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Mission

The AGM-88 HARM (high-speed antiradiation missile) is an air-to-surface tactical missile designed to seek and destroy enemy radar-equipped air defense systems.

Features

The AGM-88 can detect, attack and destroy a target with minimum aircrew input. The proportional guidance system that homes in on enemy radar emissions has a fixed antenna and seeker head in the missile nose. A smokeless, solid-propellant, dual-thrust rocket motor propels the missile. The F-16C has the capability to employ the AGM-88, and is the only aircraft in the current inventory to use the AGM-88.

Background

The Defense Systems Acquisition Review Council approved the AGM-88 missile for full production in March 1983.

The Air Force equipped the F-4G Wild Weasel with the AGM-88 to increase the F-4G's lethality in electronic combat. The missile worked with the APR-47 radar attack and warning system on the aircraft.

The missile is operationally deployed throughout the Air Force and in full production as a joint U.S. Air Force-U.S. Navy project.

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Air-to-surface anti-radiation missile

Contractor: Texas Instruments

Power Plant: Thiokol dual-thrust rocket motor

Thrust: Dual thrust

Length: 13 feet, 8 inches (4.14 meters)

Launch Weight: 800 pounds (360 kilograms)

Diameter: 10 inches (25.40 centimeters)

Wingspan: 3 feet, 8 inches (101.60 centimeters)

Range: 30 plus miles (48 plus kilometers)

Speed: Supersonic

Aircraft: Used aboard the F-16C

Guidance System: Proportional

Warheads: High explosive

Unit Cost: $200,000

Date Deployed: 1984

Point of Contact

Air Combat Command, Public Affairs Office; 115 Thompson Street, Ste 211; Langley AFB, Va. 23665-1987; DSN 574-5014 or (757) 764-5014.

Above Information Courtesy of United States Air Force