Jump to content

Hsiung Feng III: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit Advanced mobile edit
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
 
(35 intermediate revisions by 13 users not shown)
Line 3: Line 3:
| image = File:Hsiung Feng III Anti-Ship Missile Display in Chengkungling 20111009a.jpg
| image = File:Hsiung Feng III Anti-Ship Missile Display in Chengkungling 20111009a.jpg
| image_size = 300
| image_size = 300
| alt =
| alt =
| caption = Hsiung Feng III Anti-Ship Missile Display in [[Chengkungling History Museum|Chengkungling]]
| caption = Hsiung Feng III Anti-Ship Missile Display in [[Chengkungling History Museum|Chengkungling]]
| type = [[Anti-ship missile]] <br> [[Surface to surface missile]]
| type = [[Anti-ship missile]] <br> [[Surface to surface missile]]
| origin = [[Taiwan]]
| origin = [[Taiwan]]
<!-- Type selection -->
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged =
| is_ranged =
| is_bladed =
| is_bladed =
| is_explosive = Yes
| is_explosive = Yes
Line 14: Line 13:
| is_vehicle =
| is_vehicle =
| is_missile = Yes
| is_missile = Yes
| is_UK =
| is_UK = <!-- Service history -->
<!-- Service history -->
| service =
| service =
| used_by = {{flagicon|Taiwan}} [[ROCN]]
| used_by = {{flagicon|Taiwan}} [[ROCN]]
| wars =
| wars = <!-- Production history -->
<!-- Production history -->
| designer = [[National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology]] (NCSIST)
| designer = [[National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology]] (NCSIST)
| design_date =
| design_date =
| manufacturer = [[NCSIST]]
| manufacturer = [[NCSIST]]
| unit_cost =
| unit_cost =
| production_date = 2007-Present
| production_date = 2007–present
| number = >250 (2012)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cole |first1=J. Michael |title=Vessels being outfitted with HF-3s |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2012/05/15/2003532862 |website=www.taipeitimes.com |date=15 May 2012 |publisher=Taipei Times}}</ref>
| number = >250 (2012)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cole |first1=J. Michael |title=Vessels being outfitted with HF-3s |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2012/05/15/2003532862 |website=www.taipeitimes.com |date=15 May 2012 |publisher=Taipei Times}}</ref>
| variants =
| variants = <!-- General specifications -->
<!-- General specifications -->
| spec_label =
| spec_label =
| mass = {{convert|3,000|-|3,300|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name=tdr1/>
| mass = {{convert|3,000|-|3,300|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name=tdr1/>
| length = Approx. {{convert|6.096|m|ft|abbr=on}}<ref name=tdr1/>
| length = Approx. {{convert|6.1|m|ft|abbr=on}}<ref name=tdr1/>
| part_length =
| part_length =
| width =
| width =
| height =
| height =
| diameter = {{convert|0.4572|m|ft|abbr=on}}<ref name=tdr1/> missile body only
| diameter = {{convert|0.46|m|in|abbr=on}}<ref name=tdr1/> missile body only
| crew =
| crew =
| passengers =
| passengers = <!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
| cartridge =
| cartridge =
| cartridge_weight =
| cartridge_weight =
Line 48: Line 43:
| max_range =
| max_range =
| feed =
| feed =
| sights =
| sights = <!-- Artillery specifications -->
<!-- Artillery specifications -->
| breech =
| breech =
| recoil =
| recoil =
| carriage =
| carriage =
| elevation =
| elevation =
| traverse =
| traverse = <!-- Bladed weapon specifications -->
