# SAMs (DD-152)

> A surface-to-air missile (SAM) is launched from the ground or a ship to destroy aircraft, helicopters, drones or other missiles. Guidance varies: some SAMs ride a radar beam or home on radar energy reflected from the target, some home on infrared (heat), and some combine methods. Systems range from shoulder-fired missiles such as the Stinger to long-range systems such as the Patriot and S-400. SAMs were first used in combat in the Second World War era and became widespread during the Cold War. The footage shows SAM launchers and launches, with the presenter.

- Department: Military (also Tech)
- First published: 2023-12-30
- Last updated: 2023-12-30
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/sams/
- Original Reel title: SAMs 🚀
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-152-F01**: SAMs are launched from the ground or ships. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Ground-launched))_
- **DD-152-F02**: They target aircraft, drones and missiles. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Targets))_

## Write-up

A SAM can home in by radar, infrared or both. Surface-to-air missiles defend airspace from the ground.

1. **Ground-launched**: SAMs are launched from the ground or ships.
2. **Targets**: They target aircraft, drones and missiles.
3. **Radar**: Some home on radar energy.
4. **Infrared**: Some home on heat.
5. **Range of sizes**: They range from shoulder-fired to long-range.

## Related case files

- [The Iron Dome (DD-606)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-iron-dome/): I linked another air-defense system
- [Helo (DD-150)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/helo/): I linked one of its targets
- [Railguns (DD-151)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/railguns/): I linked another way to hit fast targets

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: 'Targeting and intercepting ... helicopters and airplanes': SAMs are also used against drones and missiles.

## Video: SAMs: A SAM Can Home in by Radar, Infrared or Both

- Duration: 24.6 s · Published: 2023-12-30
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C1gOWM8tG1l.mp4

### Transcript

Surface-to-Air Missiles or SAMs are sophisticated weapons designed for air defense capable of targeting and intercepting including helicopters and airplanes. DID YOU KNOW? SAMs use advanced guidance systems to track and engage their targets. These systems can employ radar, infrared, or a combination of both to home in on SAMs play a crucial role in modern military defense providing a potent means to protect airspace from aerial threats. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: Where are SAMs launched from?**  
A: Surface to air. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Ground-launched) · Wikipedia: Surface-to-air missile)_

**Q: What can SAMs target?**  
A: Air threats. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Targets) · Wikipedia: Surface-to-air missile)_

**Q: What is infrared homing?**  
A: Engine heat. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Radar) · Wikipedia: Surface-to-air missile)_

**Q: Which is shoulder-fired?**  
A: Small and portable. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Infrared) · Wikipedia: Surface-to-air missile)_

**Q: When did SAMs become widespread?**  
A: After early wartime use. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Range of sizes) · Wikipedia: Surface-to-air missile)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Surface-to-air missile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface-to-air_missile)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "SAMs." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-152, last updated Dec 30, 2023. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/sams/