5 Facts About Dragon Anti Tank Missile

The world of modern warfare is filled with advanced technologies, and one of the most significant developments in recent years is the Dragon anti-tank missile. Here are 5 facts about this powerful weapon.

What is the Dragon Anti-Tank Missile?

The Dragon is a medium-range, semi-automatic command to line of sight (SACLOS) wire-guided anti-tank missile developed by the United States. It is designed to destroy armored vehicles, fortifications, and other hardened targets. The missile is launched from a tripod-mounted launcher and uses a wire guidance system to guide it to its target.

Development and Production

The Dragon missile was first developed in the 1960s by the McDonnell Douglas Corporation, which later became part of Boeing. The missile was produced from 1975 to 1997, with over 25,000 units manufactured during that time. The Dragon was initially used by the US military, but it has also been exported to several other countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan.

Capabilities and Features

The Dragon missile has a range of approximately 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) and can reach speeds of up to 200 meters per second (440 miles per hour). It uses a shaped charge warhead, which is designed to penetrate armor and cause significant damage to the target. The missile is guided by a wire that is deployed from the launcher and trails behind the missile as it flies. The wire provides a direct link between the launcher and the missile, allowing the operator to guide the missile to its target.

Tactical Deployment

The Dragon missile is typically deployed in a team of two or three soldiers, with one soldier acting as the gunner and the others providing security and loading the launcher. The missile can be fired from a tripod-mounted launcher or from a vehicle-mounted launcher. The Dragon is often used in conjunction with other anti-tank missiles, such as the TOW (Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided) missile, to provide a layered defense against armored targets.

Upgrades and Variants

Over the years, the Dragon missile has undergone several upgrades and improvements. In the 1980s, the US military developed an improved version of the missile, known as the Dragon II, which had a longer range and improved accuracy. In the 1990s, the Dragon was upgraded again, with the development of the Dragon III, which had a further improved range and accuracy. There have also been several variants of the Dragon missile developed, including the Dragon ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missile) and the Dragon SFW (Short-Range Fire-and-Forget Weapon).

Service History

The Dragon missile has seen service in several conflicts, including the Gulf War and the Iraq War. It has also been used in various military exercises and training operations around the world. The Dragon has been praised for its accuracy and effectiveness in combat, and it remains an important part of the US military's anti-tank capabilities.

Comparison with Other Anti-Tank Missiles

The Dragon missile has been compared to other anti-tank missiles, such as the TOW missile and the Javelin missile. While the Dragon has a longer range than the TOW, it is less accurate and has a slower speed. The Javelin missile, on the other hand, has a shorter range than the Dragon but is more accurate and has a faster speed. The Dragon has also been compared to the Hellfire missile, which is a fire-and-forget missile that does not require a wire guidance system.

Impact on Modern Warfare

The Dragon missile has had a significant impact on modern warfare, providing a highly effective and accurate means of destroying armored targets. Its development and deployment have also led to the development of other advanced anti-tank missiles, such as the Javelin and the Hellfire. The Dragon's wire guidance system has also been used as a model for other missile systems, and its shaped charge warhead has been widely adopted as a standard design for anti-tank missiles.

Gallery of Dragon Anti-Tank Missile

Dragon Anti-Tank Missile Image Gallery

Dragon Anti-Tank Missile Guidance System

What is the range of the Dragon anti-tank missile?

The Dragon anti-tank missile has a range of approximately 3,000 meters (9,800 feet).

How does the Dragon missile guidance system work?

The Dragon missile uses a wire guidance system, which provides a direct link between the launcher and the missile. The wire trails behind the missile as it flies, allowing the operator to guide the missile to its target.

What type of warhead does the Dragon missile use?

The Dragon missile uses a shaped charge warhead, which is designed to penetrate armor and cause significant damage to the target.

Has the Dragon missile seen service in any conflicts?

Yes, the Dragon missile has seen service in several conflicts, including the Gulf War and the Iraq War.

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