Javelin MANPADS: How a British Missile System Overcame Its Flawed Origins
The Javelin, a British man-portable surface-to-air missile system, represents a significant advancement in military technology, particularly in the realm of air defense. Developed as an upgrade to the earlier Blowpipe missile, the Javelin system was a leap forward in addressing the limitations of its predecessor. Its development, operational use, and subsequent replacement by the Starburst system mark notable chapters in the history of military weaponry.
The Blowpipe: A Limited Success in MANPADS Technology
The Blowpipe missile system, developed in the 1970s, was the British military’s initial foray into man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS). Its design featured a unique combination of components including a missile, launch tube, and guidance unit, with an aiming process that required manual command to line of sight (MCLOS) operation. Despite its innovative approach for the time, the Blowpipe had several drawbacks that affected its performance. These included a slow missile speed, limited range, susceptibility to weather conditions, and a challenging manual guidance system, making it difficult for operators to maintain accuracy under combat conditions.
During the Falklands War in 1982, the Blowpipe’s limitations were starkly exposed. Its effectiveness was greatly reduced due to issues like the difficulty in manually guiding the missile and the system’s vulnerability to weather conditions and electronic countermeasures. This led to a very low success rate in combat, prompting a reevaluation of the system and the need for a more advanced replacement.
The Advent of the Javelin: Addressing the Blowpipe’s Shortcomings
The shortcomings of the Blowpipe prompted the development of the Javelin system by Shorts Missile Systems. Introduced in 1984, the Javelin featured several improvements over its predecessor. Key among these was the shift from the MCLOS guidance system to a semi-automatic command to line of sight (SACLOS) system. This change significantly reduced the operator’s workload and improved missile accuracy. The Javelin also boasted a longer range, higher missile speed, and an enhanced warhead for greater lethality.
The system’s design included a missile in a transport and launch container, a launch mechanism, battery, and sighting equipment. The Javelin’s sighting unit was particularly notable, featuring a stabilized sight for manual tracking and a TV camera for semi-automatic missile guidance. This system allowed for quicker engagement times and improved target tracking capabilities.
Operational Use and Global Reach
The Javelin was first deployed in the Gulf War of 1991, where it demonstrated greater effectiveness and reliability compared to the Blowpipe. Its usage extended to several countries, including Canada, Jordan, South Korea, Oman, Peru, and Botswana, reflecting its global impact as a reliable MANPADS solution.
Evolution: The Transition to Starburst
The Javelin’s operational life continued until the mid-90s, when it was replaced by the Starburst system in the British Armed Forces. The Starburst, a further development of the Javelin, retained the Javelin’s missile body but introduced a laser guidance system, offering improved jamming resistance and overall performance. The Starburst system was effectively used in various configurations, including shoulder-fired and multiple launcher formats, and served until it was eventually superseded by the more advanced Starstreak missile system.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Javelin
The Javelin MANPADS is a testament to the evolution of military technology, particularly in the field of portable air defense. It addressed the critical limitations of its predecessor, the Blowpipe, and set a new standard in MANPADS design with its improved accuracy, ease of use, and lethality. Its global adoption and operational success marked it as a significant advancement in military weaponry, paving the way for further innovations in the realm of air defense systems.
