Missile METEOR BVRAAM
Summary
| Category | Air-to-Air Missile |
| Sub-type | Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile |
| Origin country | 🇪🇸 Spain 🇫🇷 France 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇮🇹 Italy 🇸🇪 Sweden |
| Manufacturer | MBDA, Saab, Bayern-Chemie et Inmize |
Technical specifications
| METEOR BVRAAM | |
|---|---|
| Warhead | High Explosive / Fragmentation |
| Length | 3386 mm (133.3 in) |
| Weight | 160 kg (353 lb) |
| Range | 100 km (62 mi) |
| Max Speed | Mach 4 |
Description
The Meteor is a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile developed by MBDA, a European consortium. Introduced in the 2010s, the Meteor is currently one of the most advanced air-to-air missiles in the world and is used by several European air forces. It's compatible with aircraft like the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, and the Saab Gripen, as well as the F-35 Lightning II.
One of the Meteor's standout features is its ramjet propulsion system, which provides sustained speed and allows for dynamic throttle adjustments during flight. This gives the missile an extended range and the ability to chase down targets more effectively compared to solid-fuel rocket-propelled missiles.
The Meteor employs an active radar homing guidance system for targeting, offering "fire-and-forget" capability. This enables the pilot to focus on other tasks after launching the missile. Additionally, its two-way datalink allows for mid-course corrections and updates, enhancing its accuracy and flexibility in combat.
Designed to counter advanced threats and electronic countermeasures, the Meteor boasts sophisticated electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) and an advanced radar seeker for improved target acquisition and tracking.
The Meteor has not seen combat yet, but it has been extensively tested and is considered a highly effective and reliable system. Its advanced capabilities come with a high cost, but it is viewed as a significant leap forward in air-to-air weaponry, particularly in terms of range and engagement capabilities.