Disclaimer:
I’ve already made a suggestion for this system. However based on the rules for suggestions currently in effect it was denied, as Multi-Vehicle suggestions with towed/trailer systems are not allowed to be suggested at this time (despite the precedent set by the SLAMRAAM currently ingame). This could change in the future, to which I’ll suggest it there and close this thread following their approval.
US SP-HAWK - A HAWK based Multi-Vehicle SAM System
- Yes.
- No.
This suggestion is for the M747 based Self Propelled HAWK Multi-Vehicle SAM System for the USA and Israel. It features MIM-23A HAWKs mounted on three M747s in total with up to 9 missiles, and towed search and tracking radars.
- 10.0-10.3
- 10.7-11.0
- 11.3-11.7
- 12.0+
- I Voted No.
- As a Researchable vehicle
- As a Squadron vehicle
- As a Premium vehicle
- As a Event vehicle
- I Voted No.
A SP-HAWK System on the move.
History:
A HAWK system being transported.
In 1967, the US Army began developing a new platform, the SP-HAWK or Self Propelled HAWK. This program aimed to produce an interim FAAD system while the Chaparral was still under development. In simplified terms, and as its name implies, it was intended to be a mobile platform for a MIM-23A Hawk based battery capable of being moved and deployed rapidly without issues.
A SP-HAWK elevating its launcher.
The system ended up being based on the tracked M548 troop transport, and the modified launcher was dubbed the M747. It was far from being without issues however. During testing multiple issues occurred, such as noticeable reliability issues with the engine, the need for consistent maintenance, and some systems even caught on fire.
A M747 SP-HAWK towing an acquisition radar.
The system entered service with US missile battalions in 1969, but never saw active combat and remained on US and European soil, especially in Germany, during its short time with the Army. They completed multiple test fires over the years but ended up have a very short lived service with the United States, being retired in 1971 and replaced by the then finished and well known Chaparral mobile air defense battery and newer I-HAWK systems.
A SP-HAWK towing a command center.
However that’s not the end of its story, as it went on to be procured and used by Israel. Very little information about the procurement for Israel exists online including acquisition dates, service usage, and retirement. However they did use the system with many images of it in IDF service with IDF identification markings existing online.
IDF M747 SP-HAWK next to an IDF Imp. Chaparral.
Sadly the vehicle never got to be used in combat, but it was ready to go at a moments notice. It was deployed in multiple places all over Europe to counter any Soviet threats that may arise, however they never came, and the SP-HAWK was removed in favor of the newer I-Hawk systems coming out.
YouTube video walkaround of the M747 on display at the Israel Air Force Museum:
In Short:
This suggestion offers a lower tier Multi-Vehicle SPAA System for the USA. The system lacks the ability to deal with targets at close ranges due to its lack of guns, but can deal with targets at range and (if I understand the system correctly) the missiles aren’t prone to chaff meaning they can be used against almost all targets it faces to great effect in most cases, and possibly can intercept munitions as well. However it’s a dated system, with radars prone to chaff, and an early version of the HAWK missile with limited effectiveness as close and far ranges compared to later versions.
Specifications (M747):
(Click to Show)
Operating Country: U.S.A. & Israel
Crew: 2
Length: 5.97m
Width: 2.56m
Height: 2.61m
Weight: 8.8t or 17,637lbs
Top Speed: 35mph or 56kph
Engine: Detroit Diesel 6V53 diesel-fueled engine
Engine Power: 212 hp
P/W Ratio: 24.09hp per ton
Electronics and Systems:
(Click to Show)
• Central-Vehicle (“Target Acquisition and Detection System”):
M747 SP-HAWK (TADS): (Technically since it also has a launcher it could be called something like a TELATADS given it’s a transporter erector launcher AND target acquisition and designation system)
- Towed CWAR (Continuous-Wave Acquisition Radar): AN/MPQ-34 for Low to Medium altitude detection
AN/MPQ-34 Search Radar.
