C-40 Caçador SAM

C-40 Caçador
A C-40M Caçador II being launched during exercises.
Type	Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM)
Place of origin	Inyursta Merick Isles
Service history
In service	1979-present
Used by	Inyurstan Navy Mericki Navy
Production history
Designer	Naveyelle Systems Inc. Aloyceum Ship Works
Designed	1975
Manufacturer	Naveyelle Systems Inc.
Produced	1979-present
Specifications
Propellant	Solid Fuel Propellant
Operational range	C-40A Caçador: 65km C-40E Super Caçador: 90km C-40M Caçador-II: 120km C-40M-VL Caçador-V: 140km
Flight ceiling	24,000m (~80,000ft)
Speed	Mach 3.2
Guidance system	Semi-Active Radar Guidance, Terminal Infrared (M models)

The C-40M Caçador is a medium-range surface-to-air missile developed by Inyursta and the Merick Isles in the mid-late 70's. It was initially fielded in part as a ground-based system, however this was later replaced in the service of both armies. It's naval counter-part remains in service with the navies of both nations.

Development

In its early days, the C-40 was intended to be a medium range air defense missile to be deployed by ground based systems. The original C-40 system was deployed in TEL's which carried three missiles each, however the original road-mobile system was short lived and replaced by a number of more effective systems, mainly the MIM-104 Patriot.

Despite the relative ineffectiveness of the ground-based system, the modified C-40A was adapted to ships of both Inyursta and the Merick Isles to fit with the Mk-13 arm launcher system in place of the SM-1 missile. Here, the missile proved useful enough to continue domestic production and upgrades.

Variants

C-40A Caçador; the first ship-mounted system, installed on Inyurstan Chévaliare-class frigates and mid/late Cold War vessels of the Merick Isles.

C-40E Super Caçador; an upgrade with an improved seeker for better accuracy and improved propellant type for better range. Entered service 1986.

C-40M Caçador II; a complete overhaul which added a terminal infrared seeker, improved rocket booster and insensitive warhead munitions to safeguard against accidental detonation. Included a roughly 30% increase in operational range. Entered service 1998.

C-40M-VL Caçador V; a modification to allow the missile to be fit to the Mk-41 VLS system. Entered service 2010.