Quick Facts
| Variants | N/A |
| Role and Mobility | Short-Range Air Defense; Road-Mobile |
| Interceptors and Range |
Tien Chien 1 (TC-1 Sky Sword) Surface-to-Air Missiles: -HE-blast fragmentation warhead -Contact or active laser proximity fuse -9 km effective range -3 km altitude range |
| Sensors |
CS/MPQ-78 fire control radar composed of: -Search radar (30 km range) -Track radar (20 km range) -Photoelectric radar (10 km range in clear weather) -Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) systems |
| Targets | Helicopters, Bombers, and Fighters |
| Status/Exports | Operational; N/A |
| Designer/Producer | National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) |
Overview
The Antelope air defense system is a tactical surface-to-air defense system in service with the Taiwan army.[i]The system is mounted on a 4×4 light tactical Toyota truck chassis and includes targeting, guidance, communications components, and the TC-1 Sky Sword missiles.[ii]It operates the mobile CS/MPQ-78 fire control radar, a set of search and tracking radars that also operates with Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) systems.[iii]Also included in the sensor capabilities of the Antelope is an auxiliary passive electro-optical tracker with a built-in laser finder.[iv]
The interceptor for the system is the Tien Chien 1 missile, also known as the TC-1 Sky Sword missile. It was developed as an air-to-air missile for Taiwan’s Air Force before also being chosen for the Antelope air defense system. It uses an infrared guidance system to intercept its target.[v]
The system is operated by a crew of two, one gunner and one observer. The gunner is able to fire the system from within the cabin of the truck or from a tripod-mounted control console up to 70 m away from the vehicle.[vi]
Strategic Implications
The Antelope system provides Taiwan with a mobile and effective air defense capability. It can be operated as a point defense or as part of an area defense with other area radar systems. Its many sensor capabilities allow it to intercept targets in a number of environments, and the system can be fired from a distance, increasing the security of its operators. The vehicle also maintains an electric generator capable of powering the system at all times, which would allows the Antelope system to engage targets while on the move.[vii]
Timeline
1995: CSIST begins development of the Antelope air defense system
1980s:The TC-1 Sky Sword is developed by CSIST for the Taiwan Air Force
Recent News
References
[i]https://www.armyrecognition.com/taiwan_taiwanese_missile_vehicle_system_uk/antelope_tien_chien_1_tc-1_surface-to-air_defense_missile_system_technical_data_sheet_specifications.html
[ii]Ibid.
[iii]Ibid.
[iv]Ibid.
[v]Ibid.
[vi]Ibid.
[vii]Ibid.
