MBDA MICA

_Missile|

          name=MICA|
          image=Mirage2000 10.jpg|

caption=Mirage 2000 with four MBDA MICA RF missiles on its inner pylons|

          Function=air-to-air missile |

Contractor=MBDA |

          Unit_cost= |
          Deployment= 1996 (MICA RF) and 2000 (MICA IR)|

Engine= One SNPE solid-propellant rocket motor|

          Launch_mass=112 kg |
          Length=  3.1 m|
          Diameter=160 mm |
          Wing_span= 560 mm|
          Speed= Mach 4|

Range= < 500 m, up to 60 km|

          Flying_altitude= up to 11000 m|

Warhead=12 kg focused splinters HE warhead | Guidance=Inertial guidance
Active radar homing (MICA RF)
Infrared homing (MICA IR) | Fuzes=RF proximity fuze, impact fuze | Launch_platform=Dassault Rafale, Mirage 2000 |

          }}

The MBDA MICA (Missile d'Interception et de Combat Aérien, "Interception and Air Combat Missile") is an anti-air multi-target, all weather, fire-and-forget missile system. It is intended for use both by air platforms, ground units and ships. The, which are equipped with the rapid fire MICA Vertical Launch System. It is fitted with a thrust vector control (TVC) system.

It was developed from 1982 onward by Matra. The first trials occurred in 1991, and the missile was commissioned in 1996 to equip the Rafale and Mirage 2000. It is a replacement for both Super 530 (interception) and Magic II (dogfight). Two can be fired in a 2-second interval.

Variants

Two seeker types are available for the MICA, one with active radar homing (MICA RF, also commonly called MICA AR) and the other with infrared homing (MICA IR). Both missiles are able to filter out counter-measures. They can also lock on both before and after launch.

The MICA can be employed as a short-range surface-to-air missile, currently available fired from a truck-mounted box launcher. This system is known as VL Mica SHORAD.

Operators

* : French Air Force and French Navy
* : Hellenic Air Force
* : Qatar Air Force
* : Republic of China Air Force
* : Indian Air Force
* : Royal Moroccan Air Force
* : Royal Australian Air Force

See also

*AIM-132 ASRAAM
*AIM-120 AMRAAM
*IRIS-T
*AIM-9 Sidewinder
*R550 Magic
*List of missiles

External links

*MBDA MICA page
*army-technology.com