Blowpipe -Britains first operational man-portable air-defence missile.

Manufacturer and Designation Shorts Blowpipe
Function Man portable Surface to Air
Attack speed
Maximum range 3.2km
Maximum altitude
Guidance Command Guidance
Fuze type Electrostatic proximity and contact
Warhead type HE
Warhead explosive content
Missile length 1·4m
Missile diameter 0·076m
Wing span 0·274m
Project start date
Service entry date


Notes:Used in the Falklands with some success, a number of hits against approaching and crossing targets were obtained from the decks of RFAs. Blowpipe was replaced by Javelin, also made by Shorts.

This page copyright SR Jenkins January 2019; reproduction without prior approval is prohibited.
Page last updated: 9th February 2019.
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