<!-- Bladed weapon specifications -->
| blade_type =
| blade_type =
| hilt_type =
| hilt_type =
| sheath_type =
| sheath_type =
| head_type =
| head_type =
| haft_type =
| haft_type = <!-- Explosive specifications -->
| filling = {{convert|225|kg|lb|-1|abbr=on}} self-forging fragments
<!-- Explosive specifications -->
| filling = {{convert|225|kg|lb|abbr=on}} self-forging fragments
| filling_weight =
| filling_weight =
| detonation = smart fuse
| detonation = smart fuse
| yield =
| yield = <!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->
<!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->
| armour =
| armour =
| primary_armament =
| primary_armament =
Line 74: Line 65:
| pw_ratio =
| pw_ratio =
| payload_capacity =
| payload_capacity =
| drive =
| drive =
| transmission =
| transmission =
| suspension =
| suspension =
| clearance =
| clearance =
| fuel_capacity =
| fuel_capacity =
| vehicle_range = {{convert|250|mi|km nmi|abbr=on}}<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2019/january/6724-taiwan-upgrades-its-hsiung-feng-3-anti-ship-missiles.html|title = Taiwan upgrades its Hsiung Feng-3 anti-ship missiles}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2017/02/06/taiwan-to-upgrade-indigenous-missile-capabilities/|title=Taiwan to upgrade indigenous missile capabilities|first=Mike|last=Yeo|date=August 8, 2017|website=Defense News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/article/83409/kaohsiung-maritime-2018-taiwan-begins-work-on-next-generation-hsiung-feng-missile|title=Kaohsiung Maritime 2018: Taiwan begins work on next-generation Hsiung Feng missile &#124; Jane's 360|website=www.janes.com}}</ref>
| vehicle_range = >{{convert|250|mi|km nmi|abbr=on}}<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2019/january/6724-taiwan-upgrades-its-hsiung-feng-3-anti-ship-missiles.html|title = Taiwan upgrades its Hsiung Feng-3 anti-ship missiles}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2017/02/06/taiwan-to-upgrade-indigenous-missile-capabilities/|title=Taiwan to upgrade indigenous missile capabilities|first=Mike|last=Yeo|date=August 8, 2017|website=Defense News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/article/83409/kaohsiung-maritime-2018-taiwan-begins-work-on-next-generation-hsiung-feng-missile|title=Kaohsiung Maritime 2018: Taiwan begins work on next-generation Hsiung Feng missile &#124; Jane's 360|website=www.janes.com}}</ref>
| speed = supersonic
| speed = ~([[Mach number|Mach]] 3.5) {{cvt|1200|m/s|mph}}
| guidance = [[Inertial guidance]] with ([[X band]]) terminal [[active radar homing]]<ref name=tdr1/>
| guidance = [[Inertial guidance]] with ([[X band]]), [[active radar homing]] for [[terminal guidance]]<ref name=tdr1/>
| steering =
| steering = <!-- Missiles only -->
<!-- Missiles only -->
| wingspan =
| wingspan =
| propellant = Liquid fuel ramjet engine, solid fuel main booster and two side boosters
| propellant = Liquid fuel ramjet engine, solid fuel main booster and two side boosters
Line 91: Line 81:
| depth =
| depth =
| accuracy =
| accuracy =
| launch_platform = [[surface combatants|surface ships]] , [[transporter erector launcher]], and hardened bunkers
| launch_platform = [[surface combatants|surface ships]], [[transporter erector launcher]], and hardened bunkers
| transport =
| transport = <!-- For all -->
<!-- For all -->
| ref = <small></small>
| ref = <small></small>
}}
}}
Line 100: Line 89:


