War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

Matra R550 Magic 1

2024-01-10T13:44:49Z

U138728298: I fixed the spelling of "maneuverability" from "moaunuverability"

{{About
| about = French air-to-air missile '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other version
| link = Matra R550 Magic 2
}}
== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage Matra R550 Magic 1.png|thumb|left|420px|The Matra R550 Magic 1 missile (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a French [[Air-to-air_missiles#Infrared_homing_.28heat-seeking.29_missiles|IR homing air-to-air missile]] that was intended to replace the AIM-9s in French Air Force service. It was introduced in [[update "Starfighters"]].

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|a_5c}}
* {{Specs-Link|f-8e_fn}}
* {{Specs-Link|jaguar_a}}
* {{Specs-Link|jaguar_e}}
* {{Specs-Link|mirage_3c}}
* {{Specs-Link|mirage_3e}}
* {{Specs-Link|mirage_5f}}
* {{Specs-Link|mirage_f1c}}
* {{Specs-Link|mirage_2000c_s5}}
* {{Specs-Link|super_etendard_97}}
* [[Mirage 2000C-S4]]

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 89 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || IR
|-
| '''Aspect''' || Rear-Aspect
|-
| '''Lock range in rear-aspect''' || 5.5 km
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 10 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 3 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 35 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 25 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass (TNT eq.)''' || 9.6 kg
|-
|}
The Matra R550 Magic 1 is a very capable missile, with a 35 G maximum overload, which makes it a very deadly missile at top-tier when used correctly. The Matra Magic 1 is also a very light missile, with only two seconds of boost time. The missiles come equipped with large and numerous control surfaces, ensuring high maneuverability throughout the flight time. The price of these big control surfaces is a high drag, with the weapon decelerating quickly after the end of boost time, limiting the range of the missiles.

The weapon enable time is 0.5 seconds, meaning the missile will accelerate straight for half a second before starting manoeuvres.

=== Effective damage ===

Having a warhead containing 6 kg of HBX explosive (9.6 kg TNT equivalent), it all but guarantees the destruction of enemy vital parts such as engine, tail section, wings, etc. The explosive charge is generally enough to deal with any attacker with a single hit. Still, the proximity fuse is very sensible, and the missile can explode far enough from the target, only provoking a critical hit.

=== Comparison with analogues ===


* [[R-60]] - A soviet short-range IR missile with excellent overload performance but poor booster capability

== Usage in battles ==

The Magic is mounted on the Mirage series of aircraft, being extremely well integrated, and slavable to the aircraft's radar. Meaning that if the Mirage's Cyrano radar is locked on an enemy aircraft, enabling the missile seeker will immediately activate the missile seeker's gimbals, and the seeker will orientate itself in the direction of the locked target. Allowing a certain capability of "off-boresight" shooting of the missile. This fact is important in close-range engagements and dogfights.

Overall, the Matra 550 Magic missile is to be used as a close encounter platform. Firing the weapon on an enemy at a distance of more than 2 km yields poor results, especially if the target is fleeing at high speed. Under the 1.5 km mark, the hit is nearly assured. Note that the use of flares is an effective countermeasure against the Magic. Concerning off-boresight shoots, sending away the weapon over 1-1.2 km is not advised, because the trajectory correction needed for an off-boresight shoot is higher that a standard shoot.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent overload of 35G and high track rate
* Can be slaved with the radar and IRST
* Powerful booster and with a short burning time, pulls almost instantly and aggressively out of the rail

'''Cons:'''

* Pretty vulnerable to countermeasures
* As it have a short burning time and high maneuverability, has a fairly short range compared to other air-to-air missiles
* Doesn´t have the All-Aspect capability as the [[Matra R550 Magic 2]] does, not being practical in head-ons or side-aspect shots
* '''Every''' aircraft that has the R.550 Magic are severely limited to only 2 missiles

== History ==

Being a direct competitor of the US-made [[AIM-9 Sidewinder (Family)|AIM-9s]] in French service, Matra (now part of Airbus SE) developed a new IR AAM for French jets in 1968, with additional control surfaces for better manoeuvrability in combat; the new missile now known as the R.550 Magic was first tested in January 1972 on a Gloster Meteor-converted testbed and finally made it into service in 1975.

