overscan (PaulMM)

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The B83 was allocated SKr 400 Million in 1977 for initial development. It was expected to arm the B3LA light fighter design, but was clearly adaptable to other designs. It used an imaging infra-red (IIR) seeker working in the 7-14 micron band and based on the seeker of the cancelled RB72 AAM. In May 1978 BAe discussed collaboration, with one solution being the application of the B83 seeker to the BAe Sabre airframe.

Length: 1.65m
Diameter: 0.203m
Span: 0.57m
Weight: 70kg

Sources
  • Bill Gunston, Illustrated Encyclopaedia of the Worlds Rockets & Missiles Salamander 1979, p115
  • Mini-Maverick will arm B3LA fighter Flight International 9 Sept 1978, p936
 

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Better quality photo I picked up at Heathrow today. Only black and white though.
 

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From FV-nytt (flygvapennytt) 1977, says: "attack missile B 83 is developed for use together with FLIR" as an option for the Saab B3LA (Saab 38).
 

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How does this compare to the Wasp missile program? Size, range, etc.?

The goals of the efforts seem similar.
 
How does this compare to the Wasp missile program? Size, range, etc.?

The goals of the efforts seem similar.
uhm, it is swedish and it didnt go anywhere and we have no info really, so not really comparable id say
 
After a bit of research, Wasp (AGM-123), has a similar diameter, but is a bit shorter with a narrower wingspan. It also weighed 13kg less at 53 vs. 70. As tested the Wasp used millimeter-wave radar, but IR was an option. B83 used imaging infrared. The main question is range; Wasp was around 10km, I haven't found one for B83.

The goal appears to be roughly the same, to allow aircraft to attack multiple tanks/targets in a single pass. Wasp did it by launching 10-12 datalinked missiles from a pod, B83 did it by allowing the pilot to target and launch at multiple targets sequentially. From the load-out on the Saab 38 model it looks like it would carry four, while in the case of the Wasp missile F-111s and A-10s would carry four pods while other attack aircraft would carry two.

Wasp is more technologically complex, but if it worked it would be easier to employ since pilots could launch a salvo from outside SHORAD range.

B83 seems simpler technologically since the missiles don't need to datalink, but it puts a much higher demand on pilots to target and fire at up to four targets, while probably putting them at higher risk since they would keep approaching the enemy and potential air defenses during the multi-target pass.

Hellfire is even smaller than Wasp, but I wonder if the B83 seeker could fit. B83 or even just it's seeker might be a good fit for attack helicopters. If you really want to get fancy you can have an F-111 section launch a standoff salvo of up to 192 missiles (4 aircraft, 4 pods per, 12 Wasps per pod) at a column/formation, have Apaches popup and take out any surviving air defenses with B83s or Hellfires with B83 seekers (the launch as fast as you can lock on may be more effective than relying on laser guidance), and have A-10s swoop in with B83s and the cannon to finish any survivors off.

For Sweden substitute Viggens for F111s for the standoff Wasp salvo and A-38s for Apaches and A-10s.
 

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