CORAL-2

CORAL-2
Name	CORAL-2
Type	Anti-tank guided missile
Used by	See Operators
Variants	See Variants
Guidance	Wire-guided
Launch platform	Tripod

CORAL-2. The CORAL-2 is a second-generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system developed during the latter stages of the Cold War. Designed as a significant advancement over earlier man-portable systems, it entered service with several national armed forces and saw deployment in various regional conflicts. The system is characterized by its semi-automatic command to line of sight (SACLOS) guidance, which improved hit probability against modern armor.

Overview

The CORAL-2 system was conceived to provide infantry and light vehicle units with a potent, long-range counter to main battle tank advancements like the T-72 and M60 Patton. It operates on the SACLOS principle, where the gunner simply keeps the sight's crosshairs on the target, and an onboard computer automatically sends correction signals via a thin wire that unspools behind the missile. This represented a major ergonomic and tactical improvement over first-generation MCLOS systems like the SS.10 or AT-3 Sagger, which required immense operator skill. The complete system, including the missile in its launch tube, a reusable day sight unit, and a tripod, is transportable by a two or three-person crew.

Development and Design

Development of the CORAL-2 was initiated in the late 1970s by a European consortium, drawing heavily on lessons learned from the combat performance of earlier systems during the Yom Kippur War. Key design goals included enhanced reliability in extreme environments, improved resistance to electronic countermeasures, and a tandem-charge high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead to defeat explosive reactive armor. The guidance system was a particular focus, incorporating a sophisticated tracer and infrared sensor package. Prime contractors included companies like Aérospatiale and MBB, with final assembly often occurring under license in user countries. Rigorous testing was conducted at facilities such as the Aberporth range and the Toulon naval base.

Operational History

The CORAL-2 first saw combat in the Iran–Iraq War, where it was employed by both sides with notable effect against armored formations. Its performance cemented its reputation as a reliable system, leading to further exports. It was subsequently used in the Gulf War by Kuwaiti and Saudi units, and later by various factions during the Yugoslav Wars. While largely superseded by more advanced fire-and-forget missiles like the FGM-148 Javelin and Spike, updated versions of the CORAL-2 remain in active service in several militaries, often deployed from specialized vehicles like the VBL or M113.

Variants

* CORAL-2 Basic: The original production model with a daylight-only sight. * CORAL-2 N: A night-fighting variant integrated with a thermal imaging sight, often sourced from SAT or Thales. * CORAL-2 LCR: A "Long Range" version with an extended-range motor and enhanced guidance for engaging targets beyond 4,000 meters. * CORAL-2 Vehicle: A dedicated vehicle-mounted system, typically installed on a cupola on light armored vehicles such as the AMX-10 RC. * CORAL-2 TGA: A training simulator variant used for cost-effective gunner instruction without live missile expenditure.

Operators

Current Operators

* Pakistan Army (primary anti-tank system for many infantry battalions) * Turkish Land Forces (licensed production variant) * Hellenic Army * Brazilian Army * Morocco * Tunisian Armed Forces

Former Operators

* French Army (replaced by the Eryx and MMP) * Spanish Army (replaced by the Spike) * Republic of China Army (Taiwan; replaced by indigenous systems)

Specifications (CORAL-2)

* **Type:** SACLOS wire-guided anti-tank missile * **Launch Weight:** Approximately 11.2 kg (missile in tube) * **Length:** 1.2 m (in launch tube) * **Diameter:** 152 mm * **Warhead:** Tandem-charge HEAT * **Armor Penetration:** >800 mm RHA behind ERA * **Range:** 75 m (minimum), 4,000 m (maximum) * **Guidance:** Wire-guided SACLOS with infrared tracking * **Launch Platform:** Man-portable tripod or vehicle mount * **Crew:** 2 (gunner and loader/observer)

Category:Anti-tank guided missiles Category:Cold War anti-tank missiles