Rampage (missile)

(Redirected from MARS (missile))

The Rampage, initially named MARS (Multi-purpose, Air-launched Rocket System), is an air-to-surface missile developed by Israel Military Industries and Israel Aerospace Industries derived from the EXTRA. It is a standoff weapon designed to hit high-value targets such as radar installations, communications centers, weapons storage facilities and airfields while the launch aircraft remains out of range of air defenses.[1][2][3] It was officially unveiled in June 2018[4] and reportedly used for the first time in April 2019 in Syria.[5] As of July 2023, the Royal Air Force is looking at using Rampage missiles after donating Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine. Rampage missiles are believed to be cheaper than Storm Shadow missiles and are more readily available.[6]

Rampage
The Rampage missile is the second from the bottom
Place of originIsrael
Service history
Used byIsraeli Air Force

Indian Air Force

Indian Navy
Production history
DesignerElbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries
Specifications
Mass570 kg (1,260 lb)
Length4.7 m (15 ft)
Diameter306 mm (1.004 ft)
WarheadMulti-EFP
Warhead weight150 kg (330 lb)
Detonation
mechanism
Radio proximity fuze, Blast fragmentation

EngineSolid-propellant rocket
PropellantSolid fuel
Operational
range
150–250 km (93–155 mi)
Flight altitude3,000–40,000 ft (910–12,190 m)
Maximum speed 350–550 m/s (Mach 1.0 – Mach 1.6)
Guidance
system
Mid-course: INS + altimeter with satellite guidance and two-way datalink
Terminal: Imaging infrared
Accuracy10 m CEP
Launch
platform
F-16, F-15, F/A-18E/F, Eurofighter Typhoon, IAI Kfir, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, SEPECAT Jaguar, MiG-29K

Users

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  India

  Greece: Planned to be used on its F-16, weapon integration is in progress.[9]

  Israel: [10] Operational missiles were showcased by the Israeli Air Force (IAF) on its official Twitter (X) page[11] in October 2024, integrated onboard an F-16I. Rampage was alleged to have been used during a Deep Strike Mission to eliminate the Deputy Commander of Hezbollah's Radwan Forces, Mustafa Ahmad Shahdi.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "IMI offers Mars missile for multiple fighters". flightglobal.com. 25 July 2013. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
  2. ^ "IMI develops air-launched missile that sounds familiar". upi.com. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
  3. ^ iHLS News (31 October 2014). "Cost effective rocket for aircraft unveiled - iHLS". i-hls.com. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
  4. ^ Israel Turns Artillery Rocket Into Supersonic ‘Rampage’ Air-Launched Stand-Off Weapon. The Drive/The War Zone. 11 June 2018.
  5. ^ Let’s Talk About The Israeli “Rampage” Stand-Off Weapon Reportedly Used in Combat in Syria For The First Time. The Aviationist. 24 April 2019.
  6. ^ Thomas Harding (1 July 2023). "UK targets Israeli Rampage missiles to replace Storm Shadows sent to Ukraine". The National News.
  7. ^ a b "'Used By Israel On Iranian Targets': Indian Air Force, Navy Induct 250 Km Range Supersonic 'Rampage' Missiles". Times Now. 27 April 2024. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
  8. ^ THOMAS NEWDICK (6 December 2023). "Indian Navy MiG-29s Get Israeli Rampage Standoff Weapon". The War Zone.
  9. ^ "Στα F-16 της Πολεμικής Αεροπορίας το λογισμικό για τους ισραηλινούς πυραύλους Rampage". 7 July 2024.
  10. ^ "Israeli F-16I Shown Loaded-Up With Four Rampage Stand-Off Missiles". The War Zone. 30 October 2024.
  11. ^ "Israeli Air Force: "ELIMINATED: Deputy Commander of Hezbollah's Radwan Forces, Mustafa Ahmad Shahdi."". Twitter (X). 30 October 2024.
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