Data Quality83%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the medium-range sam category.
01 / Overview
Sky Bow
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
MEDIUM-RANGE SAM · COLD WAR
3
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
85
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the medium-range sam category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
- System TypeSurface-to-air missile system
- Service Entry Year1986
- Engagement Layer (SHORAD/Med/Long)Medium-range
- MobileYes
- Crew4
- In ServiceYes
◈Effector / Missile8MOD.8
- Missile / EffectorTien Kung I (Sky Bow I)
- Ready Missiles4
- Maximum Range100 km
- Minimum Range5 km
- Maximum Altitude25,000 m
- Minimum Altitude30 m
- Missile Speed (Mach)4 Mach
- Warhead TypeHE fragmentation
▣Guidance6MOD.6
- Guidance TypeInertial + semi-active radar homing (SARH)
- Fire-and-ForgetNo
- Command GuidanceYes
- Track-Via-MissileNo
- Simultaneous Engagements4
- All-WeatherYes
◇Radar & Sensors7MOD.7
- Search RadarChang Bai (long white) phased-array radar
- Search Range400 km
- Tracking RadarChang Bai phased-array radar
- AESA RadarYes
- Targets Tracked50
- 360° CoverageNo
- Passive / EO ModeYes
◆Gun (if applicable)1MOD.1
▤Mobility & Deployment4MOD.4
- PlatformTowed quad launchers and underground silos
- Reaction Time5
- Emplacement Time30
- AmphibiousNo
⬢Production2MOD.2
- Operators1
- Variants3
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1980Production started
46
years in service
1
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
05 / MASS Score
MEDIUM-RANGE SAM RANKING Medium-Range SAM · Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
31MEDIUM-RANGE SAM3COLD WAR · MEDIUM-RANGE SAM25TAIWAN · ALL WEAPONS12PERFORMANCE/PRICE · MEDIUM-RANGE SAM
ⓘ Rankings are within theMedium-Range SAMcategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE5terms
Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar: a radar system using a phased array antenna to steer and scan electronically.
Capability of a Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) to operate effectively in adverse weather conditions, including rain, fog, or low visibility.
A missile guidance method where the projectile is directed by real-time commands from an external control source, such as an operator or tracking system, to intercept a target.
Mobile: a capability indicating the MANPADS can be transported and operated by a single soldier or small team, enabling rapid deployment and relocation.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources