The Storm Shadow (SCALP) is a long-range, stand-off missile, which was developed at the end of the 1990s by British Aerospace (BAe) and MATRA (a French firm). Today it is manufactured by MBDA. The first trial of the missile took place on December 28, 2000, at the Biscarosse range, France, when it was fired from a Mirage 2000N aircraft. It would enter service three years later, in 2003, with the RAF and Armée de l'Air (French Air Force). 'SCALP' is a French acronym which stands for Systèm de Croisière Autonome à Long Portée (Long Range Autonomous Cruise Missile System).
The Storm Shadow missile uses combat aircraft as launching platforms, such as the Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, Panavia Tornado, and JAS 39 Gripen. The weapon features a multistage penetration warhead, which is designed to destroy reinforced-concrete bunkers, housing command posts, telecommunication centers, and other important targets. It was used in combat during the 2003 USA/British invasion of Iraq, the Libyan Civil War (which led to the downfall of Gaddafi), the Civil War in Syria (2011-2019), and the Russo-Ukrainian War.
Technical Characteristics
Once it has been launched, the Storm Shadow missile drops down sharply from high altitudes to low altitudes as its folding wings spread out. Then it starts flying at low levels, between 15 and 20 m above the ground. Thus, it follows a low flight course, with very low observability. It has high levels of navigation accuracy, using GPS, terrain reference navigation system, and inertial navigation system. Target-hitting accuracy is achieved through IIR (imaging infrared) seeker and automatic target recognition. Six tail fins give it steerage and stability.
Specifications
Type: long-range cruise missile
Weight: 1,300 kg
Length: 5.10 m
Width: 0.63 m (63 cm)
Wing Span: 3 m
Propulsion: turbojet engine
Navigation: INS, GPS, terrain reference (contouring) system.
Range: 600/800 km
Warhead: blast/penetrator
Below, two pictures of the Storm Shadow/SCALP missile, with its wings spread out.
The missile as it is dropped from the aircraft (video)
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