Rb 05

Rb 05
Rb 05
	Inert training version of Robot 05 under the wing of an AJ 37 Viggen
Type	land attack and limited air-to-air
Service history
In service	1972 - 2005
Production history
Manufacturer	Saab-Scania, Missiles and Electronics
Specifications
Mass	305 kg (672 lb)
Length	3.6 m (11.8 ft)
Diameter	0.3 m (11.8 in)
Warhead	160 kg high explosive
Engine	liquid propellant rocket motor
Wingspan	0.8 m (31.5 in)
Operational; range	9 km (5.6 mi/4.9 nm)
Maximum speed	supersonic
Guidance; system	optical manual command
Launch; platform	Saab AJ 37 Viggen

Rb 05 (Robot 05) was a short-range air-to-surface missile that was developed in the 1960s by the Swedish company Saab-Scania, Missiles and Electronics.

History[]

The Rb 05 was developed as a ground attack missile for the AJ 37 Viggen in 1967, and was issued for operative use in 1972.

A TV-guided variant Rb 05B was proposed to the Swedish Air Force in the early 1970s, but was turned down in favour of the AGM-65 Maverick/RB 75.

Use[]

The missile would usually be launched after a high-speed attack run on very low altitude and climb to 400m for launch. The supersonic speed was deemed necessary to reduce the threat of surface-to-air missiles. Since RB 05 was roll-stabilized, the aircraft did not need to be aimed straight at the target when launching, and would immediately descend again.

Tracking the flares on the missile, the pilot would then guide the missile optically (the missile's engine was smokeless as to not obscure the view) with a joystick towards the target. Guidance commands were transmitted to the missile via a jam-proof radio transmission link.

Operators[]

Sweden

Swedish Air Force : operated the Rb 05 on the AJ and AJS 37 Viggen. The Sk 60B and C variants of the SAAB 105 could also carry a pair of RB 05As.

Similar missiles[]

References[]

In Swedish
Info on the Rb 05 with the AJ 37 Viggen^{[unreliable source?]}

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