Missile SAM-1

Development of the system commenced in 1966 to replace the 75 mm M51 Skysweeper and M15A1 anti-aircraft guns. The project was intended to fill the performance gap between man-portable missiles and larger-scale surface-to-air systems. Test firings were conducted in 1978, and the system entered service in 1981. A minor variant, designated SAM-1B, was introduced in 1987. An upgrade program for the SAM-1C began in 1989, with production starting in 1996. Research results from the subsequent Kai II program were later incorporated into the Type 11 system.

The missile is propelled by a single-stage solid-fuel rocket motor; the SAM-1C variant utilizes an improved smokeless motor. Initial flight is governed by inertial guidance to a predicted intercept point. Terminal guidance is provided by an all-aspect passive infrared seeker, while the SAM-1C variant utilizes a phased array active radar seeker and can receive mid-course guidance updates. The missile is equipped with a fragmentation warhead featuring both contact and radar proximity detonation mechanisms. The airframe is configured with four mid-body clipped delta wings and four steerable rear fins.

A standard fire unit comprises a Fire Control System (FCS) vehicle and two launcher vehicles mounted on 6x6 trucks. The FCS vehicle employs a three-dimensional pulse-doppler phased array radar with three operating modes: omni-directional search, sector search, and fine tracking. The radar can track multiple targets simultaneously and includes integrated Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) capabilities. Launchers can be positioned at a distance from the FCS vehicle to increase survivability. For operation in electronic countermeasure environments, the system includes an optical director, and the SAM-1C variant is equipped with a thermal imager. Each launcher is also fitted with heavy machine guns for self-defense against ground threats and close-in aerial targets.

The system is currently in service with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. It is widely deployed across these branches as a mobile short-range air defense asset.