Missile d’Interception, de Combat et d’Auto-défense
Interception, combat and self-defense missile
The missile formerly known as the Matra MICA and now established as MBDA MICA started out as a project to replace the Super 530D and R.550 Magic missiles completely. What Matra had set out to do was to produce a BVR-capable missile with a thrust vectoring motor and interchangeable sensors. This would mean that the body, motor and otherwise would be the same in dimensions, configurations, and weight for either variants (IR and EM/RF). The only differences being the sensor installed into the missile. This would provide pilots the opportunity of choosing the sensors best suited for the certain situations they faced themselves in. It also brought forth an advantage in that the potential adversaries would not know what series of steps to take to defeat the missile. A unique characteristic of the missile’s motor is it’s purple flame while the motor is burning.
Both sensors available for the missile also included similar features. These being inertial guidance, in-flight updating, and multi-target capabilities. The MICA missiles were then adopted on vertical launch platforms for surface to air operations on land and at sea making the missile dual-use for both air and surface launch. This also meant that the MICA missile is capable of defeating multiple variety of threats. Despite quoted figures of 80km for both sensors, the aerodynamic ranges of the IR/EM variant of the missiles were not the same. The MICA-IR seeker is shown to be less aerodynamic than that of the MICA EM/RF, providing shorter comparable range in any launch conditions.
The MICA-IR earned the famed nickname of “Silent Killer” as it was capable of long-range stealthy BVR strikes by utilizing features that could only be found on contemporary radar missiles at the time of it’s introduction. For this reason, MICA-IR had pioneered as the most advanced IR missile with its arrival.
Design
Performance in testing
Two notable testing occurred with the missiles:
In October of 2008, an EM variant of the MICA missile intercepted a Banshee drone flying at low level over the surface and managed a direct hit at 15km away.
In July of 2009, a VL MICA intercepted a target at 15km away replicating a missile flying just 10 meters above the surface and scored a direct hit. The missile used was the IR variant.
Stated manueverability from VL MICA configuration:
In 2022, MICA missiles were refurbished to increase the lifetime of the missiles by replacing the thrust motor. This would ensure a smooth transition with the arrival of MICA NG. The program to refurbish these missiles give way for the missile to be equipped onto the Mirage 2000D-RMV.
5 MICA IR and 1 MICA EM can be noticed here in this image
MICA-EM/RF
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You can see the MICA missile contains a distinct purple flame.
CHARACTERISTICS OF MICA EM:
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Length: 3.1m (Source: 1,8,)
Width: 0.16m (Source 1,)
Finspan: 0.56m
Diameter: 160 mm (Source 1,8,)
Weight: 112kg (Source 1,3,4,5,8)
Estimated weight after burn: 70.12kg (Source: 30**)**
Speed: Mach 4.5(Source 8,10,11) (Review)
Minimum Range: 350m (Source 23,)
Maximum Range: 80km (Source 1,8,15)
Maximum Lock Angle Before Launch: 110 degrees (Source 11,49)
Radar Band: J-Band (7,11)
Tracking Rate: 30 degrees a second (Likely similar to source 9)
Field of View: Classified
Propulsion: Single-pulse Protac Motor, burn time of 6 seconds (Source 10,30)
Estimated Thrust: (Source: 30)
Guidance Duration: Unknown
Seeker Range: Thales AD4A Active Radar (10 seconds time to pitbull)
Warhead: 12kg Radar/Impact (7,8)
Estimated Explosive Mass: (Source: 30)
Guidance Type: Inertial/Active
Manuevering Capability: 50g up to 7km, 30g up to 12km - Measurements in ground launched configuration. (Source 17,)
Capabilities: Active Radar, Datalink, LOAL, LOBL, Rail and Ejection launch, 360 degree launch envelope, lofting mechanism, mid-course update, multi-target
MICA-IR
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The chips of the SAGEM IIR sensor for MICA-IR.
CHARACTERISTICS OF MICA IR:
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Length: 3.1m (Source: 1,8, )
Width: 0.16m (Source 1, )
Finspan: 0.56m
Diameter: 160 mm (Source 1,8, )
Weight: 112kg (Source 1,3,5,8)
Estimated weight after burn: 70.12kg (Source: HIDDEN)
Speed: Mach 4.5(Source 8,10,11)
Minimum Range: 350m (Source 23,)
Maximum Range: 80km (Source 1,8,15)
Maximum Lock Angle Before Launch: 120 degrees (PRIMARY-Source 9,11 )
Tracking Rate: 30 degrees a second (PRIMARY-Source 9,11)
Field of View: Classified
Propulsion: Single-pulse Protac Motor, burn time of 6 seconds (Source 10,30)
Thrust: HIDDEN Source: (30)
Guidance Duration: Unknown
Seeker Range: SAGEM IIR - Terminal imaging dual-band infrared seeker
Warhead: 12kg Radar/Impact Proximity (7,8)
Estimated Explosive Mass: (Source 30)
Guidance Type: IR
Manuevering Capability: 50g up to 7km, 30g up to 12km - Measurements in ground launched configuration. (Source 17,)
Other capabilities: Datalink, LOAL, LOBL, Rail and Ejection Launch, 360 degree launch envelope, mid-course update, can be used as auxiliary IRST, dual waveband imaging, multi-target
MICA Missile launched in VL configuration, the low guidance delay is apparent in these launches.
