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AGM-84A-1 Harpoon Missile



The AGM-84A-1 Harpoon is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile system produced by McDonnell Douglas.  Its low-level, sea-skimming cruise trajectory, active radar guidance, counter-countermeasures capability, and warhead design assure high survivability and effectiveness.

Background

Originally developed for the Navy to serve as its basic anti-ship missile for fleetwide use on ships, submarines and aircraft, the AGM-84-A-1 Harpoon also has been adapted for use on Strategic Air Command's B-52G bombers.  B-52G's can carry eight to 12 Harpoon missiles.

The 42nd Bombardment Wing at Loring Air Force Base, Maine, was first tasked to perform the Harpoon mission in 1985.  The wing refines tactics and doctrine to merge the long-range, heavy-payload capability of the B-52 with the proven reliability of this superior stand-off attack weapon.  This combines to provide the war-fighting capability to interdict ships at ranges well beyond those of other aircraft.


Specifications

Primary Function:  Air-to-surface, anti-ship missile.
Prime Contractor:  McDonnell Douglas.
Dimensions:  Length 12 ft. 7 in., diameter 13.5 in.
Weight:  1,145 lbs.
Range:  Over the horizon.
Speed:  High subsonic.
Guidance: Terminal, active radar.
Warhead:  Penetration high-explosive blast.
Power Plant:  Teledyne turbojet, 660 lb. thrust.
Status:  Operational.


June 1991
Supersedes USAF Fact Sheet 88-12
Local Reproduction Authorized