|
Mission
The AGM-130A is a powered air-to-surface missile designed for high-
and low-altitude strikes at standoff ranges against a variety of targets.
Features
Carrying forward the modular concept of the GBU-15 guided weapon system,
the AGM-130A employs a rocket motor for extended range and an altimeter
for altitude control. The AGM-130A will provide a significantly increased
standoff range beyond that of the GBU-15.
The AGM-130A is equipped with either a television or an imaging infrared
seeker and data link. The seeker provides the launch aircraft a visual
presentation of the target as seen from the weapon. During free flight
this presentation is transmitted by the AXQ-14 data-link system to the
aircraft cockpit monitor.
The seeker can be either locked onto the target before or after launch
for automatic weapon guidance, or it can be manually steered by the weapon
systems officer. Manual steering is performed through the two-way data
link.
The AGM-130A is designed to be used with F-15E aircraft. Development
of the AGM-130A began in 1984 as a product improvement of the GBU-15
guided glide bomb.
 Background
For the primary mode of operation, the aircraft flies to a pre-briefed
launch position. Survivability of aircraft and crew is enhanced by launching
the weapon at low altitude and significant standoff range, thus avoiding
detection by enemy air defenses. After launch, the weapon flies through
glide-powered-glide phases toward the target area with midcourse guidance
updates provided by global positioning system (GPS) navigational information
or through the data link.
Upon termination of the powered flight phase the rocket motor is ejected.
As the target comes into view, the weapon systems officer has dual flexibility
in guiding the weapon via the data link. For automatic terminal homing,
the guidance tracker is locked on target but can be manually updated
for precision bombing. When total manual guidance is used, the operator
manually guides the weapon to the target aimpoint. For those aircraft
not equipped with a data-link pod, the weapon may be launched in the
direct attack mode.
The first unit was operational in 1994.
General Characteristics
Primary Function: Air-to-surface guided and powered bomb
Contractor: Rockwell International Corp.
Thrust: Classified
Length: 12 feet, 10.5 inches (3.90 meters)
Launch Weight: 2,917 pounds (1,312.65 kilograms)
Diameter: 18 inches (45.72 centimeters)
Wingspan: 59 inches (149.86 centimeters)
Range: Classified
Ceiling: 30,000-plus feet (9,091 meters)
Speed: Classified
Guidance System: television or imaging infrared seeker
Date Deployed: 1994
Unit Cost: Less than $300,000 per missile
Inventory: The missile is in production. When in the inventory
the number will be classified. Current total projected weapon procurement
is approximately 600 weapons.
Point of Contact
Air Combat Command; Public Affairs
Office; 115 Thompson St., Ste 211; Langley AFB, VA 23665-1987; DSN 574-5014
or (757) 764-5014.
Above Information Courtesy
of United States Air Force
|