MICA/RJ
Spoiler
In 1994, Matra and Onera had came together to develop a ramjet variant of MICA missile. It was a 167kg variant featuring increased range, and was put forth in the competition in the Meteor program eventually losing out to the S225XR. The MICA/RJ or also known as Missile intermediat de combat aerien/ramjet had used the LFIRR design as opposed to the VFDR design in the eventual Meteor.
MICA NG (BOTH IR + EM/RF)
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The MICA NG exhibits similarities but differences compared to the earlier generation. From the exterior, there are no differences because it uses the same body and dimensions of the earlier generation, but instead is now more efficient and features newer seekers. The commonality with the previous generation allowed for streamlining of logistics and maintenance, as well as easy integration into existing systems. The electronics are condensed, and with the space savings, more propellant is included to increase the overall range. It is claimed that the kinetic range increase is 30% over the previous generation which would come out to be around 110km in range.
The MICA NG also converts from a single pulse motor to using a double-pulse motor, but the second booster varies in terms of when it turns on, depending on the type of threats it’s engaging, as well as the dynamic situation it faces itself in. A benefit of the second booster being used in later flight ranges is that the thrust vectoring could potentially function to provide greater maneuverability at the tail end portion of its flight against highly maneuverable targets.
https://youtu.be/lekxozJ02y4?si=2ZygbFCdVYZvoocF
The MICA NG-IR is stated to be using a MATRIX sensor while also providing higher resolution imagery for optronic usage, and the MICA NG-EM uses an AESA seeker. These new sensors allow for better detection capabilities as well as better filtering.
Another overall advantage of the MICA NG is that it became resilient to US imposed International Traffic in Arms Regulation, boosting it’s export prospects.
(Source: 33,34,35,36, 40)
This example from the motor’s manufacturer demonstrates how the missile would retain the same body but instead use more propellants, particularly because of compressed electronics. It is not exactly known how much more propellant is included, especially with the extension of the motor to include a second booster.
SOURCES:
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EDR Magazine Issue No. 46 july-august 2019 by EDR Magazine - Issuu (Page 23-24)
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https://gdailynews.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/331.pdf (RDY2 can lock onto the eight that represent the greatest threat and determines launch parameters for four radar-homing MICA EM missiles simultaneously, target prioritization is carried out automatically. No restriction on combination of MICA missiles.)
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DOC_2.pdf - Google Drive (Page 114) (Passive dual waveband seeker)
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https://omnirole-rafale.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Fox-3-11.pdf (Page 4& 5) (lofting, datalink, mid-course correction, LOBL, LOAL, over-the-shoulder, IR works in conjunction with Rafale’s FSO)
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mmrca-the-contending-air-to-air-missiles_compress.pdf - Google Drive (Page 65) (LOAL, LOBL, IRST lock, IR seeker utilized for discrete optronics, IR seeker works in conjunction with radar, 50% of pilots unaware they were under attack)
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Copy of 090819_GCC_Iran_AirPower.pdf - Google Drive (Page 75) (EM- J band, IR - Dual Band, 12kg warhead)
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Rafale-Aircraft–the-Untold-Story–Part-II.pdf - Google Drive (Length, Diameter, Warhead, Maximum range)
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D84E-MICA_Seeker (1).pdf - Google Drive (Primary source, Gimbal angles, track rate)
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https://www.vayuaerospace.in/Issue/vayu-issue-Vayu-Issue-I-Jan-Feb-2019.pdf (Seeker of the MICA IR may also be utilised for discrete optronics monitoring prior to launch)
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MBDA MICA (Engine duration, scanning angle of EM, sensor resistant to IRCM/DIRCM, radar/IRST conjunction, tracking rate, lofting, short-medium-long ranges)
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https://omnirole-rafale.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Fox-3-10.pd f (References lofting mechanism, IR-datalink,)
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https://omnirole-rafale.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Fox-3-09.pdf (Radar conjunction for IR)
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https://omnirole-rafale.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Fox-3-05.pdf (IR-multi-target)
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July 24 1995 | Aviation Week (IR max range of 80km)
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MBDA MICA EM/ IR [in french] (Further description of various range modes)
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1043305.pdf - Google Drive (Dual band infrared imaging, page 3)
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Google Books (Dual waveband imaging infrared, multi-target for both sensors)
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https://www.mbda-systems.com/?action=force-download-attachment&attachment_id=15322 (PRIMARY - IRST conjuction, LOBL, LOAL, radar conjuction, datalink)
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October 23 1995 | Aviation Week (HOBS with Sextant Helmet, Range, 50G)
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https://www.mbda-systems.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/VERTICAL-LAUNCH-MICA.pdf (Manueverability for ground launched configuration)
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http://neweb-eurosae.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/R_Carpentier_Missiles_tactiques.pdf
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https://omnirole-rafale.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Fox-3-02.pdf (MICA firing of both EM and IR simultaneously is possible)
23.https://sps-aviation.com/ebook/87082011.pdf (On Mirage 2000-5, RDY can guide 4 missiles onto targets)
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https://mags.shephardmedia.com/HB-samples-2018/RS2-webmag.pdf (On Mirage 2000-5, RDY can guide several missiles onto targets.)
