Type 81 Tan Japanese Surface to Air Missile (SAM) System

The Type 81 Tan Japanese Surface to Air Missile System Missile (SAM) was developed and deployed with the Japanese Self Defense Force (JSDF) to fill a gap between the US made Stinger (initially) and later the Toshiba Type 91 MANPADS and the fixed based Hawk missiles. "Tan" translates to short as in short range. The system provides a defense ring against manned and unmanned aerial platforms that are able to penetrate through forward interceptor and area defense systems. Prior to operation, each launch vehicle and the fire control vehicle is leveled and stabilized by their respective hydraulically operated jacks. Electrical cables are employed to connect the telephone/data link system with each vehicle. Generally, the fire control vehicle is located about 300 meters from the two launchers. The time of preparation is approximately 30 minutes. The missile is designed and produced as a blunt top cylinder configuration along with cruciform cropped delta wings in the middle and moveable cruciform tail wings. Two infrared red seeker covers capable of rotating 180 degrees protect the missile heads during transit. The launcher is powered by a 30kW generator when the vehicle engine is turned off. The fire control system computer pre-programs the scanning angle of the seeker head prior to launch to prevent the missile from tracking the sun as well controlling the launcher assembly to prevent an accidental launch directly at the sun. Once fired the seeker is activated and the seeker head scans the preprogrammed area of the sky to find the target. The the guidance unit locks onto the target and the missile travels the shortest course to intercept the target. The lethal radius of the missile is 5 meters to 15 meters depending on the type of target. There is no self destruct capability. The Tan SAM Kai is the product improved version of the Type 81. It has an improved smokeless rocket motor and uses a phased array active radar seeker. Toshiba, Tokyo, Japan is the prime contractor with the following industries as subcontractors: Nissan Motor, Aerospace Division (rocket motor) Fuji Heavy Industries (launcher assembly less electronics) Isuzu Motors (Type 73 Truck) Kawasaki Heavy Industries (autopilot and missile body) It is not available for export.