Skyflash is a UK modification of the US AIM-7 Sparrow missile with improved guidance and seeker capability. Developed as XJ.521, the semi-active Skyflash was initially fitted on RAF F-4M Phantoms, but its main use has been on Tornado F2 and F3s of the RAF, Italian and Saudi Arabian Air Forces.
Skyflash uses a Marconi inverse monopulse seeker. Skyflash was also developed for the Royal Swedish Air Force for use on JA-37 Viggens as the RB.71.
An improved version called Skyflash 90 was developed for the Swedish Air Force. This was called RB.71A in Sweden.
A
Hoopoe boost/sustainer motor powers Skyflash, which is an Anglicised version of the AIM-7 motor.A ship-borne
Sea Flash version was not proceeded with.
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