Aim 23b

MIM-23B: A Hawk with a Heavier Punch

Improved Guidance, Warhead, and Range

The MIM-23B Hawk, an upgraded version of the Hawk SAM system, boasts a host of improvements over its predecessor. Its upgraded M112 rocket motor propels it to greater distances, extending its maximum range to 44 miles (70km). Additionally, its improved guidance package enhances accuracy, while its larger 163 lb (74 kg) blast-fragmentation warhead delivers more devastating impact.

Extensive Modernization and Deployment

Since its initial deployment, the MIM-23 has undergone extensive modernization, culminating in the MIM-23B variant. This updated missile measures 5cm shorter than its predecessor, optimizing its size while maintaining its enhanced capabilities. It has since become a reliable and formidable air defense asset, deployed in various theaters of operation.

IRIAF Designation: Sedjil

Of particular note is the IRIAF designation of the MIM-23 Hawk as "Sedjil." This moniker reflects Iran's efforts to modify the air-launched MIM-23 into a surface-to-air missile (SAM). The stencil below reveals the designation, further highlighting the versatility and adaptability of this advanced weapon system.

US Army Adoption

In 1972, the US Army embraced the Hawk SAM system, opting to replace its aging Hawk complex developed in the late 1950s. The MIM-23B Hawk, with its superior capabilities, has since become a key component in the US Army's air defense arsenal.