MICA (missile)
Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The MICA, abbreviated from its full name Missile d'Interception, de Combat et d'Auto-défense (lit. 'Missile for Interception, for Combat and for Auto-Defense' or 'Interception, Combat and Self-protection Missile') or alternate translation ("missile for BVR interception, for close-up combat (dogfight), & for self-defense")[3] is a French anti-air multi-target, all weather, fire-and-forget short and medium-range missile system manufactured by MBDA France. It is intended for use both by air platforms as individual missiles as well as ground units and ships, which can be equipped with the rapid fire MICA Vertical Launch System. It is fitted with a thrust vector control (TVC) system. It was developed from 1982 onward by Matra. The first trials occurred in 1991, and the missile was commissioned in 1996 to equip the Rafale and Mirage 2000. It is a replacement for both the Super 530 in the interception role and the Magic II in the dogfighting role.
MICA | |
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Type | Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile |
Place of origin | France |
Service history | |
In service | 1996–present |
Used by | See Operators |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | MBDA France |
Specifications | |
Mass | 112 kg (247 lb)[1] |
Length | 3.1 m (10 ft)[1] |
Diameter | 160 mm (6.3 in)[1] |
Warhead | 12 kg (26 lb) warhead[1] |
Detonation mechanism | Proximity or direct impact[1] |
Engine | Solid-propellant rocket motor |
Operational range | |
Flight altitude |
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Maximum speed | Mach 4[3][5] |
Guidance system |
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Launch platform |
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On 11 June 2007, a MICA launched from a Rafale successfully demonstrated its over-the-shoulder capability by destroying a target behind the launch aircraft. The target was designated by another aircraft and coordinates were transmitted by Link 16.[7]