ANTI-SHIP MISSILES

AS-34 KORMORAN

 

AS-34 Koromoran missile carrried by German Luftwaffe Tornado

The AS-34 Kormoran is a German-produced ASM. The Kormoran utilises an inertial guidance system for the midcourse phase, switching to active radar homing during the terminal attack phase.

 

It carries a 352 lb delay-fused warhead, designed for 90mm of penetration prior to detonation.

 

The maximum range is 23 km (14 miles).



Development of the Kormoran started in 1962, being taken over by Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm (now a part of EADS) in 1967. The missile was originally designed for anti-shipping roles in coastal waters, although it retains a secondary land-attack capability as well. It is currently deployed on the Panavia Tornado.

The AS-34 Kormoran 2 is an improved version of the AS-34 Kormoran 1. Development was started in 1983, with first flight and firing trials taking place in early 1986. The missile features an improved warhead, all-digital electronics, improved active radar seeker, increased ECM-resistance, a stronger booster rocket, a longer range, improved automated target selection, multiple launch capability, and an increased resistance to countermeasures.

While still using the same basic airframe as Kormoran 1, the Kormoran 2 has a greater range of 35km (21.7 miles) and a heavier 220 kg (485 lb) warhead.

Testing ended in 1987, and the missile entered service with the German Navy in 1991. Approximately 140 missiles were produced. The missile is now in service with the German Luftwaffe and has been exported to Italy and France.
 

AS-34 KORMORAN Specifications
Type Medium-range, high-subsonic, sea-skimming anti-ship missile
Manufacturer MBDA
Weight 600kg
Warhead 160kg
Length 4.4m
Diameter 34.4cm
Performance Speed Mach 0.9, range up to 23 miles