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{{Short description|South African air-to-surface missile}}
{{EngvarB|date=February 2017}}
{{EngvarB|date=February 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
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{{Infobox weapon
{{Infobox weapon
|name=Mokopa
|name=Mokopa
|image=[[Image:Mokopa SAL.jpg|300px|]]
|image=Mokopa SAL.jpg
|image_size=300
|caption=Mokopa laser guided anti-tank missile
|caption=Mokopa laser guided anti-tank missile
|origin=South Africa
|origin=South Africa
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|in service=
|in service=
|used_by=
|used_by=
|number=74 (2009)<ref>https://www.forecastinternational.com/samples/F656_CompleteSample.pdf</ref>
|number=74 (2009)<ref name="forecastinternational.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.forecastinternational.com/samples/F656_CompleteSample.pdf
|title=The Market for Anti-Tank Missiles|publisher=Forecast International|access-date=29 January 2023}}</ref>
|manufacturer=[[Denel Dynamics]]
|manufacturer=[[Denel Dynamics]]
|propellant=
|propellant=
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|engine=[[Solid-fuel rocket]]
|engine=[[Solid-fuel rocket]]
|engine_power=
|engine_power=
|weight= 49.8&nbsp;kg<ref name="saairforce1">{{cite web|url=http://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/weapons/53/mokopa-anti-armour-missile |title=The Unofficial South African Air Force Website |publisher=Saairforce.co.za |date= |accessdate=27 May 2014}}</ref>
|weight= {{convert|49.8|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<ref name="saairforce1">{{cite web|url=http://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/weapons/53/mokopa-anti-armour-missile |title=The Unofficial South African Air Force Website |publisher=Saairforce.co.za |date= |access-date=27 May 2014}}</ref>
|length=1.995 m (6.55 ft)
|length= {{convert|1.995|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|height=
|height=
|diameter=17.8&nbsp;cm (7.0 in)
|diameter={{convert|17.8|cm|in|abbr=on}}
|wingspan=
|wingspan=
|speed={{convert|530|m/s|mi/h|abbr=on}}
|speed=
|vehicle_range=10,000m
|vehicle_range={{convert|10,000|m|mi|abbr=on}}
|ceiling=
|ceiling=
|altitude=
|altitude=
|filling=Tandem [[High explosive anti-tank warhead|High Explosive Anti-Tank]] (HEAT) Capable of penetrating > 1350 mm [[Rolled homogeneous armour|RHA]];<br />Blast Fragmentation
|filling=[[Tandem-charge]] [[high-explosive anti-tank]] (HEAT) able to penetrate > 1000+ mm [[Rolled homogeneous armour|RHA]];<br/>Blast Fragmentation
|guidance=[[Laser guidance|Semi-active laser homing]] <br />[[Active radar homing|millimetre wave radar seeker]]
|guidance=[[Laser guidance|Semi-active laser homing]]<br/>[[Active radar homing|millimetre wave radar seeker]]
|detonation=
|detonation=
|unit_cost=
|price=$5
|launch_platform=Helicopter or fixed wing aircraft, vehicles or boats and ships
|launch_platform=Fixed wing aircraft, helicopter, ground vehicles, boats, ships
}}
}}


The '''ZT-6 Mokopa''' is a South African air-to-ground [[anti-tank guided missile]].<ref>https://www.forecastinternational.com/samples/F656_CompleteSample.pdf</ref> As of 2005 it is in its final stages of development, and is being integrated onto the [[South African Air Force]]'s [[Rooivalk]] attack [[helicopter]]s. The missile is produced by [[Denel Dynamics]], formerly Kentron. The current version uses semi-active laser (SAL) guidance, requiring the target to be illuminated by a [[laser designator]] either on the launch platform or elsewhere; though there are alternative guidance packages available including a millimetre-wave [[radar]] (MMW) seeker and a two-colour imaging [[infrared]] (IIR) seeker.<ref name="saairforce1"/>
The '''ZT-6 Mokopa''' is a South African air-to-ground [[anti-tank guided missile]].<ref name="forecastinternational.com"/> {{As of|2005}}, it is in its final stages of development, and is being integrated onto the [[South African Air Force]]'s [[Rooivalk]] attack [[helicopter]]s. The missile is produced by [[Denel Dynamics]], formerly Kentron. The current version uses [[Laser guidance|semi-active laser]] (SAL) guidance, requiring the target to be illuminated by a [[laser designator]] either on the launch platform or elsewhere; though there are alternative guidance packages available including a millimetre-wave [[radar]] (MMW) seeker and a two-colour imaging [[infrared]] (IIR) seeker.<ref name="saairforce1"/>


