'Firestreak' missile

'Firestreak' infrared homing air-to-air missile, type 2, and rubber nose cone, by de Havilland Propellers, Lostock, Lancashire, England, 1957-1988. The missile is a one stage, solid fuel weapon, with a maximum speed of 1700 kilometres/hour, over a distance of up to eight kilometres. The internal mechanisms and electronics have been removed.

The de Havilland Firestreak was Britain's first and the world's third operational heat-seeking air-to- air missile. It was in service from 1957 to 1988, carried by de Havilland Sea Vixen, Gloster Javelin and English Electric Lightening aircraft. The Hawker Siddeley Red Top missile was an uprated version of Firestreak with a greater range, enhanced homing capability and larger warhead.