Harpoon missile

Harpoon uses active radar guidance and low-level, sea-skimming cruise trajectory to improve survivability and effectiveness. The missile is capable of being launched from surface ships, submarines, or (without the booster) from aircraft. Originally developed for the US Navy to serve as its basic anti-ship missile for fleet-wide use, the AGM-84D has been adapted for use on Air Force B-52G bombers, which can carry from eight to 12 of the missiles.

The AGM-84D was first introduced in 1977, and in 1979 an air-launched version was deployed on the Navy's P-3 Orion aircraft.

General Characteristics

• Primary Function: Air, surface, or submarine launched anti-surface (anti-ship) cruise m issile.
• Contractor: The Boeing Company
• Power Plant: Teledyne Turbojet and solid propellant booster for surface and submarine launch.
• Thrust: 2950 newton (660 pounds)
• Length:
  • air launched: 3.8 m (12 feet, 7 inches)
  • surface and submarine launched: 4.5 meters (15 feet)
• Weight:
  • air launched: 519 kg (1,145 pounds)
  • submarine or ship launched from box or canister launcher: 628 kilograms (1,385 pounds)
• Diameter: 340 mm (13.5 inches)
• Wing Span: 910 mm (3 feet) with booster fins and wings.
• Range: Over-the-horizon, in excess of 60 nautical miles.
• Speed: High Subsonic, around 850 km/h
• Guidance: Sea-skimming cruise monitored by radar altimeter, active radar terminal homing.
• Warhead: 224 kg, penetration high-explosive blast (488 pounds)
• Unit Cost: US$720,000
• Date Deployed: 1985

Referenced By