All variants of the Mokopa feature two launch modes, Lock-On Before Launch (LOBL) and Lock-On After Launch (LOAL). LOBL is the older, more conventional mode of missile launching, where the target has to be illuminated by the launch platform before launch. LOAL on the other hand allows the launch platform to launch the missile even though it may not be in sight of the target. In terms of the SAL version, this would then allow either the launch platform to move into place and only illuminate the target immediately prior to the missile striking the target, or it would allow an observer on the ground equipped with a laser designator to guide the missile in. This method of launching greatly reduces the exposure time of the launch platform to enemy fire.
All variants of the Mokopa feature two launch modes, lock-on before launch (LOBL) and [[lock-on after launch]] (LOAL). LOBL is the older, more conventional mode of missile launching, where a target must be illuminated by the launch platform before launch. LOAL in contrast allows the launch platform to launch the missile with or without being in sight of the target. For the SAL version, this allows either the launch platform to move into place and illuminate the target only immediately before a missile strikes a target, or allows an observer on the ground equipped with a laser designator to guide a missile. This method of launch greatly reduces the exposure time of the launch platform to enemy fire.


==Development==
==Development==
Full scale development of the Mokopa began in November 1996, due to the ongoing United States arms embargo against South Africa making acquisition of the [[AGM-114 Hellfire]] impossible.<ref name="defenceweb1">{{cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13247:denels-mokopa-pgm-ready-for-market&catid=90:science-a-technology&Itemid=204 |title=Denel's Mokopa PGM ready for market |publisher=defenceWeb |date=26 January 2011 |accessdate=27 May 2014}}</ref> The first air-launched tests from a Rooivalk helicopter took place in 1999, with the first guided tests following in 2000. As of 2005 the missile's development is virtually complete, and the first batches are currently being delivered to the SA Air Force's Rooivalk squadron. However, due to budgetary constraints the [[South African Air Force]] has decided to stop the integration of the weapon onto the [[Rooivalk]] until an unspecified date.<ref name="saairforce1"/>
Full scale development of the Mokopa began in November 1996, due to a long-term United States arms embargo against South Africa blocking acquisition of the US [[AGM-114 Hellfire]].<ref name="defenceweb1">{{cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13247:denels-mokopa-pgm-ready-for-market&catid=90:science-a-technology&Itemid=204 |title=Denel's Mokopa PGM ready for market |publisher=defenceWeb |date=26 January 2011 |access-date=27 May 2014}}</ref> The first air-launched tests from a Rooivalk helicopter took place in 1999, with the first guided tests following in 2000. As of 2005 the missile's development is virtually complete, and the first batches are currently being delivered to the SA Air Force's Rooivalk squadron. However, due to budgetary constraints the [[South African Air Force]] has decided to stop the integration of the weapon onto the [[Rooivalk]] until an unspecified date.<ref name="saairforce1"/>


==Launch vehicles and platforms==
==Launch vehicles and platforms==
Though primarily designed to be launched from a helicopter, the Mokopa has been tested on a variety of platforms, including its mounting on light armoured vehicles and on ships or small boats. For the latter purpose, the Mokopa is available with an [[anti-ship missile|anti-ship]] warhead.
Though mainly designed to be launched from a helicopter, the Mokopa has been tested on a variety of platforms, including mounting it on light armoured vehicles, ships, and small boats. For the latter purpose, the Mokopa is available with an [[anti-ship missile|anti-ship]] warhead.<ref name="defenceweb1"/>
<ref name="defenceweb1"/>


==Warhead==
==Warhead==
The Mokopa uses a powerful tandem [[Shaped charge|shaped-charge]], [[high explosive anti-tank|high explosive anti-tank (HEAT)]] [[warhead]], capable of penetrating over 1,350&nbsp;mm (almost 4½&nbsp;ft) of [[Rolled homogeneous armour]] (RHA), and also effective against [[Explosive Reactive Armour]] (ERA). This means the Mokopa is able to counter any current vehicle armour threats.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.armyrecognition.com/idex_2013_news_coverage_report_pictures_video/denel_dynamics_showcases_a_full_range_of_its_tactical_missile_products_at_idex_2013_2102131.html |title=Denel Dynamics showcases a full range of its tactical missile products at IDEX 2013 2102131 – Army Recognition |publisher=Armyrecognition.com |date= |accessdate=27 May 2014}}</ref>
The Mokopa uses a powerful [[tandem-charge|tandem]] [[shaped charge]], [[high-explosive anti-tank]] (HEAT) [[warhead]], able to penetrate over {{convert|1,000|mm|ft|abbr=on}} (tests show over 1,000 mm) of [[rolled homogeneous armour]] (RHA), and also effective against [[explosive reactive armour]] (ERA). Thus, the Mokopa can counter any current vehicle armour threats.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.armyrecognition.com/idex_2013_news_coverage_report_pictures_video/denel_dynamics_showcases_a_full_range_of_its_tactical_missile_products_at_idex_2013_2102131.html |title=Denel Dynamics showcases a full range of its tactical missile products at IDEX 2013 2102131 – Army Recognition |publisher=Armyrecognition.com |date= |access-date=27 May 2014}}</ref>


