The M48 Chaparral SAM system consists of an infrared heat seeking missile, a launcher with a Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) sight, and a tracked vehicle. The defense system was designed to be used in conjunction with the shorter-ranged M163 Vulcan Air Defense System. At its core, the Chaparral system is essentially a modified version of the M548 tracked carrier mated to the M54 launch and control system containing four launch rails. The system uses the M730 series cargo carrying, self-propelled tracked vehicle "9A" variant of the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier, which can be made amphibious by adding an existing swim kit. A towed configuration is also available.
The M48 Chaparral Fire Unit may be used either carrier mounted or unmounted. The launcher contains a rotating mount that includes four missile launch rails and provides the gunner the means to aim and fire using automatic or manual tracking (the operator can optically guide the missiles to their target, relying on the internal infrared guidance system to complete the job). Eight additional missiles are stowed in the vehicle. The missile (a surface-to-air version of the air-to-air AIM-9 Sidewinder missile) is lightweight, supersonic, fire-and-forget, with an infrared homing guidance system capable of engaging fixed-wing and rotary targets. To enhance the missile's acquisition range and capability the Rosette Scan Seeker (RSS) guidance section has been developed and is effective against infrared jammers. The missile is carried and handled as an assembled single round of ammunition. Prior to firing, the crew unveiled the provided blast shields to protect themselves, the cab and engine compartment from the violent launch blast inherent in such missiles. There was a front winch installed on the tracked carrier.
The M48 Chaparral provides mobile short-range (5,250 yards / 2,500 meters) air defense to defeat low-altitude aircraft. The system is designed to be mobile, self-contained and air transportable. The US Army utilized a total of 600 Fire Units with over 5,300 AIM-9 missiles on hand with more units in export for other armies. The M48 Chaparral was discontinued from frontline service at the end of 1997.
The M548 saw her cooling systems improved and this benefit was added to existing M730 series models, producing the M730A1 designation. NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) was added as was the new RISE power package while the front winch was removed, resulting in a further designation of M730A2 being used.
Power & Performance Those special qualities that separate one land system design from another. Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the M730 Chaparral Mobile Surface-to-Air Missile System (SAM).
1 x General Motors GM 6V53 6-cylinder diesel engine developing 212 horsepower at 2,800rpm. Installed Power
35 mph 56 kph Road Speed
300 miles 483 km Range
Structure The physical qualities of the M730 Chaparral Mobile Surface-to-Air Missile System (SAM).
2 (MANNED) Crew
19.3 ft 5.89 meters O/A Length
8.8 ft 2.68 meters O/A Width
9.2 ft 2.81 meters O/A Height
28,299 lb 12,836 kg | 14.1 tons Weight
Armament & Ammunition Available supported armament, ammunition, and special-mission equipment featured in the design of the M730 Chaparral Mobile Surface-to-Air Missile System (SAM).
4 x MIM-72A short-range, surface-to-air missiles
AMMUNITION: 12 x MIM-72A short-range, surface-to-air missiles
Variants Notable series variants as part of the M730 Chaparral family line.
MIM-72 - Base Series Designation
MIM-72A - Original Production Missiles
MIM-72B - Training missiles
MIM-72C - "Improved" Chaparral; all-aspect missile; increased range; AN/DAW-1 guidance; beginning service in 1978.
MIM-72D - Proposed Experimental Missile
MIM-72E - Revised MIM-72C series missiles with smokeless motor system.
MIM-72F - New-Build missiles with smokeless motor system.
MIM-72G - AN/DAW-2 guidance
MIM-72H - Export Model based on the MIM-72F.
MIM-72J - Revised/Downgraded export model based on the MIM-72G.
M30 - Training Missile
Operators Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the M730 Chaparral. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national land systems listing.
Total Production: 600 Units Contractor(s): Loral Aerospace Corporation - USA
[ Chile; Ecuador; Egypt; Israel; Morocco; Portugal; Taiwan; Tunisia; United States ]
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