Alfa (rocket): Difference between revisions
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Starting as a development effort for a study on efficient solid-propellant rockets, the Alfa rocket was planned as a two-stage rocket. Test launches with an upper stage mockup took place between 1973 and 1975, from [[Salto di Quirra]].<ref name="Two">{{cite web|url=http://www.friends-partners.org/partners/mwade/lvs/alfa.htm|title=Alfa|publisher=astronautix.com|accessdate=6 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605135736/http://www.friends-partners.org/partners/mwade/lvs/alfa.htm|archive-date=5 June 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
Starting as a development effort for a study on efficient solid-propellant rockets, the Alfa rocket was planned as a two-stage rocket. Test launches with an upper stage mockup took place between 1973 and 1975, from [[Salto di Quirra]].<ref name="Two">{{cite web|url=http://www.friends-partners.org/partners/mwade/lvs/alfa.htm|title=Alfa|publisher=astronautix.com|accessdate=6 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605135736/http://www.friends-partners.org/partners/mwade/lvs/alfa.htm|archive-date=5 June 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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[[File:Alfa Missile.jpg|thumb|Italian Alfa missile side and cutaway views]] |
[[File:Alfa Missile.jpg|thumb|left|Italian Alfa missile side and cutaway views]] |
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The Alfa was {{convert|6.5|m}} long and had a diameter of {{convert|1.37|m}}. The first stage of the Alfa was {{convert|3.85|m}} long and contained 6 t of solid rocket fuel. It supplied a thrust of 232 [[Newton (unit)|kN]] for a duration of 57 seconds. It could carry one tonne warhead for a range of 1,600 kilometres (990 mi), placing [[European Russia]] and Moscow in range from the [[Adriatic Sea]].<ref name="Two" /> |
The Alfa was {{convert|6.5|m}} long and had a diameter of {{convert|1.37|m}}. The first stage of the Alfa was {{convert|3.85|m}} long and contained 6 t of solid rocket fuel. It supplied a thrust of 232 [[Newton (unit)|kN]] for a duration of 57 seconds. It could carry one tonne warhead for a range of 1,600 kilometres (990 mi), placing [[European Russia]] and Moscow in range from the [[Adriatic Sea]].<ref name="Two" /> |
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Revision as of 08:04, 5 October 2019
 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (August 2017) |
| This article needs additional citations for verification. (October 2013) |
| Alfa | |
|---|---|
 Test launch of an Alfa | |
| Type | Intermediate range ballistic missile |
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1973-1976 |
| Used by | Italian Navy |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Aeritalia, Selenia, Snia BPD |
| No. built | unknown |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 8,000 kilograms (18,000 lb) |
| Length | 3.85 metres (12.6 ft) |
| length | first stage |
| Height | 6.5 metres (21 ft) |
| Diameter | 1.37 metres (54 in) |
| Warhead | Nuclear warhead |
| Engine | first stage, solid fuel rocket 250 kN (56,000 lbf) thrust second stage, solid fuel rocket thrust unknown |
Operational range | 1,600 kilometres (990 mi) with 1 tonne warhead |
| Boost time | first stage, 57 seconds second stage, unknown |
Guidance system | Inertial |
Launch platform | surface vessels |
Alfa was the designation of an Italian ballistic missile program that started in 1971 under the control of the GRS (Gruppo di Realizzazione Speciale Interforze).
Development
Starting as a development effort for a study on efficient solid-propellant rockets, the Alfa rocket was planned as a two-stage rocket. Test launches with an upper stage mockup took place between 1973 and 1975, from Salto di Quirra.[1]
The Alfa was 6.5 metres (21 ft) long and had a diameter of 1.37 metres (4 ft 6 in). The first stage of the Alfa was 3.85 metres (12.6 ft) long and contained 6 t of solid rocket fuel. It supplied a thrust of 232 kN for a duration of 57 seconds. It could carry one tonne warhead for a range of 1,600 kilometres (990 mi), placing European Russia and Moscow in range from the Adriatic Sea.[1]
Italy has been active in the space sector since 1957, conducting launch and control operations from the Luigi Broglio Space Centre. The advanced Scout and Vega launchers currently used by the European Space Agency (ESA) derive their technological basis partially from Alfa studies.[1]
See also
References
- ^ a b c "Alfa". astronautix.com. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
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