An anti-ship warhead is also available for customers who wish to use the Mokopa as a ship-board defence weapon, or as the armament of specialised ship-board helicopters.
An anti-ship warhead is also available for customers who wish to use the Mokopa as a ship-board defence weapon, or as the armament of specialised ship-board helicopters.
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==Users==
==Users==
*{{flagicon|Algeria}} [[Algerian National Navy]] –In 2012 Algeria also ordered 100 Mokopa anti-tank missiles in 2012 under a [[South African Rand|R]]360&nbsp;million deal, according to SIPRI. These are destined for use aboard its Lynx naval helicopters that will be deployed on its new Meko A-200 frigates.<ref>http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php option=com_content&view=article&id=38561&catid=74&Itemid=30</ref>{{dead link}} According to [[Flightglobal]], the Algerian Navy's six new [[Westland Lynx|Super Lynx 300-series]] helicopters were conducting flight tests in 2014 armed with Mokopa anti-armour missiles.<ref name=ALG>{{cite news|last1=Hoyle|first1=Craig|title=New Algerian Super Lynx nears delivery|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/new-algerian-super-lynx-nears-delivery-404740/|accessdate=31 October 2014|agency=Flightglobal|publisher=Flightglobal|date=14 October 2014}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|Algeria}} [[Algerian National Navy]] –In 2012 Algeria also ordered 100 Mokopa anti-tank missiles in 2012 under a [[South African Rand|R]]360&nbsp;million deal, according to SIPRI. These are destined for use aboard its Lynx naval helicopters that will be deployed on its new Meko A-200 frigates.<ref>[http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php Archived copy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921035825/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php |date=21 September 2014 }} option=com_content&view=article&id=38561&catid=74&Itemid=30</ref> According to [[Flightglobal]], the Algerian Navy's six new [[Westland Lynx|Super Lynx 300-series]] helicopters were conducting flight tests in 2014 armed with Mokopa anti-armour missiles.<ref name=ALG>{{cite news|last1=Hoyle |first1=Craig |title=New Algerian Super Lynx nears delivery |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/new-algerian-super-lynx-nears-delivery-404740/ |access-date=31 October 2014 |agency=Flightglobal |publisher=Flightglobal |date=14 October 2014}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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===Comparable missiles===
===Comparable missiles===
* [[AGM-114 Hellfire]]
* {{lwc|AGM-114 Hellfire}}
* [[Brimstone missile]]
* {{lwc|Brimstone (missile)|Brimstone}}
* {{lwc|Barq}}


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{commonscat|Mokopa missiles}}
{{commons category|Mokopa missiles}}
* [http://www.deneldynamics.co.za Denel Dynamics]
* {{Official website|www.deneldynamics.co.za}}, Denel Dynamics
* [http://www.deneldynamics.co.za/index.php/world-class-products?download=1:dene-dynamics-product-brochure Denel Dynamics Product Brochures (PDF)]
* [http://www.deneldynamics.co.za/index.php/world-class-products?download=1:dene-dynamics-product-brochure Denel Dynamics Product Brochures (PDF)]


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[[Category:Air-to-surface missiles]]
[[Category:Air-to-surface missiles]]
[[Category:Anti-tank missiles of South Africa]]
[[Category:Anti-tank guided missiles of South Africa]]
[[Category:Guided missiles of South Africa]]
[[Category:Guided missiles of South Africa]]
[[Category:Post–Cold War weapons of South Africa]]
[[Category:Post–Cold War weapons of South Africa]]
[[Category:Denel]]
[[Category:Denel]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1990s]]