== Design ==
== Design ==
Initial prototype versions of the missile used the design of an integrated rocket [[ramjet]] to achieve supersonic speeds. It uses a solid fuel main booster with two side-by-side solid-propellant jettisonable strap-on rocket boosters for initial acceleration and a liquid-fueled ramjet for sustained cruise. It also employs [[electronic counter-countermeasures]] (ECCM) capabilities allowing it to penetrate an enemy ship's defenses.<ref name=":0" />
Initial prototype versions of the missile used the design of an integrated rocket [[ramjet]] to achieve [[supersonic speed]]s. It uses a solid fuel main booster with two side-by-side solid-propellant jettisonable strap-on rocket boosters for initial acceleration and a liquid-fueled ramjet for sustained cruise. It also employs [[electronic counter-countermeasures]] (ECCM) capabilities allowing it to penetrate an enemy ship's defenses.<ref name=":0" />


The missile is cylindrical in shape and composed of three sections, namely guidance and control, warhead, and propulsion. The body has four inlet ducts and four clipped delta control surfaces. It used the inertial navigation system (INS) during mid-course navigation phase and active radar seeker at terminal guidance phase. The air intake design arrangement was reported to have been optimized for evasive maneuvering at terminal sea-skimming altitudes. The missile is designed to be capable of way-pointing and can be programmed to fly offset attack axes to saturate defenses. It is also capable of high-G lateral terminal "random weaving" maneuvers to evade close-in defenses.<ref name="tdr1" /><ref name=":0" />
The missile is cylindrical in shape and composed of three sections, namely guidance and control, warhead, and propulsion. The body has four inlet ducts and four clipped delta control surfaces. It used the inertial navigation system (INS) during mid-course navigation phase and active radar seeker at terminal guidance phase. The air intake design arrangement was reported to have been optimized for evasive maneuvering at terminal sea-skimming altitudes. The missile is designed to be capable of way-pointing and can be programmed to fly offset attack axes to saturate defenses. It is also capable of high-G lateral terminal "random weaving" maneuvers to evade close-in defenses.<ref name="tdr1" /><ref name=":0" />


It also features an armor-piercing warhead which generates tremendous destruction after hitting the target. The warhead is equipped with self-forging fragments and in the {{convert|225|kg|lb|abbr=on}} weight class. It has a conventional warhead that is triggered by a smart [[fuze]] which directs most of the energy downwards, inside the target ship's hull.<ref name="tdr1" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2013/02/17/2003555003|title=More HF-3 missile deployment mulled - Taipei Times|website=www.taipeitimes.com|date=17 February 2013|access-date=2017-02-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201412020038.aspx|title=Taiwan's Hsiung Feng III missile vs. China's CX-1 {{!}} Cross-Strait Affairs {{!}} FOCUS TAIWAN - CNA ENGLISH NEWS|access-date=2017-02-05}}</ref>
It also features an armor-piercing warhead which generates tremendous destruction after hitting the target. The warhead is equipped with self-forging fragments and in the {{convert|225|kg|lb|-1|abbr=on}} weight class. It has a conventional warhead that is triggered by a smart [[fuze]] which directs most of the energy downwards, inside the target ship's hull.<ref name="tdr1" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2013/02/17/2003555003|title=More HF-3 missile deployment mulled - Taipei Times|website=www.taipeitimes.com|date=17 February 2013|access-date=2017-02-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201412020038.aspx|title=Taiwan's Hsiung Feng III missile vs. China's CX-1 {{!}} Cross-Strait Affairs {{!}} FOCUS TAIWAN - CNA ENGLISH NEWS|access-date=2017-02-05}}</ref>


The missile is believed to have an operating range of {{convert|400|km|mi nmi|abbr=on}}<ref name=":1"/> with a possible maximum range of over 932 miles (1500&nbsp;km) and a minimum range of 30&nbsp;km.<ref name="tdr1" /><ref name=":2">{{cite web|author=Post Magazine |url=http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/1983931/taiwan-launches-investigation-deadly-navy-anti-ship |title=Taiwan launches investigation into deadly navy anti-ship missile misfire &#124; South China Morning Post |date=July 2016 |publisher=Scmp.com |access-date=2017-02-02}}</ref> It can be deployed on ships and mobile trailers. The instructions for missile launch can be issued by a command and control system for different platforms and different paths leading to saturation of a ship's defense system.<ref name=":0" />
The missile is believed to have an operating range of {{convert|400|km|mi nmi|abbr=on}}<ref name=":1"/> with a possible maximum range of over {{convert|1500|km|mi nmi|abbr=on}} and a minimum range of {{convert|30|km|mi nmi|abbr=on}}.<ref name="tdr1" /><ref name=":2">{{cite web|author=Post Magazine |url=http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/1983931/taiwan-launches-investigation-deadly-navy-anti-ship |title=Taiwan launches investigation into deadly navy anti-ship missile misfire &#124; South China Morning Post |date=July 2016 |publisher=Scmp.com |access-date=2017-02-02}}</ref> It can be deployed on ships and mobile trailers. The instructions for missile launch can be issued by a command and control system for different platforms and different paths leading to saturation of a ship's defense system.<ref name=":0" />


