Crotales are also percussion instruments.

The Thomson CSF Matra Crotale EDIR (Ecartométrie Différentielle InfraRouge, InfraRed Differential Ecartometry) is an all-weather short-range anti-air missile, which can be used to intercept low-flight anti-ship missiles and aircraft. It exist in two versions, a mobile land-based version and a ship-launched one.

The firing system includes the main sensors of the ship, the firing system of the turret, and a central coordination system. The turret holds eight missiles ready for launch in watertight containers. The magazine behind the turret holds 18 missiles.

Currently there are three countries that operate the Crotale missile. The first was South Africa, followed by France and then Saudi Arabia in 1975. China developed the HQ-7 SAM system, essentially an improved copy of the Crotale.

Specifications

• Length 2.89 m
• Diameter 0.15 m
• Wing span 0.54 m
• Launch weight 84 kg
• Guidance command control
• Warhead 15 kg
• Max speed 750 m/s
• Max altitude 5,500 m