Latest revision as of 01:03, 28 April 2024

Mokopa
Mokopa laser guided anti-tank missile
TypeAir-to-surface
Place of originSouth Africa
Production history
ManufacturerDenel Dynamics
Produced1996–present
No. built74 (2009)[1]
Specifications
Mass49.8 kg (110 lb)[2]
Length1.995 m (6.55 ft)
Diameter17.8 cm (7.0 in)
WarheadTandem-charge high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) able to penetrate > 1000+ mm RHA;
Blast Fragmentation
EngineSolid-fuel rocket
Operational
range
10,000 m (6.2 mi)
Maximum speed 530 m/s (1,200 mph)
Guidance
system
Semi-active laser homing
millimetre wave radar seeker
Launch
platform
Fixed wing aircraft, helicopter, ground vehicles, boats, ships

The ZT-6 Mokopa is a South African air-to-ground anti-tank guided missile.[1] As of 2005, it is in its final stages of development, and is being integrated onto the South African Air Force's Rooivalk attack helicopters. The missile is produced by Denel Dynamics, formerly Kentron. The current version uses semi-active laser (SAL) guidance, requiring the target to be illuminated by a laser designator either on the launch platform or elsewhere; though there are alternative guidance packages available including a millimetre-wave radar (MMW) seeker and a two-colour imaging infrared (IIR) seeker.[2]

All variants of the Mokopa feature two launch modes, lock-on before launch (LOBL) and lock-on after launch (LOAL). LOBL is the older, more conventional mode of missile launching, where a target must be illuminated by the launch platform before launch. LOAL in contrast allows the launch platform to launch the missile with or without being in sight of the target. For the SAL version, this allows either the launch platform to move into place and illuminate the target only immediately before a missile strikes a target, or allows an observer on the ground equipped with a laser designator to guide a missile. This method of launch greatly reduces the exposure time of the launch platform to enemy fire.

Development

[edit]

Full scale development of the Mokopa began in November 1996, due to a long-term United States arms embargo against South Africa blocking acquisition of the US AGM-114 Hellfire.[3] The first air-launched tests from a Rooivalk helicopter took place in 1999, with the first guided tests following in 2000. As of 2005 the missile's development is virtually complete, and the first batches are currently being delivered to the SA Air Force's Rooivalk squadron. However, due to budgetary constraints the South African Air Force has decided to stop the integration of the weapon onto the Rooivalk until an unspecified date.[2]

Launch vehicles and platforms

[edit]

Though mainly designed to be launched from a helicopter, the Mokopa has been tested on a variety of platforms, including mounting it on light armoured vehicles, ships, and small boats. For the latter purpose, the Mokopa is available with an anti-ship warhead.[3]

Warhead

[edit]

The Mokopa uses a powerful tandem shaped charge, high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead, able to penetrate over 1,000 mm (3.3 ft) (tests show over 1,000 mm) of rolled homogeneous armour (RHA), and also effective against explosive reactive armour (ERA). Thus, the Mokopa can counter any current vehicle armour threats.[4]

An anti-ship warhead is also available for customers who wish to use the Mokopa as a ship-board defence weapon, or as the armament of specialised ship-board helicopters.

Performance

[edit]

The missile is considered to be very accurate, with an accuracy believed to match that of the company's other anti-tank missile, the Ingwe, at around 300 mm CEP at maximum range.[3]

It also has a long range for an anti-tank missile; at 10 km (6.2 mi) it is greater than the published range of most current competitors, including the Hellfire. The range is achieved due to an advanced solid-fuel composite rocket motor (developed by Somchem), which has a relatively slow burning rate compared to similar motors, as well as being essentially smokeless.

Users

[edit]
  • Algeria Algerian National Navy –In 2012 Algeria also ordered 100 Mokopa anti-tank missiles in 2012 under a R360 million deal, according to SIPRI. These are destined for use aboard its Lynx naval helicopters that will be deployed on its new Meko A-200 frigates.[5] According to Flightglobal, the Algerian Navy's six new Super Lynx 300-series helicopters were conducting flight tests in 2014 armed with Mokopa anti-armour missiles.[6]

See also

[edit]

Comparable missiles

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "The Market for Anti-Tank Missiles" (PDF). Forecast International. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
  2. ^ a b c "The Unofficial South African Air Force Website". Saairforce.co.za. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  3. ^ a b c "Denel's Mokopa PGM ready for market". defenceWeb. 26 January 2011. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  4. ^ "Denel Dynamics showcases a full range of its tactical missile products at IDEX 2013 2102131 – Army Recognition". Armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  5. ^ Archived copy Archived 21 September 2014 at the Wayback Machine option=com_content&view=article&id=38561&catid=74&Itemid=30
  6. ^ Hoyle, Craig (14 October 2014). "New Algerian Super Lynx nears delivery". Flightglobal. Flightglobal. Retrieved 31 October 2014.
[edit]
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