Dassault-Matra-Shorts ARAMIS SAM, 1964

[Kiltonge]

Rapier / Mauler class SAM proposed in 1964, reportedly with a range of guidance options from Seacat-style visual to more sophisticated means including microwave radar. Three-round trailer-based launcher and separate fire-control trailer.

Flight estimated size about 8ft long, span 1ft, diameter 6in based on model at 1964 Farnborough show.

Shorts announcement on 20 February 1964:

"A presentation of the proposed system has been given to the Ministry of Aviation and representatives of the Service departments. Presentations will follow in France and other NATO nations."

No further mention in AvWeek or Flight after late 1964. Name later recycled by Bodenseewerk for a 1996-era ramjet-powered ARM.

 

[Hood]

Interesting, I wonder how much of Seacat 2 was carried over into Aramis given that this appeared only three years later. Certainly the main and tail fins look quite different.

It's also interesting to compare the approx sizes (as estimated by the aviation press from the models on display) in inches:
Aramis - span 12in, length 96+in
Seacat 2 - span 20in, length 78in
Seacat 1 - span 26in, length 58in

 

[fortrena]

It might be worth noting that a naval version of the Matra / Short Aramis, known as Athos, was under development or study as of July 1964.

Both Aramis and Athos seemingly sank without a trace at some point during the second half of 1964.

Incidentally, Matra / Matra Transport recycled the name Aramis to identify a personal rapid transit system launched in 1969-70 for use in Paris, a system which became an entirely automated mini subway system whose unsuccessful trials came to an end in late 1987.

 

[TomS]

It might be worth noting that a naval version of the Matra / Short Aramis, known as Athos, was under development or study as of July 1964.

Both Aramis and Athos seemingly sank without a trace at some point during the second half of 1964.

Was there ever a Porthos? It seems like an obvious choice.

 

[zen]

It might be worth noting that a naval version of the Matra / Short Aramis, known as Athos, was under development or study as of July 1964.

Both Aramis and Athos seemingly sank without a trace at some point during the second half of 1964.

Was there ever a Porthos? It seems like an obvious choice.

Wouldn't that be rather a hefty system with flashy technology upfront and cheap elements covered up

 

[TomS]

Was there ever a Porthos? It seems like an obvious choice.

Wouldn't that be rather a hefty system with flashy technology upfront and cheap elements covered up

Better than D'Artagnan, which would clearly be a seduction jammer.

 

[Archibald]

Yet better not to put these SAMs on the old Richelieu battleship - or the coming CdG, which was once called Richelieu, too...

French ship Richelieu - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org