Missile Mica
Summary
| Category | Air-to-Air Missile |
| Sub-type | Active radar-guided air-to-air missile |
| Origin country | 🇫🇷 France |
| Manufacturer | Matra |
Technical specifications
| Mica | |
|---|---|
| Warhead | High Explosive |
| Warhead Weight | 12 kg |
| Diameter | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Length | 3048 mm (120.0 in) |
| Weight | 110 kg (243 lb) |
| Range | 50 km (31 mi) |
| Max Speed | Mach 4 |
Description
The MICA (Missile d'Interception, de Combat et d'Autodéfense) is a family of short and medium-range, air-to-air missiles developed by the French company MBDA. The MICA has been in service since the late 1990s and is used by various countries around the world, including France. The missile comes in two main variants: the MICA RF, which uses radar guidance, and the MICA IR, which uses infrared guidance.
Both versions of the MICA are designed to be highly versatile, capable of being launched from a variety of platforms, including fixed-wing aircraft like the Mirage 2000 and Rafale, as well as helicopters. The missile's adaptability extends to its operational use; it's designed for both beyond-visual-range (BVR) and within-visual-range (WVR) engagements.
The MICA employs a "fire-and-forget" guidance system, which allows the pilot to engage multiple targets simultaneously or change tactics after the missile is launched. For the MICA RF, this means using its active radar seeker, while the MICA IR uses its imaging infrared seeker. Both types can be cued by the aircraft's onboard radar or sensors, and they also have the capability for target updates post-launch.
Propelled by a solid-fuel rocket motor, the MICA is capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 4. It also features high agility, enabled by thrust vector control, making it effective in dogfight scenarios.
One of the standout features of the MICA is its data-link capability, which allows for mid-course updates and even retargeting after launch. This increases its flexibility and effectiveness in rapidly changing combat scenarios.