The missile has been exported to many countries operating French jets; China also acquired some examples of it and built a reverse-engineered version known as the [[PL-7]]. The more capable [[Matra R550 Magic 2|Magic 2]] was introduced in 1986.

== Media ==


;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150">
Image:R550 Magic - Mirage IIIC.png|R.550 Magic seen on Mirage IIIC
Image:Magic I.png|The Matra 550 Magic 1 missile. Note the size and number of control surfaces, and the lack of thrust vectoring in the missile's rocket motor nozzle.
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|faKyQOTmzDw|'''Best guided missiles''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 0:42 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

Matra R550 Magic 1

2024-01-10T13:43:16Z

U138728298: /* Vehicles equipped with this weapon */ I added the Mirage 2000C-S4

{{About
| about = French air-to-air missile '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other version
| link = Matra R550 Magic 2
}}
== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage Matra R550 Magic 1.png|thumb|left|420px|The Matra R550 Magic 1 missile (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a French [[Air-to-air_missiles#Infrared_homing_.28heat-seeking.29_missiles|IR homing air-to-air missile]] that was intended to replace the AIM-9s in French Air Force service. It was introduced in [[update "Starfighters"]].

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|a_5c}}
* {{Specs-Link|f-8e_fn}}
* {{Specs-Link|jaguar_a}}
* {{Specs-Link|jaguar_e}}
* {{Specs-Link|mirage_3c}}
* {{Specs-Link|mirage_3e}}
* {{Specs-Link|mirage_5f}}
* {{Specs-Link|mirage_f1c}}
* {{Specs-Link|mirage_2000c_s5}}
* {{Specs-Link|super_etendard_97}}
* [[Mirage 2000C-S4]]

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 89 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || IR
|-
| '''Aspect''' || Rear-Aspect
|-
| '''Lock range in rear-aspect''' || 5.5 km
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 10 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 3 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 35 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 25 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass (TNT eq.)''' || 9.6 kg
|-
|}
The Matra R550 Magic 1 is a very capable missile, with a 35 G maximum overload, which makes it a very deadly missile at top-tier when used correctly. The Matra Magic 1 is also a very light missile, with only two seconds of boost time. The missiles come equipped with large and numerous control surfaces, ensuring high manoeuvrability throughout the flight time. The price of these big control surfaces is a high drag, with the weapon decelerating quickly after the end of boost time, limiting the range of the missiles.

The weapon enable time is 0.5 seconds, meaning the missile will accelerate straight for half a second before starting manoeuvres.

=== Effective damage ===

Having a warhead containing 6 kg of HBX explosive (9.6 kg TNT equivalent), it all but guarantees the destruction of enemy vital parts such as engine, tail section, wings, etc. The explosive charge is generally enough to deal with any attacker with a single hit. Still, the proximity fuse is very sensible, and the missile can explode far enough from the target, only provoking a critical hit.

=== Comparison with analogues ===


* [[R-60]] - A soviet short-range IR missile with excellent overload performance but poor booster capability

== Usage in battles ==

The Magic is mounted on the Mirage series of aircraft, being extremely well integrated, and slavable to the aircraft's radar. Meaning that if the Mirage's Cyrano radar is locked on an enemy aircraft, enabling the missile seeker will immediately activate the missile seeker's gimbals, and the seeker will orientate itself in the direction of the locked target. Allowing a certain capability of "off-boresight" shooting of the missile. This fact is important in close-range engagements and dogfights.

Overall, the Matra 550 Magic missile is to be used as a close encounter platform. Firing the weapon on an enemy at a distance of more than 2 km yields poor results, especially if the target is fleeing at high speed. Under the 1.5 km mark, the hit is nearly assured. Note that the use of flares is an effective countermeasure against the Magic. Concerning off-boresight shoots, sending away the weapon over 1-1.2 km is not advised, because the trajectory correction needed for an off-boresight shoot is higher that a standard shoot.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent overload of 35G and high track rate
* Can be slaved with the radar and IRST
* Powerful booster and with a short burning time, pulls almost instantly and aggressively out of the rail

'''Cons:'''

* Pretty vulnerable to countermeasures
* As it have a short burning time and high maneuverability, has a fairly short range compared to other air-to-air missiles
* Doesn´t have the All-Aspect capability as the [[Matra R550 Magic 2]] does, not being practical in head-ons or side-aspect shots
* '''Every''' aircraft that has the R.550 Magic are severely limited to only 2 missiles

== History ==

Being a direct competitor of the US-made [[AIM-9 Sidewinder (Family)|AIM-9s]] in French service, Matra (now part of Airbus SE) developed a new IR AAM for French jets in 1968, with additional control surfaces for better manoeuvrability in combat; the new missile now known as the R.550 Magic was first tested in January 1972 on a Gloster Meteor-converted testbed and finally made it into service in 1975.

