Thunderbird, the British Army's area defence SAM.

Manufacturer and Designation    English Electric Thunderbird Mk1    English Electric Thunderbird Mk2
Function Surface to Air Surface to Air
Attack speed Mach 1·5 Mach 2
Maximum range
Maximum altitude
Guidance SARH SARH
Fuze type Active Radio Passive Infra Red
Warhead type HE Continuous Rod
Warhead explosive content
Missile length 6.35m
Missile diameter 0.52m
Wing span 1.63m
Project start date 1948 1957
Service entry date 1961 1966


Notes: Thunderbird Mk1 was withdrawn from service in 1966, and the Mark2 in 1976.

This page copyright SR Jenkins January 2019; reproduction without prior approval is prohibited.
Page last updated: 6th February 2019.
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