GOVERNMENT AIRCRAFT FACTORY IKARA TN304

Ship-borne anti-submarine missile

History
Ikara was designed by DSTO in the 1960s and named after an Aboriginal word for ‘throwing stick’. It was used to transport the Mk 44 torpedo to the target zone identified by the ship’s sonar. Guided by a radio command link, the torpedo was released and then descended by parachute. When reaching the water, the torpedo would home in on the target using an acoustic sensor.

The Ikara was first deployed in 1965 and was withdrawn in 1991.

The Museum’s Ikara joined the collection in January 1993.

Technical Specifications
Engine: Murawa 2-stage solid fuel rocket
Empty weight: 513 kg
Length: 3.43 m
Wingspan: 1.52 m
Height: 1 m
Cruising speed: 358 knots (658 kph)
Range: 10 nm (18.5 km)
Warhead: 1 Mk 44 torpedo