Vigilant

-Britains first operational anti-tank guided missile.

Manufacturer and Designation	Vickers-Armstrong V891 Vigilant
Function	ATGW
Attack speed	204 feet/sec
Maximum range	1375m
Maximum altitude	N/A
Guidance	Command Guidance
Fuze type	Contact
Warhead type	HEAT
Warhead explosive content	6kg
Missile length	1·072m
Missile diameter	0·130m
Wing span	0·279m
Project start date	1956
Service entry date	1963

Notes: Vigilant was the first missile to incorporate velocity control, after making a course correction the operator released the joystick and Vigilant returned to flying directly away from the launcher. Vigilant was removed from service when Swingfire was introduced.
Damage assessment trials tend to indicate that Vigilant was not very effective against Main Battle Tanks.

Sources: TNA: WO 194/596.

This page copyright SR Jenkins January 2019; reproduction without prior approval is prohibited.
Page last updated: 8^th February 2019.
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