== History ==
== History ==
=== Development ===
=== Development ===
CSIST started a ramjet test vehicle program in 1994, and this project was later merged with the Hsiung Feng program. Flight testing of a prototype started in 1997. Operational testing and evaluation was started in 2004 and was completed by 2005, on board {{ship|ROCS|Cheng Kung|PFG2-1101|6}}.<ref name=tdr1>Mei, Fu S. "Supersonic ASCM Equips Frigate," Taiwan Defense Review, August 10, 2006.</ref><ref name=":0" /> The development and flight test program for the [[Yun Feng]] long range supersonic cruise missile was hidden within the HF-3's flight test program.<ref>{{cite web |title=Yun Feng |url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/yun-feng/#enref-2519-1 |website=missilethreat.csis.org |publisher=CSIS |access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref>
CSIST started a ramjet test vehicle program in 1994, and this project was later merged with the Hsiung Feng program. Flight testing of a prototype started in 1997. Operational testing and evaluation was started in 2004 and was completed by 2005, on board {{ship|ROCS|Cheng Kung|PFG2-1101|6}}.<ref name=tdr1>Mei, Fu S. "Supersonic ASCM Equips Frigate," Taiwan Defense Review, August 10, 2006.</ref><ref name=":0" /> The development and flight test program for the [[Yun Feng]] supersonic cruise missile was hidden within the HF-3's flight test program.<ref>{{cite web |title=Yun Feng |url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/yun-feng/#enref-2519-1 |website=missilethreat.csis.org |publisher=CSIS |access-date=28 October 2019}}</ref>


According to the [[Jamestown Foundation]] the HF-3 was intended to counter the [[SS-N-22 Sunburn]] which the PRC had acquired with its [[Sovremennyy-class destroyer]]s.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Holmes |first1=James |last2=Yoshihara |first2=Toshi |title=Taiwan's Navy: Able to Deny Command of the Sea? |url=https://jamestown.org/program/taiwans-navy-able-to-deny-command-of-the-sea/ |website=jamestown.org |publisher=The Jamestown Foundation |access-date=18 May 2021}}</ref>
According to the [[Jamestown Foundation]] the HF-3 was intended to counter the [[P-270 Moskit|SS-N-22 Sunburn]] which the PRC had acquired with its [[Sovremennyy-class destroyer]]s.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Holmes |first1=James |last2=Yoshihara |first2=Toshi |title=Taiwan's Navy: Able to Deny Command of the Sea? |url=https://jamestown.org/program/taiwans-navy-able-to-deny-command-of-the-sea/ |newspaper=Jamestown |publisher=The Jamestown Foundation |access-date=18 May 2021}}</ref>


=== Deployment ===
=== Deployment ===
Line 124: Line 113:
== Variants ==
== Variants ==
=== Air launched ===
=== Air launched ===
The development of an air launched variant of the HF-3, dubbed the Hsiung Chih, was disclosed in 2022. The air launched variant in expected to be significantly lighter and to use the [[F-CK-1]] as a launch platform.<ref>{{cite web |last1=ZAFFAR |first1=HANAN |title=Taiwan to Develop Air-Launched Variant of HF-3 Supersonic Missile |url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2022/01/27/taiwan-air-launched-hf3/ |website=thedefensepost.com |date=27 January 2022 |publisher=The Defense Post |access-date=27 January 2022}}</ref>
The development of an [[air-launched cruise missile|air-launched variant]] of the HF-3, dubbed the Hsiung Chih, was disclosed in 2022. The air launched variant in expected to be significantly lighter and to use the [[F-CK-1]] as a launch platform.<ref>{{cite web |last1=ZAFFAR |first1=HANAN |title=Taiwan to Develop Air-Launched Variant of HF-3 Supersonic Missile |url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2022/01/27/taiwan-air-launched-hf3/ |website=thedefensepost.com |date=27 January 2022 |publisher=The Defense Post |access-date=27 January 2022}}</ref>


==Security concerns==
==Security concerns==
In late 2021 and early 2022, Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology ([[NCSIST]]) discovered multiple<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tw.news.yahoo.com/中科院再出包1-扯-原廠在瑞士竟送中國山東維修-航母殺手尋標利器恐被動手腳-215858376.html |title=扯!原廠在瑞士竟送中國山東維修 航母殺手尋標利器恐被動手腳 |website=Yahoo Taiwan |date=3 January 2023 |language=Traditional Chinese |author=林俊宏李育材 }}</ref> critical component of the missile relied on mainland Chinese facilities for repair and maintenance, raising data leak, [[conflict of interest]], and [[national security]] concerns. NCSIST performed check after the receiving the missile components from China, which did not discovery any [[malware]] or modifications. Later, Taiwan investigated solutions to avoid reliance on the Chinese supply chain for sensitive military components.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3205597/part-taiwans-most-advanced-anti-ship-missile-sent-mainland-china-repairs#Echobox=1672843325 |title=Part of Taiwan’s most advanced anti-ship missile sent to mainland China for repairs |website=South China Morning Post |date=4 January 2023 |first=Zhen |last=Liu }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://asiatimes.com/2023/01/taiwan-missiles-at-the-mercy-of-china-supply-chains/ |website=Asia Times |date=6 January 2023 |first=Gabriel |last= Honrada }}</ref>
In late 2021 and early 2022, the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology ([[NCSIST]]) discovered equipment used in the development and testing of the Hsiung Feng III and other missiles used by Taiwan relied on mainland Chinese facilities for repair and maintenance, raising security concerns. NCSIST had shipped the instrument to its manufacturer in Switzerland and was not informed that the equipment would be sent to China. NCSIST performed check after receiving the equipment from China, which did not discover any [[malware]] or modifications.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wang |first1=Fan |title=China-Taiwan: Concern at repair of Taiwanese military device in China |work=BBC News |date=4 January 2023 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-64161966 |access-date=4 February 2023}}</ref>

