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1994-11-02
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The Chaparral missile air defense system was originally no more than a
stopgap solution to the abandoned Mauler missile system. The MIM-72
employs the original Sidewinder missile modified for ground launch, and
carries four such missiles on its launcher.
Recently, an upgraded version of the missile used by the Chaparral carries
a better warhead and incorporates all-aspect guidance and proximity fuse.
The MIM-72 is usually deployed with an equal number of Vulcan air defense
guns. Improved blindfire radar, smokeless motor, and use of Stinger IFF
missiles include some of the other improvements made to the Chaparral in
an effort to keep the technology as current as possible.
Though the Chaparral and Vulcan weapons systems are considered totally
inadequate, they will have to remain in service for the U.S. forward-area
low-altitude SAM system until the late 1990s. However, a replacement for
these systems has still not been verified by the Pentagon.