The missile has been exported to many countries operating French jets; China also acquired some examples of it and built a reverse-engineered version known as the [[PL-7]]. The more capable [[Matra R550 Magic 2|Magic 2]] was introduced in 1986.

== Media ==


;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150">
Image:R550 Magic - Mirage IIIC.png|R.550 Magic seen on Mirage IIIC
Image:Magic I.png|The Matra 550 Magic 1 missile. Note the size and number of control surfaces, and the lack of thrust vectoring in the missile's rocket motor nozzle.
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|faKyQOTmzDw|'''Best guided missiles''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 0:42 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

RB24

2023-11-12T12:06:30Z

U138728298: I fixed a typo from manoeuver to maneuver.

{{About
| about = Swedish air-to-air '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other version
| link = RB24J
}}
[[File:Rb24 Launch.png|thumbnail|right|x250px|]]
== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage AIM-9B Sidewinder.png|thumb|left|420px|The RB24 (AIM-9B) missile (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a Swedish [[Air-to-air_missiles#Infrared_homing_.28heat-seeking.29_missiles|infrared homing air-to-air missile]]. It was introduced in [[Update 1.95 "Northern Wind"]]. The RB24 is a license built version of the [[AIM-9B Sidewinder]] missile and performs identically to it. The missile is effective at medium to long ranges but lacks the general ability to maneuver well.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|saab_j29f}}
* {{Specs-Link|saab_j32b}}
* {{Specs-Link|hunter_f50_sweden}}
* {{Specs-Link|saab_j35a}}
* {{Specs-Link|saab_j35d}}
* {{Specs-Link|saab_aj37}}
* {{Specs-Link|saab_ja37}}
* {{Specs-Link|saab_105g}}
* {{Specs-Link|saab_105oe}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 72 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || IR
|-
| '''Aspect''' || Rear-Aspect
|-
| '''Lock range in rear-aspect''' || 4 km
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 10 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 1.7 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 10 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 20 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 7.62 kg TNTeq
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===

The RB24 is a Swedish version of the AIM-9B and can be expected to be played the same way. This missile is an excellent tool for intercepting bombers, or unsuspecting players. The missile has a good range but suffers from bad tracking and mobility, making it easy to avoid in regular situations. Despite the many downsides, the Swedish "Robot" missile comes quite handy in most matches, giving the player more options to fight back.

=== Comparison with analogues ===

The RB24 is the first missile unlockable in the Swedish tech-tree, just like the AIM-9B in the US tech-tree. Both missiles are very early designs and suffer from older problems. Both missiles are equal in every way and are used in the same situations. These missiles work best when chasing opponents flying straight since the seeker is quite small. Once launched, however, the missiles can guarantee a kill on certain planes. With a 10G overload, heavier targets won't stand a chance. And when used at a higher altitude, the missiles will eliminate almost anyone within reach.

The [[AIM-9E Sidewinder|AIM-9E]] might perform the same as the RB24, but has a higher chance of a successful launch thanks to the improved seeker. This gives the AIM-9E the ability to lead the missile towards the opponent before launch. This helps the missile, which also suffers from bad manoeuvrability.

== Usage in battles ==

To launch the missile in a favourable situation, altitude is recommended. Since planes equipped with the RB24 boast large amounts of force, they handle favourably at these altitudes. The higher altitude helps the missile follow opponents more easily since their manoeuvrability becomes worse at height. Higher altitude also gives the option to intercept jet bombers with limited mobility, which are much easier to kill.

