MATRA AS-37 Martel Missile

PJ Productions, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Mark Davies

Eduard’s 1/72 scale Storm Shadow missiles are available online from Squadron.com

The MATRA AS-37 Martel is an Anglo-French anti-radiation missile (ARM). The name Martel is a contraction of Missile, Anti-Radiation, Television, referring to the guidance options. There are two variants, the passive radar guided (AS 37) and the video guided (AJ 168).

The aircraft that used these missiles were the Blackburn Buccaneer (up to three TV or four ARM variant), the SEPECAT Jaguar (two) and the Mirage III/F1 (one or two). The Martel was suited to anti-ship attack with its long range and heavy warhead. There was not, at the time, a small radar homing missile like the AGM-84 Harpoon with an active radar, so the only viable solution was a TV or ARM sensor. With a relatively long range, a heavy payload, and a subsonic speed, this missile compares more to an anti-ship weapon like the Exocet or the AS.34 Kormoran than an anti-radar missile. It weighs three times as much as the AGM-45 Shrike, with half the speed but much greater range and explosive power.

It was possible to adapt the Martel ARM to be used against different wavelength radars. It was an improvement compared to the early Standard ARM missiles that had only one narrow-band homing sensor. But the ARM sensor was only selectable on the ground, not in flight and so before taking-off it was necessary to know what kind of radar should be attacked.

The UK has used both types, the French only the radar-equipped variant. The Martel fuselage forms the basis for the Sea Eagle anti-ship missile with a turbojet to improve range, while the French used it to develop ARMAT, an advanced ARM missile in the '80s. For ARM functions, the RAF adopted a totally new and much smaller missile, the ALARM.

Source: Wikepedia

PJ Production offers a modest range of aftermarket missiles, amongst the latest of which is a single MAT AS-37 reviewed here. The missile comes packaged in a simple zip-lock plastic bag with card header.

The instructions consist of a small rectangle of paper with a drawing of the missile parts and advice on colours for painting.

The missile consists of nine parts, a fuselage, four wings, and our canard fins. The tenth part is the missile’s pylon, which is a nice touch as the kits the missile is intended for probably lack this item.

The quality of casting is very good. Some care will be needed when removing the wings and fins from their pour-stubs as they are joined along their thin trailing edges.

All of the three aircraft that carried the AS-37 could carry at least two, so two missiles per pack would have been nice. This is especially so as it seems a little expensive when compared to what leading Czech companies offer for a similar price. This said; demand for an AS-37 is quite possibly less than an AGM-88B HARM, for example.

This AS-37 by PJ Production is a simple good quality product enhanced by the inclusion of the missile pylon. It is possibly a little pricey for just one missile, but I am happy to recommend it.

Thanks to PJ Production for the samples and images.

Review Text & Black Background Images Copyright © 2015 by Mark Davies
Page Created 10 December, 2015
Last updated 10 December, 2015

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