Alfa (rocket)
| 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 | 40 |
| 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) |
| Flight altitude | apogee 300 km (190 mi) |
| Boost time | first stage, 57 seconds second stage, unknown |
Guidance system | Inertial |
Launch platform | surface vessels |
Alfa was the designation of an Italian solid propellant IRBM program that started in 1971 under the control of the GRS (Gruppo di Realizzazione Speciale Interforze). Starting as a development effort for a study on efficient solid-propellant rockets, the Alfa rocket was planned as two-stage rocket. Test launches with upper stage mockup from Salto di Quirra took place between 1973 and 1975.
The Alfa was 6.5 meters long and had a diameter of 1.37 meters. The first stage of the Alfa was 3.85 m long and contained 6 t of solid rocket fuel. It supplied a thrust of 232 kN for a duration of 57 seconds.
It was able to cover with its range of 1600 km all eastern countries and all western USSR launched from frigates or destroyers in the Adriatic Sea.[citation needed].It's estimated by italian military sources that around 40 missiles were produced before 1976.Italy was active in the space sector since 1957.[citation needed][dubious – discuss] An Alfa rocket it's today exposed at the Cameri Museum in Novara department.
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