Exocet and Harpoon present a different problem from the large, fast Kh-22. Exocet is described here as a roughly three-quarter-ton weapon with a 40 km range and a speed around Mach 0.93. Its weight prompts a hypothetical comparison with the Fairey Swordfish: the cited 1,670 lb torpedo load is close to the missile's stated 1,720 lb weight, with an overloaded Swordfish suggested as technically able to carry it. This is a payload comparison, not evidence that such an installation existed. The operational point is Exocet's low approach among radar returns from the sea. Waves and salt water create clutter, so a slower sea-skimming weapon can be difficult to separate from its surroundings.
Notable Point · 2:30:25-2:33:18
Exocet, sea clutter and the Swordfish payload comparison
Exocet illustrates a smaller missile threat that stays close to the sea and uses radar clutter to make detection harder.