Denel Raptor

The Raptor precision-guided glide bomb family was developed by Denel Aerospace, based in South Africa, under the code names H-1, H-2 and H-3 from the late 1970s onwards.

Design

Raptor I

The Raptor I is a glide bomb launched from an aircraft. It can engage different targets such as airstrips, bunkers, parked aircraft and SAM sites.

It has a TV seeker and folding wings, with a standoff capability of 60 km when released from medium level (30,000 ft). There is a digital datalink between the launch aircraft and the guided bomb. An upgrade to incorporate an INS/GPS guidance system was reported in 1999. The Raptor I has a length of 3.65 m, a wing span of 3.7 m, a body diameter of 0.38 m and a launch weight of 980 kg.

Raptor I is in service with the South African Air Force. The weapon is a development of the H-1, a TV-guided bomb which was effectively a technology testbed.

Raptor II

The Raptor II is a long range precision guided glide bomb, powered by a booster rocket motor. It can have television (TV), infra-red imaging (IIR) or ACTIVE/passive radar seekers. The TV guided version is believed to be operational earlier, with the IIR and radar versions becoming available later. An anti-radiation seeker is also being offered as an alternative guidance option to allow the weapon to be used in the suppression of enemy air defences.

The weapon consist of a guidance unit, a warhead, a communications pod, pylons, the control equipment and a twin solid fuel motor pack attached to the underside of the guided weapon.

Raptor II is similar in body and wing shape to Raptor I, has a launch weight of 1,200 kg, a standoff capability of 120 km. It has folding wings and twin vertical tails. The solid propellant motor is jettisoned after use. The Raptor II can be fitted with both fragmentation and penetration warheads.

It have choice of alternative navigation systems. This May Be an autonomous method, using gps-aided ins or way point navigation. Both system are under the weapon operators control at all times.The communications pod may be mounted on th attack aircraft or on a second aircraft which would control the weapons flight at a range of up to 250 km.

Platforms

Both Raptor I and Raptor II have been integrated on the Mirage III, F1 and Atlas Cheetah aircraft. The weapon can also be integrated with other suitable aircraft, including the MIG 29, Sukhoi Su 27 and Su 30, Mirage 2000, Tornado.

Specifications (Raptor-II)

  • Seeker: TV, IIR, passive/active radar
  • Launch mass: 1200 kg
  • Length: 3650 mm
  • Wingspan: 3700 mm
  • Range: >120 KM
  • Command link range: 250 km
  • Maximum launch altitude: 35,000 ft
  • Warheads: Fragmentation, penetration
  • Terminal Accuracy (CEP): 3 m

See also

  • Glide bomb
  • Precision-guided munition

Comparable weapons

  • AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon
  • HOPE/HOSBO