M-20H

Revision as of 05:04, 24 January 2021 by Riysa (talk | contribs)
Jump to navigation Jump to search
M-20H
M-20h.png
An M-20H under the wing of a MATAR MTBT2 Qarsan.
TypePrecision guided munition
Place of origin Riysa
Service history
In service2014-current
Used byRiysian Arab Aerospace Force
Production history
Designed2012-2014
ManufacturerShihab Design Bureau
Unit cost$30,000 (export, M-20H)
$35,000 (export, M-20H1)
Produced2014-present
Specifications
Weight27 kg (60 lb)
Length1,000 mm (39 in)
Diameter180 mm (7.1 in)

Maximum firing range500 m - 8 km (M-20H)
500 m - 14 km (M-20H1)
Warhead13.5 kg high-explosive (M)
12.3 kg thermobaric (FGh)
8 kg tandem-charge (MD)

Guidance
system
Semi-active laser homing (SALH)
Accuracy<3 m CEP (estimated 1 m)
References

The M-20H is a Riysian unpowered, lightweight laser-guided munition, created by the Shihab Design Bureau for UCAVs. Derived from Shihab's SMD-20 Sijjil air-to-surface missile, the M-20 was specifically developed to arm the MATAR MTBT2 Qarsan UCAV in partnership with MATAR. Since then it has been adapted as a standard armament for all other Riysian UCAVs, and is claimed to be highly accurate against fast moving and stationary targets. In 2019, an upgraded version adding GPS/INS guidance entered production, offering lock-on after launch (LOAL) capability and increased accuracy.

Development

Originally, the Shihab SMD-20 Sijjil tactical missile, a Riysian equivalent to the AGM-114 Hellfire, was meant to be integrated onto MATAR's Qarsan combat drone, creating the first Riysian UCAV and UAV-sized munition. However, with a weight of 50 kilograms, the missile turned out to be too heavy for the UCAV's wings during integration tests. While the first batch of Qarsan drones were delivered unarmed, Shihab looked to modifying the SMD-20 to create a usable weapon, saving time and money instead of creating a clean-sheet design. By removing the now unnecessary rocket motor, and substituting the expensive dual seeker and computer for a simpler laser seeker and cheaper electronics, the Sijjil was transformed into a cheap and effective micro munition. As the new munition was essentially a small guided bomb, it received a standardized aerial bomb designation, becoming the M-20H.

The first batches of M-20H munitions were equipped with only a laser guidance system. In 2019, a compact INS/GPS module was added to the guidance system, increasing accuracy and giving it LOAL capability, extending the munition's range in certain conditions.

Design