R.511
| Industry | Aerospace, defense |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Air-to-air missiles |
The R.511 represents a French air-to-air missile developed by Matra, originating from earlier projects such as the Matra M.04 (R.042) and R.05. Its forerunner, the R.510, utilized an infra-red guidance system but faced operational limitations despite its precision. Introduced in 1957, the R.511 featured improved capabilities through semi-active radar homing technology and continued to be used primarily for training until 1976, when it was succeeded by the more sophisticated R.530.
Description
The original R.510 was equipped with an optical PbS infra-red seeker offering a 20° viewing angle. Testing began at the CIEES range in French Algeria in October 1952, resulting in a small batch production of around 100 units. Nevertheless, the PbS seeker’s low sensitivity confined its effective use largely to nocturnal operations.
In place of the R.510, the R.511 incorporated a Thompson-CSF semi-active radar homing mechanism that tracked radar signals reflected from the launching aircraft. The missile's antenna performed a conical scan offset by 8° from its forward axis at a rate of 225 revolutions per second. For targets at longer distances, guidance commands were transmitted through an antenna located on the trailing edge of the missile’s wing. The operational launch altitude was restricted to above due to limitations imposed by the launch platform’s radar system.
Capable of enduring maneuvers up to 12g while flying at Mach 1 near , the missile supported high-speed interception missions effectively.
Variants
- R.510
- An infra-red guided missile utilizing a PbS (lead sulphide) seeker head, manufactured in limited quantities primarily for experimental use.
- R.511
- A semi-active radar homing missile that locks onto radar reflections from its carrier aircraft, deployed operationally on platforms such as the Sud Aviation Vautour IIN and Dassault Mirage IIIC.