Design P-15 Termit

ins chamak (k95) of indian navy fires p-15 termit missile

the first variant p-15, fixed wings. basic design of missile, retained subsequent versions, featured cylindrical body, rounded nose, 2 delta wings in center , 3 control surfaces in tail. fitted solid-fuelled booster under belly. design based on yak-1000 experimental fighter built in 1951.

the weapon meant cheap, @ same time capable of giving ordinary missile boat same punch battleship s salvo. onboard electronics based on simple analog design, homing conical scanning radar sensor. used more reliable rocket engine acid fuel in preference turbojet.

some shortcomings never totally solved, due liquid propellant of rocket engine: acid fuel gradually corroded missile fuselage. launches not possible outside temperature range of -15/+38c°.

the missile weighed around 2,340 kg, had top speed of mach 0.9 , range of 40 km. explosive warhead behind fuel tank, , missile retained large amount of unburned fuel @ time of impact, @ maximum range, acted incendiary device.

the warhead 500 kg hollow charge (heat), larger semi-armour piercing (sap) warhead typical of anti-ship missiles. launch made of electronic support measures (esm) gear , garpun radar @ range of between 5.5 , 27 km due limitations of targeting system. garpun s range against destroyer 20 km.

the onboard sensor activated @ 11 km impact, missile begin descend @ 1-2° target, because flight pattern 120–250m above sea level. in minimum range engagements there possibility of using active sensors @ shorter distances, little 2.75 km.

the p-15u introduced in 1965, improved avionics , folding wings, enabling use of smaller containers. replaced p-15m in 1972, further development of p-15u, enhanced capabilities (its export simplified variants designated p-21 , p-22, depending on sensor installed , whole export system designated p-20m).