Silkworm (missile)

Silkworm is (English for silkworm ) of the NATO code name for the SY- series and HY series. These series were the first Chinese anti-ship missiles. They were derivatives of the Soviet SS -N-2 Styx.

  • 2.1 HY -1 2.1.1 variants
  • 2.2.1 variants

SY series

The SY- series were developed from the Soviet SS -N-2 Styx. They are suitable for the Shooting of the small missile patrol boats with limited on-board electronics. China had problems to make this missile compatible with the complicated systems of larger warships. Therefore, the HY- series were developed for the larger warships, but continues to produce the SY series for the arming of the missile patrol boats and as a cheaper export version.

SY -1

SY- 1 is the first original Chinese version of the Soviet P-15 Termit missile. The difference between P-15 and SY- Thermit 1 is that of the unreliable Aneroidhöhenmesser SS -N-2 Styx was replaced by a much more reliable radar altimeter. As a replacement for the SY -1, SY- 1A was designed by Ping Lisheng. It carries the NATO codename CSS -N-1 Scrubbrush.

SY -2

The liquid rocket engine was fairly dangerous and unreliable, which is why a solid rocket motor was developed. This enabled the size and weight of the missile is reduced and its range can be increased. The weight of the warhead was also reduced, but enhanced its effectiveness. An improved version of the SY -2 is called SY -2A.

HY series

HY -1

HY -1 got two different NATO reporting name: CSS -N-2 Safflower for ship -to-ship version and CSS -C-2 Silkworm for ground - ship version.

The HY -1J was initially intended for use on the Type -051 destroyer, but the turmoil of the Cultural Revolution extended their development up to the 80s. As a result, the Type -051 destroyer were used in the Pacific Ocean to support tests of ballistic missiles without anti-ship missiles.

Variants

HY -2

HY and HY -1 -2 are identical, however, the HY -2 is longer. HY -2 has a radome delta wing in the center and is provided with a liquid-propellant rocket engine. The HY -2 is launched from the mainland. The altitude is 1000 m during the first phase of the flight. During the march the flight will reduce the flying height at 100 to 300 m. The target approach, the flight height is reduced to 8 m until it hits the target. Because of their size, there is no ship -to-ship variant. The HY -2 was exported in large numbers in the Middle East, where it is called Silkworm.

Variants

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