The PARS 3 LR[3] in German service, also known as TRIGAT-LR (third generation anti-tank, long range) and AC 3G in French, is a fire-and-forget missile, which can be used against air or ground targets. It is intended for long range applications and designed to defeat tanks, helicopters and other individual targets, while minimizing the exposure of the launch vehicle to enemy fire. It is to be the main weapon system of the Eurocopter Tiger helicopter. The PARS 3 LR will be able to be fired in salvos of up to four in eight seconds. The missile can be applied in direct attack or top-attack modes.

PARS 3 long range
PARS 3 LR
TypeAir-to-surface missile
Air-to-air missile
Surface-to-surface missile
Anti-tank guided missile
Place of originGermany
Production history
Designed1988–2011[1]
ManufacturerParsys GmbH, MBDA Deutschland GmbH, Diehl BGT Defence,
Produced2012–present
Variantssee text
Specifications
Mass49 kilograms (108 lb)[2]
Length1,600 millimetres (63 in)[2]
Diameter159 millimetres (6.3 in)[2]
Warhead9 kg (19.84 lb) tandem HEAT
1,000  mm RHA penetration after ERA from TDW
Detonation
mechanism
impact

Enginesolid fuel rocket
Operational
range
up to 7 kilometres (4.3 mi)[2]
Maximum speed 1,044 kilometres per hour (290 m/s)
Guidance
system
Target acquisition: passive IR and television CCD sensors in a mast mounted on launching helicopter
Missile guidance: passive IR CCD sensors in the missile
Launch
platform
Helicopter

Development

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German Army Eurocopter Tiger armed with the PARS 3
 
Field trials of the now-cancelled TRIGAT-MR crew-served anti-tank weapon system

The programme was initiated by Germany, France and the United Kingdom. After the UK withdrew, only Germany and France remained. The manufacturer is Parsys GmbH, a joint venture between MBDA Deutschland GmbH and Diehl BGT Defence.

A lighter, medium-range and man-portable version called Trigat-MR (MR for medium range) was also planned; it was later cancelled. The project evolved into the proposed Trigan system, which is based on the MILAN 3 firing posts and the Trigat-MR missile.[4]

France withdrew from the programme in 2004. On 30 June 2006, Germany ordered 680 PARS 3 LR missiles for 380 million. Deliveries began in 2012. Indonesia ordered also 700 PARS 3 LR missiles for 420 million. Deliveries began in 2018.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "PARS 3 / TIGRAT Anti-Tank Missile". Army Technology. Verdict Media. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d "PARS 3 LR Data Sheet" (PDF). mbda-systems.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 May 2012. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
  3. ^ "PARS 3 / TIGRAT Anti-Tank Missile - Army Technology".
  4. ^ "MILAN Anti-Tank Missile System".
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