ALARM (Air Launched Anti Radar Missile) is a British anti-radiation missile designed primarily to destroy enemy radars for the purpose of Suppression of Enemy Air Defence. Similar in this role to the American HARM missile, but not in its method of operation.

Notes

ALARM is a fire-and-forget system, with an added loiter capability.

In loiter mode, ALARM will, when launched, climb to an altitude of 13 km. If the target radar shuts down, the missile will deploy a parachute and descend slowly until the radar lights up. The missile will then fire a secondary motor to attack the target.

Combat Performance

ALARM has been used in these conflicts:

• 1991 Gulf War
• Kosovo War
• 2003 invasion of Iraq

When compared to NATO's other main SEAD weapon, the HARM missile, the following comparison has been made.

• The HARM was successful, has sold in massive quantities, is still in production and is being constantly improved.
• The ALARM is no longer in production, used only by the RAF and has probably never made a profit.

However the British Aviation magazine Air Forces Monthly reports that a senior serving aircrew officer drew the following comparison,

• The HARM is cheap and cheerful enough to overwhelm an enemy's air defence, but is easily defeated by a clever SAM operator.
• ALARM is a stunning weapon with a superb record. The same magazine reports that during the Kosovo War the Germans and Americans failed to destroy one emitter with over 100 HARM missiles, but the RAF destroyed the same emitter with a single ALARM.

Characteristics

• Primary Function: Suppression of Enemy Air Defence
• Contractor: BAE SYSTEMS
• Power Plant: Bayern Chemie two stage solid propellant rocket motors

• Length: 4.24 m
• Diameter: 23 cm
• Wing Span: 73 cm
• Launch Weight: 268 kg

• Speed: 2455 km/h
• Warhead: Proximity fused high-explosive
• Range: 1.9 - 46.3km
• Fuzes: Laser Proximity
• Guidance system: Pre-programmed/passive radar seeker

• Unit Cost: undisclosed
• Date Deployed: 1990
• User: UK :
  • Tornado GR4
  • Tornado F3 - fitted in time for 2003 Gulf War - receiving designation Tornado EF3
  • Weapon has been "fit checked" on other RAF aircraft, such as the Jaguar. Due to its relatively large weight it is not suited to entire RAF fleet.

See also

• HARM High Speed Anti-Radar missile
• Raytheon
• Suppression of Enemy Air Defence
• BAE Systems

External link

• RAF