==Popular culture==
The plot of the thriller ''Ballistic'' by [[Don Pendleton]] centers on the theft of two HF-3 missiles by international terrorists and their recovery by a team of elite agents.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Pendleton |first1=Don |title=Ballistic |date=Jan 1, 2013 |publisher=Harlequin |isbn=978-1460301050}}</ref>


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
<gallery>
<gallery mode=packed>
File:HF-3 ASCM fired from TEL system.jpg|Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missile launched from a missile launchers truck
File:Keelung_Taiwan_Ship-ROCN-Ching-Chiang-01.jpg|Two vessels of the ''Ching Chiang'' class at Keelung, Taiwan
File:Keelung_Taiwan_Ship-ROCN-Ching-Chiang-01.jpg|Two vessels of the ''Ching Chiang'' class at Keelung, Taiwan. The vessel on the left is armed with Hsiung Feng III
File:Hsiung_Feng_II_and_Hsiung_Feng_III_Anti-Ship_Missile_Launchers_aboard_on_Central_Upper_Deck_of_ROCN_Pan_Chao_(PFG2-1108)_20150316.jpg|[[Hsiung Feng II]] and Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missile launchers on the upper deck of ROCN ''Pan Chao''
File:Hsiung_Feng_II_and_Hsiung_Feng_III_Anti-Ship_Missile_Launchers_aboard_on_Central_Upper_Deck_of_ROCN_Pan_Chao_(PFG2-1108)_20150316.jpg|[[Hsiung Feng II]] and Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missile launchers on the upper deck of ROCN ''Pan Chao''

File:中華民國110年國慶大會中展出之雄風三型飛彈發射車.jpg|Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missile launchers at 110th National Day
File:中華民國110年國慶大會中展出之雄風三型飛彈發射車.jpg|Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missile launchers at 110th National Day
File:Hsiung Feng II and Hsiung Feng III launchers of ROCN PFG2-1110 20190324.jpg|Hsiung Feng II and Hsiung Feng III launchers aboard the ROCN {{sclass|Cheng Kung|frigate|1}} {{ship|ROCS|Tian Dan|PFG2-1110|2}} (田單)
File:Hsiung Feng II and Hsiung Feng III launchers of ROCN PFG2-1110 20190324.jpg|Hsiung Feng II and Hsiung Feng III launchers aboard the ROCN {{sclass|Cheng Kung|frigate|1}} {{ship|ROCS|Tian Dan|PFG2-1110|2}} (田單)
File:08.17 副總統出席「2017年臺北國際航太暨國防工業展覽會」開幕典禮,觀賞雄風三型反艦飛彈簡介 (35787049904).jpg|Display
File:08.17 副總統出席「2017年臺北國際航太暨國防工業展覽會」開幕典禮,觀賞雄風三型反艦飛彈簡介 (35787049904).jpg|Display

</gallery>
</gallery>


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[BrahMos]]
* {{lwc|BrahMos}}
* [[CX-1 Missile Systems]]
* {{lwc|CX-1 Missile Systems}}
* [[P-800 Oniks]]
* {{lwc|P-800 Oniks}}
* {{lwc|Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon}}
* [[CVS401 Perseus]]
* [[Defense industry of Taiwan]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 162: Line 148:
[[Category:Anti-ship cruise missiles of the Republic of China]]
[[Category:Anti-ship cruise missiles of the Republic of China]]
[[Category:Ramjet engines]]
[[Category:Ramjet engines]]
[[Category:Scramjet-powered aircraft]]
[[Category:Military history of Taiwan]]
[[Category:Military history of Taiwan]]
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 2007]]
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 2007]]
[[Category:NCSIST missiles]]