Launching the missile should be done between 0.7 - 3 km of distance. This distance is large enough for the missile to accelerate and short enough for the missile to contain fuel throughout the entire trip. Locked targets should be alone, since several heat sources will confuse the missile and send it off course, losing sight of the target. Taking this into consideration, a heat-seeking missile such as the RB24 should '''never''' be fired behind teammates. This puts them at high risk of accidentally getting targeted, which could lead to friendly fire.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Effective against larger opponents
* Decent effective range
* 10G maximum overload - Enough to eliminate most opponents at altitude

'''Cons:'''

* Easily avoidable
* Bad tracker - Difficult to get a good lock-on
* Tracks poorly - Missile gets easily confused when several heat sources are present

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[RB24J]]

;Similar-performing missiles

* [[AIM-9B Sidewinder]]
* [[AIM-9E Sidewinder]]
* [[R-3S]]

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

RB24

2023-11-12T12:00:47Z

U138728298: /* Vehicles equipped with this weapon */

{{About
| about = Swedish air-to-air '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other version
| link = RB24J
}}
[[File:Rb24 Launch.png|thumbnail|right|x250px|]]
== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage AIM-9B Sidewinder.png|thumb|left|420px|The RB24 (AIM-9B) missile (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a Swedish [[Air-to-air_missiles#Infrared_homing_.28heat-seeking.29_missiles|infrared homing air-to-air missile]]. It was introduced in [[Update 1.95 "Northern Wind"]]. The RB24 is a license built version of the [[AIM-9B Sidewinder]] missile and performs identically to it. The missile is effective at medium to long ranges but lacks the general ability to manoeuvre well.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===

* [[Saab J35XS]]

* {{Specs-Link|saab_j29f}}
* {{Specs-Link|saab_j32b}}
* {{Specs-Link|hunter_f50_sweden}}
* {{Specs-Link|saab_j35a}}
* {{Specs-Link|saab_j35d}}
* {{Specs-Link|saab_aj37}}
* {{Specs-Link|saab_ja37}}
* {{Specs-Link|saab_105g}}
* {{Specs-Link|saab_105oe}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 72 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || IR
|-
| '''Aspect''' || Rear-Aspect
|-
| '''Lock range in rear-aspect''' || 4 km
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 10 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 1.7 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 10 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 20 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 7.62 kg TNTeq
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===

The RB24 is a Swedish version of the AIM-9B and can be expected to be played the same way. This missile is an excellent tool for intercepting bombers, or unsuspecting players. The missile has a good range but suffers from bad tracking and mobility, making it easy to avoid in regular situations. Despite the many downsides, the Swedish "Robot" missile comes quite handy in most matches, giving the player more options to fight back.

=== Comparison with analogues ===

The RB24 is the first missile unlockable in the Swedish tech-tree, just like the AIM-9B in the US tech-tree. Both missiles are very early designs and suffer from older problems. Both missiles are equal in every way and are used in the same situations. These missiles work best when chasing opponents flying straight since the seeker is quite small. Once launched, however, the missiles can guarantee a kill on certain planes. With a 10G overload, heavier targets won't stand a chance. And when used at a higher altitude, the missiles will eliminate almost anyone within reach.

The [[AIM-9E Sidewinder|AIM-9E]] might perform the same as the RB24, but has a higher chance of a successful launch thanks to the improved seeker. This gives the AIM-9E the ability to lead the missile towards the opponent before launch. This helps the missile, which also suffers from bad manoeuvrability.

== Usage in battles ==

To launch the missile in a favourable situation, altitude is recommended. Since planes equipped with the RB24 boast large amounts of force, they handle favourably at these altitudes. The higher altitude helps the missile follow opponents more easily since their manoeuvrability becomes worse at height. Higher altitude also gives the option to intercept jet bombers with limited mobility, which are much easier to kill.

Launching the missile should be done between 0.7 - 3 km of distance. This distance is large enough for the missile to accelerate and short enough for the missile to contain fuel throughout the entire trip. Locked targets should be alone, since several heat sources will confuse the missile and send it off course, losing sight of the target. Taking this into consideration, a heat-seeking missile such as the RB24 should '''never''' be fired behind teammates. This puts them at high risk of accidentally getting targeted, which could lead to friendly fire.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Effective against larger opponents
* Decent effective range
* 10G maximum overload - Enough to eliminate most opponents at altitude

'''Cons:'''

* Easily avoidable
* Bad tracker - Difficult to get a good lock-on
* Tracks poorly - Missile gets easily confused when several heat sources are present

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[RB24J]]

;Similar-performing missiles

* [[AIM-9B Sidewinder]]
* [[AIM-9E Sidewinder]]
* [[R-3S]]

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]