Wire-guided missiles over water

[CJGibson]

I've been looking at ATGWs (again) and the pros and cons of wire-guidance. One of the cons as far as ATGWs are concerns is that they don't work well over water. This is mentioned in a few books (such as South African Armour of the Border War 1975-1989) and websites such as https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/at-14.htm.

If this is the case why so and what makes the AS.12 on the Wasp and Alouette work at sea?

Thanks

Chris

 

[merriman]

Two guesses: Once the wire hits the water it is dragged more significantly than dirt, so that increases the rate of wire pay-out from the onboard spool, maybe to the point of breakage. And/or if the wire is not insulated the launcher control signals will be attenuated or completely shunted to ground when it hits salt-water.

David

 

[Jemiba]

If this is the case why so and what makes the AS.12 on the Wasp and Alouette work at sea?

Maybe it's just the angle and the height, they were launched ?
A wire guided missile launched against a tank probably flies very close and parallel to the ground, so,
if it has to cross water the problems mentioned by David will arise.
In the ASUW role, launching height might be much higher, at least judging photos and videos showing
the Wasp firing an AS.12.

 

[Zoo Tycoon]

During the Falklands, or actually South Georgia, AS12’s which were flown/guided over water to put a few holes in Santa fa’s conning tower. So clearly under combat conditions, they could do what it said on the tin.
The reference stories are probably guys who have only trained or experienced with flying/guiding one over land having a go over water. When it all goes wrong they then make the projection that, it wasn’t them that was the problem.