Latest revision as of 13:28, 2 September 2024

Hsiung Feng III
Hsiung Feng III Anti-Ship Missile Display in Chengkungling
TypeAnti-ship missile
Surface to surface missile
Place of originTaiwan
Service history
Used byTaiwan ROCN
Production history
DesignerNational Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST)
ManufacturerNCSIST
Produced2007–present
No. built>250 (2012)[1]
Specifications
Mass3,000–3,300 lb (1,400–1,500 kg)[2]
LengthApprox. 6.1 m (20 ft)[2]
Diameter0.46 m (18 in)[2] missile body only

Warhead225 kg (500 lb) self-forging fragments
Detonation
mechanism
smart fuse

PropellantLiquid fuel ramjet engine, solid fuel main booster and two side boosters
Operational
range
>250 mi (400 km; 220 nmi)[3][4][5]
Flight altitude125–250 m (410–820 ft) (maximum altitude unknown)
Maximum speed ~(Mach 3.5) 1,200 m/s (2,700 mph)
Guidance
system
Inertial guidance with (X band), active radar homing for terminal guidance[2]
Launch
platform
surface ships, transporter erector launcher, and hardened bunkers
References

The Hsiung Feng III (HF-3; Chinese: 雄風三型; pinyin: Xióngfēng sān xíng, "Brave Wind III") is a medium range supersonic missile with capabilities to destroy both land based targets and naval targets developed by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) in Taiwan.[6][7][8]

Design

[edit]

Initial prototype versions of the missile used the design of an integrated rocket ramjet to achieve supersonic speeds. It uses a solid fuel main booster with two side-by-side solid-propellant jettisonable strap-on rocket boosters for initial acceleration and a liquid-fueled ramjet for sustained cruise. It also employs electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) capabilities allowing it to penetrate an enemy ship's defenses.[7]

The missile is cylindrical in shape and composed of three sections, namely guidance and control, warhead, and propulsion. The body has four inlet ducts and four clipped delta control surfaces. It used the inertial navigation system (INS) during mid-course navigation phase and active radar seeker at terminal guidance phase. The air intake design arrangement was reported to have been optimized for evasive maneuvering at terminal sea-skimming altitudes. The missile is designed to be capable of way-pointing and can be programmed to fly offset attack axes to saturate defenses. It is also capable of high-G lateral terminal "random weaving" maneuvers to evade close-in defenses.[2][7]

It also features an armor-piercing warhead which generates tremendous destruction after hitting the target. The warhead is equipped with self-forging fragments and in the 225 kg (500 lb) weight class. It has a conventional warhead that is triggered by a smart fuze which directs most of the energy downwards, inside the target ship's hull.[2][7][9][10]

The missile is believed to have an operating range of 400 km (250 mi; 220 nmi)[9] with a possible maximum range of over 1,500 km (930 mi; 810 nmi) and a minimum range of 30 km (19 mi; 16 nmi).[2][11] It can be deployed on ships and mobile trailers. The instructions for missile launch can be issued by a command and control system for different platforms and different paths leading to saturation of a ship's defense system.[7]

History

[edit]

Development

[edit]

CSIST started a ramjet test vehicle program in 1994, and this project was later merged with the Hsiung Feng program. Flight testing of a prototype started in 1997. Operational testing and evaluation was started in 2004 and was completed by 2005, on board ROCS Cheng Kung.[2][7] The development and flight test program for the Yun Feng supersonic cruise missile was hidden within the HF-3's flight test program.[12]

According to the Jamestown Foundation the HF-3 was intended to counter the SS-N-22 Sunburn which the PRC had acquired with its Sovremennyy-class destroyers.[13]

Deployment

[edit]

The missile was officially revealed on October 10, 2007, at a military parade in Taipei, Taiwan.[14][15] It has now been deployed aboard the ROC Navy's La Fayette/Kang Ding-class frigate, Cheng Kung-class frigate, Jin Chiang-class patrol gunboats, and on road mobile tractor trailers.[7] In 2019, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen ordered the NCSIST to accelerate mass production of the HF-3 in response to increasing Chinese military power and bellicosity.[16]

