Function: Medium altitude Surface to Air Missile.





Description: The SA-3 is a medium altitude two stage surface to air missile dependent on radio command guidance for tracking. In the event of jamming or radar shut down the SA-3 may be guided optically and acquire its target after launch. The SA-3 is armed with a high explosive fragmentation warhead with contact, proximity, and command detonation capability. The booster is a solid rocket propellant motor fitted with four large fins. The second stage is similar to the booster, utilizing a solid propellant motor with a set of four fixed fins mounted at the base and a set of four movable control fins mounted on the nose.



Target acquisition and long range surveillance was originally performed by a vehicle mounted P-15 FLAT FACE radar which has a range out to 250 km, though this unit is being replaced by the P-15M SQUAT EYE which has its antennae mounted on a 20-30 meter mast to improve low level acquisition. In addition, the PRV-11 SIDE NET height finding radar, with a range of 180 km, is used to acquire targets to an altitude of 32,000 meters. Once targets are acquired, they can be tracked and engaged with a trailer mounted LOW BLOW fire control radar. The LOW BLOW is capable of acquiring targets out to 110 km and tracking within 40-85 km (depending on the size and altitude of the target.) The LOW BLOW can track six targets simultaneously, as well as direct one or two missiles. Improved versions of the LOW BLOW radar incorporate television cameras to allow operators to engage targets out to 25 km under conditions of heavy ECM jamming.







General Characteristics, SA-3 GOA Surface to Air Missile



Propulsion:

Booster and sustainment stages; solid rocket propellant





Length:

22 feet (6.7 meters)





Diameter:

23.6 inches (60 centimeters)





Weight Fully Armed:

881.8 pounds (400 kilograms)





Maximum Range:

25 kilometers





Minimum Range:

6 kilometers





Minimum Height:

100 meters







Fuzing:

Impact, proximity, command detonated





Ceiling:

25 kilometers





Speed:

Mach 3+





Guidance System:

Radio command, possibly infrared in terminal phase





Warhead:

High explosive fragmentation





Rate of Fire:

One or two missiles per target, capable of tracking six targets





Introduction Date:

1961