Mistral
Contents
Description
The Mistral, developed by the French company Matra, is a French infrared homing air-to-air missile and represents a pinnacle in short-range air defense technology. This infrared homing surface-to-air missile is lauded for its precision and versatility. Compact and man-portable, it empowers a single soldier with formidable anti-air capabilities. With a range of 6 kilometers and an operational ceiling of 3,000 meters, the Mistral can effectively neutralize a variety of aerial threats, from fast jets to nimble helicopters.
At the heart of the Mistral's efficiency is its advanced infrared guidance system, enabling it to lock onto targets with high accuracy. This system significantly boosts its hit probability, making it a reliable tool in diverse combat environments. Armed with a potent high-explosive warhead, the Mistral is not only lethal but also adaptable, finding use in multiple military branches by being deployable on ground vehicles, ships, and as a stationary unit.
Internationally, the Mistral's prowess is recognized, with over 30 countries incorporating it into their arsenals. Its combat effectiveness has been proven in various global conflicts, cementing its status as a top-tier air defense solution. Continuous upgrades have kept the Mistral relevant, enhancing its countermeasure resistance and integrating it with modern digital battlefield systems. In essence, the Mistral missile is a compact yet powerful guardian of the skies, blending agility, power, and technological sophistication.
it was introduced in Update 1.87 "Locked On", and is a reliable Air to Air weapon that can be found on All High tier French helicopters along with the Italian A-129 and AH-129 helicopters, and the British Rooivalk.
Vehicles equipped with this weapon
- A129CBT
- AH-129D
- EC-665 Tiger HAD
- EC-665 Tiger HAD Block 2
- EC-665 Tiger HAP
- Rooivalk Mk1F CSH
- SA.341F Gazelle
- SA.342M Gazelle
General info
| Missile characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Mass | 18 kg |
| Guidance | IR |
| Aspect | All-Aspects |
| ECCM | Yes |
| Lock range in all-aspect | 6 km |
| Launch range | 6.5 km |
| Maximum speed | 2.5 M |
| Maximum overload | 12 G |
| Missile guidance time | 20 secs |
| Explosive mass | 1.78 kg TNTeq |
Effective damage
The Mistral being a MANPADS type missile means that it is very light in nature (only 11.5kg without fuel), which does not allow for high explosive mass.
While this missile is usually really good at taking down helicopters in one shot, some planes like the SU-25 are often able to withstand one or even multiple hits from the Mistral before being crippled.
The Mistral however has higher explosive mass than it's competition, a higher fuze range of 1.5m, and has slightly better manoeuvrability, making it easier to hit an
Comparison with analogues
The mistral has 3 missiles which it can be compared with.
- AIM-92A ATAS - The ATAS features better range, lower Manoeuvrability and lacks a proximity fuze.
- 9M39 Igla - The Igla Is almost identical to the ATAS, but however features a 0.5m proximity fuze. It is overall less reliable than the Mistral, but can hit targets at slightly further ranges.
- TY-90 - the TY-90 Is in another class. It is the heaviest of all Helicopter AAMs. It features longer range than the mistral, similar to the other MANPADS. It has 20G overloading making it almost impossible to dodge knetically. It also features a 4m Proximity fuze. This missile is purely superior to all other MANPADS, making it almost impossible to dodge under any circumstance.
The Mistral Has the worst seeker out of all the missiles, however due to its FoV+ Seeker shutoff IRCCM of the missile, this difference can not be felt and the missile will feel exactly like the other Heli AAMs.
The Mistral however has the lowest seeker warm-up timer of only 2 seconds compared to the 4-5 seconds of it's competition, making it a slightly better choice at defending from enemy planes at close range.
Usage in battles
The Air to Air Mistral can only be found on helicopters, making it only usable in a limited amount of modes.
In Ground Realistic battles, the Mistral should be used as an offensive weapon rather than defensive. If fired at unsuspecting planes that are not dogfighting or turning, it generally has a very high hit chance. However if the enemy plane knows about your existance, and sees the Mistral incoming, the Mistral will have a hard time hitting the enemy. The mistral should be fired from cover at around 4km maximum to ensure the best chance of hitting.
In Arcade Assault or Heli Arcade EC, the Mistral can only be fired against bots. It has a very easy time taking down enemy AI planes in both modes. One mistral should be fired at one Target. It is best to be fired from head on and from as long range as possible.
The Mistral is quite a reliable weapon if used in the right way.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- 16G Statcard Overload
- Very good seeker, able to lock from 6km in front aspect, and 11km in rear aspect.
- Highest explosive mass compared to other MANPADS-type missiles.
- Very strong IRCCM, consisting of FoV gating and seeker shutoff, making it almost impossible to flare from in any situation.
- Very low seeker warm-up time of only 2 seconds
Cons:
- Lowest kinetical energy compared to competitors, making it slightly worse than it's competition at longer ranges.
- Can easly miss enemy manoeuvering planes.
History
The Mistral is a versatile and highly effective man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) developed by the French company Matra, now part of MBDA. Its development and operational history span several decades, reflecting significant advancements in both technology and tactical deployment in modern warfare.
Development History
The development of the Mistral missile began in the 1970s. France, recognizing the need for an effective short-range air defense system, initiated the project to replace older systems and to offer a more reliable and accurate solution against fast-moving aircraft and helicopters. The Mistral was designed with a very specific goal in mind: to provide a highly portable, easy-to-operate, and extremely accurate missile system for use by ground troops.
One of the key features of the Mistral is its infrared homing guidance system. Unlike older MANPADS that relied on simpler guidance mechanisms, the Mistral uses advanced infrared seekers to lock onto the heat signatures of targets. This allows for greater accuracy and reduces the chances of missing the target due to operator error or evasive maneuvers by the enemy aircraft.
Technical Specifications
The Mistral missile is lightweight and can be operated by a single soldier. It has a range of approximately 6 kilometers and can reach altitudes of up to 3,000 meters. The missile is capable of engaging a wide range of targets, from fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters to UAVs and cruise missiles. Its high explosive warhead ensures the effectiveness against these targets.
Combat Usage
The combat history of the Mistral is extensive. It has been used by various countries and in different conflicts around the world.
- Middle Eastern Conflicts: The Mistral saw action in several Middle Eastern conflicts. Its ease of use and effectiveness made it a preferred choice for ground forces needing to counter enemy air threats.
- African Conflicts: In Africa, the Mistral was deployed in various conflicts, where its reliability in harsh environments proved invaluable.
- European Deployments: Several European nations adopted the Mistral for their armed forces, utilizing it in various NATO-led missions and exercises.
Export and Global Presence
The Mistral's success led to its wide export, and it is now in service with over 30 countries worldwide. This widespread adoption is a testament to its effectiveness and reliability. The system has also been adapted for use on ships and vehicles, further extending its operational versatility.
Modern Upgrades and Future
Over the years, the Mistral has undergone several upgrades to enhance its capabilities. These upgrades include improved guidance systems, better countermeasure resistance, and integration with modern digital battlefield systems. As technology advances, the Mistral continues to evolve, ensuring it remains relevant in a world where aerial threats are becoming more sophisticated.
In conclusion, the Mistral MANPADS is a prime example of a military technology that has adapted and evolved over time, maintaining its relevance in the ever-changing landscape of modern warfare. Its development, technical sophistication, and combat history underscore its significant role in global military strategy.
Media
Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.
See also
Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:
- reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;
- references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.
External links
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