• Sub-Vehicle (“Transporter Erector Launcher And Radar”)
M747 SP-HAWK (TELAR):
- Towed HPIR (High Power Illuminating Radar): (CW) X-Band AN/MPQ-33
AN/MPQ-33 Tracking Radar.
Excluded, No Place Ingame:
- Towed Command Center: AN/MSW-9 PCP (Platoon Command Post)
- Towed Ranging Radar: AN/MPQ-37
How It Will Work Ingame:
(Click to Show)
Operational Usage Ingame:
The SP-HAWK system will be unable to operate if both of the two Towed HPIR/Tracking Radars with the TELAR vehicles are taken out/disabled, as without them the missiles cannot be guided. The TEL vehicles are also unable to operate without the TADS and the CWAR/Acquisition Radar, as the information with directing the Illuminating radars are fed to them through it, however they should be able to maintain a lock but they would be unable to regain it if lost or acquire new locks. This means the system as a whole can only operate if at least one TELAR and the TADS vehicle are alive. If both TEL vehicles are destroyed, or the TADS vehicle is destroyed, then the system is unable to operate and you would be ejected from the system in a match like other systems ingame.
Similarities and Differences to existing systems ingame:
• Unlike existing Multi-Vehicle systems ingame, the SP-HAWK uses SARH missiles as opposed to ARH ones.
• Unlike existing Multi-Vehicle systems ingame, the central “TADS” vehicle also has a launcher, not just the “TELAR” vehicles.
• Similarly to the CLAWS (“SLAMRAAM”), these vehicles tow their radar systems.
• Similarly to the CLAWS (“SLAMRAAM”), these vehicles have no optical system, meaning you would be limited to the Mk.1 Eyeball and your radar fire control screen multi function menu for targeting and using your weapons.
• Similarly to the Buk-M3, the TEL vehicles have radar systems (tracking/illumination radars) meaning they would be properly designated TELAR, but unlike the Buk-M3 cannot operate on their own.
Armament:
(Click to Show)
All M747s, the central-vehicle and sub-vehicles included, can each carry:
- Up to 3x MIM-23A HAWK Surface-To-Air Missiles. (9 in total across all 3 vehicles)
MIM-23A:
• Guidance Type: Semi-Active Radar Homing (SARH)
• Seeker Type: Continuous-Wave Monopulse
• Maximum Overload: 15Gs
• Missile Wingspan: 1.19m
• Missile Diameter: 0.37m
• Missile Length: 5.08m
• Missile Weight: 584kg
• Maximum Range: ~25km
• Minimum Range: ~2km
• Maximum Altitude: ~11km
• Minimum Altitude: ~60m (This is the same exact value as the value for all radar guided missiles right now)
• Maximum Speed: Mach ~2.7
• Motor: Single-Stage Solid-Propellant M22E8 Motor
• Motor Burn Time: 25-32 Seconds (Possibly Variable-Thrust or just conflicting reports)
• Warhead Type: Directional Blast Fragmentation
• Warhead Composition: 54kg High-Explosive
• Fuze: Radar Proximity and Impact Fuzes
(Ammo boxes will also double the amount of missiles each vehicle can receive, meaning a maximum amount of 18 missiles can be achieved across the 3 vehicles.)
Sources:
(Click to Show)
“THE HAWK AIR DEFENSE MISSILE SYSTEM” By Marc Romanych and Jacqueline Scott.
besacenter wp-content/uploads/2018/06/150-MONOGRAPH-Brower-IDF-1948-2017-WEB-UPDATED pdf
“A National Register Inventory and Evaluation of Launch Complex 32 at White Sands Missile Range, Doña Ana County, New Mexico” 2018 by Nate Myers, M.A., Brad Beacham, M.A., and Phillip S. Esser Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc.
MIM-23 Hawk | Military Wiki | Fandom
Thank you for taking the time to read one of my first ground forces suggestions, even if it’s out of place in this section! Hopefully there aren’t any historical errors or too many spelling/grammar mistakes. I hope y’all have a wonderfully blessed day and I’ll see ya in my next suggestion!