Developed in the 1960s and used mainly on Buccaneers, with the option of fitting to Nimrods, the Martel (Missile Anti-Radar TELevision) had the option of TV guidance (developed as AJ.168) or anti-radiation variants. Various sub-types were proposed including CL.137, the Sub-Martel. This was originally known as
USGW and was a development of the Ondine concept intended for launch from submerged submarines but the American Sub-Harpoon was acquired.Active-Radar Martel was a longer ranged air-breathing Martel with a Marconi active seeker. This used a Microturbo turbojet giving a range of 60miles. This led to the development of P3T, which ultimately became Sea Eagle.
Cluster Martel was intended to carry cluster bombs, while Megaton Martel was to carry a nuclear warhead.
Ship-Martel was to be launched from surface vessels. This was essentially a stretched Martel with rocket booster, but lost out to Exocet.
As can be seen in the image above, TV camera technology has come on since Martel was designed.
This image shows both the anti-radiation and TV-guided versions of Martel that are on display at the Aerospace Museum at RAF Cosford.
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