Phantom.
Specifications | |
| Manafacturer | British Aerospace |
| Date Deployed | 1978 |
| Range | 28 miles ( 45 km ) |
| Speed | Mach 4 |
| Propulsion | One Aerojet Mk52 Mod 2 or Rocketdyne Mk38 Mod 4 solid-propellant rocket motor |
| Guidance | Marconi XJ521 monopulse Semi-Active Radar Homing |
| Warhead | 87 lb ( 39.5-kg ) HE fragmentation with contact, delay action fuses. |
| Launch Weight | 425 pounds ( 192.8 kg ) |
| Length | 12 ft, 1 in ( 3.68 m ) |
| Diameter | 8 in ( 0.203 m ) |
| Fin Span | 3 ft, 4 in ( 1.02 m ) |