Understanding the Harpoon HR11: A Versatile Anti-Ship Missile

The Harpoon PKR is a highly effective anti-ship missile that can be launched using various methods, including bearing and range or simply bearing on the target if the distance is unknown. One of its key features is the trapezoidal wing design, which has a significant sweep at the front edge and folding arms attached to the fuel tank body.

The Harpoon rocket follows a traditional aerodynamic scheme, with a modular design and unified hull. It also boasts a folding cross-shaped wing and four steering wheels for enhanced maneuverability. The missile has undergone extensive testing and development since the early 1970s, with McDonald Douglas leading the effort.

The Harpoon anti-ship missile has been widely adopted by various military forces around the world. For example, the US Air Force converted two squadrons of B-52S bombers into anti-ship missile carriers, while the US Navy equipped over 210 surface ships with the Harpoon system, including battleships, cruisers, destroyers, frigates, and nuclear submarines. Additionally, more than 800 aircraft have been modified to carry the Harpoon missile, including R-ZS Orion, A-6 Intruder, A-7 Corsair, F/A-18 Hornet, and S-3 Viking.

The Harpoon system has undergone various upgrades over the years, with different foreign editions featuring their own designations for models and modifications. The RGM-84A model is considered the basic version of the missile. The Harpoon anti-ship missile comes in four main versions, each with several models and modifications.

After several years of development and testing, the Harpoon system was finally ready for deployment in 1978. The design and flight testing of the new system continued until the summer of that year. With its versatility, reliability, and effectiveness, the Harpoon HR11 has become a cornerstone of anti-ship warfare around the world.

Harpoon hr 11