Robot 05

Robot 05 (Rb 05) was a short-range air-to-surface missile that was developed in the 1960s by the Swedish company Saab-Scania, Missiles and Electronics.

History
The Rb 05 was developed as a ground attack missile for the AJ 37 Viggen in 1967, and was issued for operative use in 1972.

It was later discovered that the missile also could be used in air-to-air against slow-manoeuvring aircraft like transports and helicopters.

A TV-guided variant Rb 05B was proposed to the Swedish Air Force in the early 1970s, but was turned down in favour of the AGM-65 Maverick/Rb 75.

Use
The missile would usually be launched after a high-speed attack run on very low altitude and climb to 400m for launch. The supersonic speed was deemed necessary to reduce the threat of surface-to-air missiles. Since RB 05 was roll-stabilized, the aircraft did not need to be aimed straight at the target when launching, and would immediately descend again.

Tracking the flares on the missile, the pilot would then guide the missile optically (the missile's engine was smokeless as to not obscure the view) with a joystick towards the target. Guidance commands were transmitted to the missile via a jam-proof radio transmission link.

Operators

 * 🇸🇪: The Swedish Air Force operated the Rb 05 on the AJ and AJS 37 Viggen.

Similar missiles

 * AGM-12 Bullpup
 * AS-20
 * Kh-23