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August 30 1993 | Aviation Week Page 16 (Ability to discriminate and pursue a target, multitargeting)
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804 (1).pdf - Google Drive
(MICA-IR multi-target, Focal point detector) -
Unclassified--FBIS Daily Report--West Europe : United States Foreign Broadcast Information Service : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive (MICA missile discrimination/multi-target)
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https://newsroom.mbda-systems.com/mbda-lance-le-nouveau-systeme-de-defense-aerienne-vl-mica-ng/ (Single pulse for MICA, dual pulse for MICA NG) (MICA NG has AESA [EM] and Matrix sensor [IR])
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https://www.mbda-systems.com/?action=force-download-attachment&attachment_id=16353 (MICA IR + EM capable of attacking anti-ship missiles + bombs)
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HIDDEN
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https://www.mbda-systems.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2020-VL-MICA-datasheet.pdf (MICA effective against low signature targets)
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VL-MICA-SEA1 (2).pdf - Google Drive (MICA effective against anti-ship ordnances regardless of seekers)
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https://www.roxelgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/brochure-2021-roxel-uk-web.pdf (Differences in propellant for MICA vs MICA NG shown as an example)
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https://euro-sd.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ESD_11-12_2020_WEB.pdf (Differences and similarity of NG and earlier generation)
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2021-02-23-Egypt-becomes-the-first-international-customer-for-MBDAs-VL-MICA-NG (1).pdf - Google Drive (New bipulse motor stated to provide additional energy at end of flight)
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http://www.academie-air-espace.com/upload/doc/ressources/COMAERO 05_1 - Carpentier Equipements I.pdf](http://www.academie-air-espace.com/upload/doc/ressources/COMAERO%2005_1%20-%20Carpentier%20Equipements%20I.pdf (In-flight updating of every 1-2 seconds)
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http://www.academie-air-espace.com/upload/doc/ressources/COMAERO 03 - Carpentier Missiles tactiques.pdf](http://www.academie-air-espace.com/upload/doc/ressources/COMAERO%2003%20-%20Carpentier%20Missiles%20tactiques.pdf Arrays of IR-CCD focal plane detectors.
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https://euro-sd.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ESD_4_2021_WEB.pdf MICA NG to intercept conventional targets such as aircraft, helicopters, anti-ship and cruise missiles at longer distances.
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http://kovy.free.fr/temp/rafale/pdf/DASSAULT_fox3_20.pdf ITAR Resilience for MICA missiles.
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https://www.vayuaerospace.in/Issue/vayu-issue-Vayu-Issue-II-Mar-Apr-2017.pdf IR/EM datalink. Dual use surface/air.
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5.88 MB folder on MEGA MICA NG descriptions.
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https://www.defense.gouv.fr/en/node/4458 MICA is refurbished and placed on Mirage 2000D. Link-16 MICA missile.
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https://archives.defense.gouv.fr/dga/actualite/la-direction-generale-de-l-armement-commande-la-realisation-des-missiles-mica-ng.html Refurbished MICA to be used on Mirage 2000D.
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Google Books Rafale OSF can fire MICA IR.
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19 KB file on MEGA IR missile performance
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24.5 KB file on MEGA EM missile performance
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17.21 MB file on MEGA MICA EM likely gimbal limitations taken from Cyrano IV manual for Super 530F.
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https://youtu.be/Acxj1DNBqe0?si=jpVoPyFsi2Z1wbdW&t=510 Video proof of MICA missile lofting
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https://youtu.be/lekxozJ02y4?si=0VgRW_LJUt_wvEg_ Presentation on MICA NG
Thanks to LeGrandSarrazin, WreckingAres, nxdefiant, and Adrien94 for their efforts.
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