Matra R530 Air-to-Air Missile

Short range Air to Air Missile

History of Type
The Matra R530 was a French aircraft missile designed for the short range air to air combat role. It was introduced in 1962 and initially installed on the Dassault Mirage III, and later on other French Air Force types such as the Mirage F1 and Vought F-8 Crusader naval fighter.

The Matra was powered by a two-stage rocket motor and was capable of speeds up to Mach 2.7 with a range approaching 20 kilometres. It had two forms of guidance – Semi-active Radar Homing (SARH) or Infra-Red Homing (IRH).

As well as France, a number of countries including Australia, Argentina, Spain, South Africa and Venezuela also operated the Matra R530 – in RAAF service it was installed on the Mirage III fighter.
Some 2,400 units were produced; the Matra R530 has now been withdrawn from active service.

Technical Specifications
Engine: SNPE Marie-Antionette two stage Rocket motor
Weight: 192kg
Length: 3.28m
Diameter: 263mm
Speed: Mach 2.7 at 21,000m
Range: 18km
Warhead: 27kg pre-fragmented