| Statistics | Info |
|---|---|
| First designed by | Fox Corporation |
| First released in | 1885 |
| Manufactured & developed by | Fox Corporation |
| Environment | Space |
| Guidance | Infrared |
| Aspect | All |
| Seeker gimbal | Uncaged |
| ITAS | ARL, IRCCM, MAKS, MFTP, TVC, ZTA |
| Relative manoeuvrability | 40 G |
| Flare resistance class | 3 |
| Maximum lock range | 8.4 km |
| Maximum flight range from stationary | 13.1 km |
| Initial mass | 86.0 kg |
| Thrust force | 34,800 N |
| Initial acceleration | 404.65 ms-2 |
| Forwards thrust time | 6.0 seconds (3.0 MFTP) |
| Guidance thrust time | 10.0 seconds |
The Space Launched Assault Missile - 8 was an all-aspect infrared combat missile designed by the Fox Corporation for use in space during close range starship to starship engagements. The missile was modelled based on recently collected data regarding the performance of SLAM missiles (particularly the SLAM-7) and the pilots that used them. It had been found that a number of pilots struggled to accurately use the infrared guided missiles at short ranges (6 km or closer) to destroy enemy starfighters.
In order to tackle this issue, the SLAM-8 was designed with short range performance in mind, featuring a very high rate of acceleration, 40 Gs of relative manoeuvrability, MFTP and even thrust vector control (TVC) in order to enhance its ability to hit close targets. This was boosted by the addition of infrared counter-countermeasures (IRCCM), with which the missile decreases its seeker's field of view over time. To complete its performance, the SLAM-8 was also fitted with a Zero Time Angling (ZTA) system, to allow it to accurately aim itself before activating its motor and beginning acceleration.