The AIM-2000 IRIS-T (Infra Red Imaging System Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled) is a German-led program to develop a short-range air-to-air missile to replace the venerable AIM-9 Sidewinder found in some of the NATO member countries. Any aircraft capable of carrying and firing Sidewinder is also capable of launching IRIS-T.
In 1995, Germany announced the IRIS-T development program, in collaboration with Greece, Italy, Norway, Sweden and Canada. Canada later dropped out.
Workshare arrangements for IRIS-T development are:
- Germany 46%
- Italy 19%
- Sweden 18%
- Greece 13%
- 4% split between Canada and Norway.
In 2003 Spain joined as a partner for procurement.
The Luftwaffe took first delivery of the missile on 5 December 2005.
High ECM-Resistance, target discrimination and flare suppression and extreme close-in fight capability (60 g, 60°/s) and 5 to 8 times longer head-on firing range than the AIM-9L Sidewinder. Even targets behind the launching aircraft can be destroyed successfully by IRIS-T.
| AIM 2000 IRIS-T | |
|---|---|
| Type | Air-to-air missile |
| Place of origin | multinational with Germany as lead |
| Service history | |
| In service | December 2005 |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Diehl BGT Defence |
| Unit cost | 400,000 € |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 87.4 kg |
| Length | 2936 mm |
| Diameter | 127 mm |
| | |
| Warhead | HE/Fragmentation |
| Detonation mechanism | Impact and active radar proximity fuze |
| | |
| Engine | Solid-fuel rocket |
| Wingspan | 447 mm |
| Operational range | ~25 km |
| Flight altitude | Sea level to 20,000 m |
| Speed | Mach 3 |
| Guidance system | Infrared |
| Launch platform | Users:
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