MoS had overloaded SAM development and so Popsy could not be pursued and was canceld in 1950. However the RN did approach the US with this and it did lead to adapting their Meteor AAM, at least on paper. Thus Mopsy was born but the USN rejected it.
However....what happens if say one the four big SAM projects is dropped and Popsy is resourced instead.
Aimed at fitting into a rotatry magazine that fits into the space of a 4.5" gun, the supersonic version was 7ft long with wrap around boosters initially and about 400lbs. 66 could be accomodated into a 4.5" magazine.
However the inline version was 11.5ft in total lengthit seams from my measuring the picture in Tony and Chris's book.
Aquisition 14,000-12,000yards (6.9nm - 5.9nm)
Lock on 12,000-10,000yards (5.9nm - 4.9nm)
Track 8,000yards (3.9nm)
Engagement 5,000yards (2.46nm)
Mopsy 181" long (15ft 1" and 700lbs (with booster), span 34". Head on range 8.4nm, tailchase 3nm.
Assuming they do, this might have a somewhat protracted development, and could well have taken until the late 50's or early 60's to field aboard a warship.
Nevertheless, the system has some attractive features, being Q-band SARH in guidance it's potential for future growth is plausible. Improved or alternative seekers could be fitted.
Being two stage it's possible a successor could be built to fit into it's space in the magazine and launcher. Either as a two stage itself or as a new single stage weapon.
Being aimed at fitting into the space of a 4.5" gun it's applicable to Frigate sized ships and upwards.
It's potentially possible that this system would be fitted to the Tribal class, and that their design would've incorporated this possibility. After all they looked at Tartar (it wouldn't fit).
Furthermore one can see this being incorporated into the Leander class design, instead of Sea Cat, as we can to the Counties instead of one of the twin 4.5" turrets.
Conceivably this could also be fitted to Eagle and Ark Royal.
Arguably a landbased version could be fielded as well.
This does raise the question of whether SIGS goes forward.
However....what happens if say one the four big SAM projects is dropped and Popsy is resourced instead.
Aimed at fitting into a rotatry magazine that fits into the space of a 4.5" gun, the supersonic version was 7ft long with wrap around boosters initially and about 400lbs. 66 could be accomodated into a 4.5" magazine.
However the inline version was 11.5ft in total lengthit seams from my measuring the picture in Tony and Chris's book.
Aquisition 14,000-12,000yards (6.9nm - 5.9nm)
Lock on 12,000-10,000yards (5.9nm - 4.9nm)
Track 8,000yards (3.9nm)
Engagement 5,000yards (2.46nm)
Mopsy 181" long (15ft 1" and 700lbs (with booster), span 34". Head on range 8.4nm, tailchase 3nm.
Assuming they do, this might have a somewhat protracted development, and could well have taken until the late 50's or early 60's to field aboard a warship.
Nevertheless, the system has some attractive features, being Q-band SARH in guidance it's potential for future growth is plausible. Improved or alternative seekers could be fitted.
Being two stage it's possible a successor could be built to fit into it's space in the magazine and launcher. Either as a two stage itself or as a new single stage weapon.
Being aimed at fitting into the space of a 4.5" gun it's applicable to Frigate sized ships and upwards.
It's potentially possible that this system would be fitted to the Tribal class, and that their design would've incorporated this possibility. After all they looked at Tartar (it wouldn't fit).
Furthermore one can see this being incorporated into the Leander class design, instead of Sea Cat, as we can to the Counties instead of one of the twin 4.5" turrets.
Conceivably this could also be fitted to Eagle and Ark Royal.
Arguably a landbased version could be fielded as well.
This does raise the question of whether SIGS goes forward.
