RF power generation in active homing missiles

摘要

The launch of a Russian Styx missile against the Israeli destroyer Eilat on the 21st October 1967 triggered a number of research projects in the West into active homing anti-ship missiles. This work resulted in the development of large numbers of Exocet and Harpoon missiles. Progress has been slower in the area of anti-aircraft missiles as the technological problems have proved to be more difficult. While solid state power devices were used in the prototypes, production systems have relied on synchronous magnetrons, TWTs or klystrons, depending on the manufacturer. This article analyses the particular design constraints in this area and their effect on vacuum tube specifications.