Misfire accident

[edit]
Hsiung Feng III missile mishap

On July 1, 2016, Chinchiang (PGG-610) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy accidentally fired a Hsiung Feng III missile during a training exercise. The missile traveled a distance of about 75 km (47 mi) before it hit a fishing boat[17][18] The captain of the boat was killed and three crew members were injured. The Taiwan Ministry of National Defense stated that the warship's commander, senior arms officer and missile launch control sergeant had all failed to follow standard operating procedure.[19]

Variants

[edit]

Air launched

[edit]

The development of an air-launched variant of the HF-3, dubbed the Hsiung Chih, was disclosed in 2022. The air launched variant in expected to be significantly lighter and to use the F-CK-1 as a launch platform.[20]

Security concerns

[edit]

In late 2021 and early 2022, the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) discovered equipment used in the development and testing of the Hsiung Feng III and other missiles used by Taiwan relied on mainland Chinese facilities for repair and maintenance, raising security concerns. NCSIST had shipped the instrument to its manufacturer in Switzerland and was not informed that the equipment would be sent to China. NCSIST performed check after receiving the equipment from China, which did not discover any malware or modifications.[21]

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Cole, J. Michael (15 May 2012). "Vessels being outfitted with HF-3s". www.taipeitimes.com. Taipei Times.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Mei, Fu S. "Supersonic ASCM Equips Frigate," Taiwan Defense Review, August 10, 2006.
  3. ^ "Taiwan upgrades its Hsiung Feng-3 anti-ship missiles".
  4. ^ Yeo, Mike (August 8, 2017). "Taiwan to upgrade indigenous missile capabilities". Defense News.
  5. ^ "Kaohsiung Maritime 2018: Taiwan begins work on next-generation Hsiung Feng missile | Jane's 360". www.janes.com.
  6. ^ "Taiwan mistakenly fires supersonic missile killing one - BBC News". BBC News. July 2016. Retrieved 2017-02-02.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g "NCSIST". www.ncsist.org.tw. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  8. ^ Hsiao, Russell (20 October 2016). "Taiwan Reportedly Plans to Upgrade Supersonic Hsiung Feng III Missiles". The National Interest. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  9. ^ a b "More HF-3 missile deployment mulled - Taipei Times". www.taipeitimes.com. 17 February 2013. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  10. ^ "Taiwan's Hsiung Feng III missile vs. China's CX-1 | Cross-Strait Affairs | FOCUS TAIWAN - CNA ENGLISH NEWS". Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  11. ^ Post Magazine (July 2016). "Taiwan launches investigation into deadly navy anti-ship missile misfire | South China Morning Post". Scmp.com. Retrieved 2017-02-02.
  12. ^ "Yun Feng". missilethreat.csis.org. CSIS. Retrieved 28 October 2019.
  13. ^ Holmes, James; Yoshihara, Toshi. "Taiwan's Navy: Able to Deny Command of the Sea?". Jamestown. The Jamestown Foundation. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  14. ^ . 28 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110728082927/http://mna.gpwb.gov.tw/MNANew/Photos/ShowPhotos/High/1/36112-0.jpg. Archived from the original on 28 July 2011. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  15. ^ . 28 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110728082954/http://mna.gpwb.gov.tw/MNANew/Photos/ShowPhotos/High/1/36108-0.jpg. Archived from the original on 28 July 2011. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  16. ^ Wen Kuei-hsiang and, FLor Wang. "Taiwan president urges faster mass production of missiles". focustaiwan.tw. Focus Taiwan. Retrieved 18 May 2019.
  17. ^ "Taiwan mistakenly fires supersonic missile killing one". BBC News. 2016-07-01. Retrieved 2017-03-16.
  18. ^ Ramzy, Austin (2016-07-01). "Taiwan Navy Accidentally Fires Antiship Missile, Killing Fisherman". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2017-03-16.
  19. ^ "Ministry seeks to debunk missile launch conspiracies". Taipei Times. 4 July 2016. Retrieved 2016-07-04.
  20. ^ ZAFFAR, HANAN (27 January 2022). "Taiwan to Develop Air-Launched Variant of HF-3 Supersonic Missile". thedefensepost.com. The Defense Post. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  21. ^ Wang, Fan (4 January 2023). "China-Taiwan: Concern at repair of Taiwanese military device in China". BBC News. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
[edit]