M48 Chaparral

M48 Chaparral
An M48A2 Chaparral missile launcher
TypeMobile SAM system
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service1969–1998 (US)
1969–present (Other countries)
Used bySee list of present and former operators
Production history
Designed1965
ManufacturerPhilco-Ford Corporation, Aeronutronic Division
Unit costLauncher vehicle: US$1.5 Million
Missile round: US$80,000
Produced1967
No. built~800
VariantsSee list of variants
Specifications (M48A1 Chaparral)
Mass14,691 lb (6611 kg)
Length238.5 in. (606 cm)
Width105.75 in. (268.6 cm)
Height105.5 in. (268 cm)
Crew5

Main
armament
MIM-72 surface-to-air missile
EngineDetroit Diesel 6V53
202 hp @ 2800 rpm
TransmissionAllison TX 100-1
SuspensionTorsion bar
Fuel capacity170 gallons (643 litres)

The M48 Chaparral is an American-made self-propelled surface-to-air missile based on the M113 family of vehicles. The MIM-72 missile is based on the AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile system. The M48 entered service with the United States Army in 1969 and was phased out as the M48A2 between 1990 and 1998. It was intended to be used along with the M163 VADS, the Vulcan ADS covering short-range short-time engagements, and the Chaparral for longer range use.