U-Darter, which was an upgraded V3C Darter, also had a G-limit of “greater than” 50g’s. Ir was also an aerodynamically controlled missile without TVC. It was retired in 2008 with the Cheetah C. The A-Darter aims to beat this handsomely and has been tested at 80g’s already, with 100g’s being the end goal. Below is from:
http://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/weapons/62/u-darter
If you follow the link, there are pictures and descriptions of the entire South African missile series dating back to the start in the 1960’s.
Back on topic. The SAAF chose the IRIS-T as an interim missile for the Gripen pending deliveries of the first A-Darter. This will only be for a period of a year or two and probably is due to air defence commitments for the 2010 World Cup. I imagine it was chosen in light of Swedens usage on their Gripens.
Just looking at it briefly, it appears that the IRIS-T is integrated on more platforms, and used by more operators. Both are currently used on the Typhoon.
Python-4/5, U-Darter has no TVC and greater than 50gs. I think it is ~60 for Python-5 and Max 58 for U-Darter). The Chinese PL-9C has about 40gs without TVC. But I just wanted to point out that the ASRAAM has very minimal control surfaces (Like the A-Darter)…
and regarding the A-Darter…. Oh yes…. I think about 5 years ago the Denel/Kentron website itself stated that the A-Darter could hit a peak maneuverability of 100gs 😮 But since then they have removed it. :confused: But several unofficial/third-party source have mentioned very high g-limits for the A-Darter. Unusually High.
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