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Mission- The AGM-84D 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 and warhead design assure high survivability
and effectiveness. |
Features
The AGM-84D Harpoon has been adapted for use on B-52H bombers, which
can carry from eight to 12 missiles.
The Harpoon missile and its launch control equipment provide the
warfighter capability to interdict ships at ranges well beyond those
of other aircraft.
Background
Originally developed for the U.S. Navy to serve as its basic anti-ship
missile for fleetwide use, the AGM-84D Harpoon also has been adapted
for use on Air Combat Command's B-52H bombers.
At the direction of Headquarters Strategic Air Command, the Harpoon
Air Command and Launch Control Set was fully integrated into a fully
operational B-52G from Mather AFB, Calif., in March 1983. Three successful
live launches at the Naval Air Warfare Center, Point Mugu, Calif.,
led to the modification of a total of 30 B-52Gs with Harpoon launch
control equipment, enough to provide two squadrons of Harpoon-capable
B-52Gs by June 30, 1985. The 42nd Bombardment Wing, Loring Air Force
Base, Maine, and the 43rd Bombardment Wing, Andersen Air Force Base,
Guam, were first tasked to perform the Harpoon mission. Both wings
refined 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.
After Loring AFB closed and the retirement of the last B-52G at Castle
AFB, Calif., the Harpoon mission was moved to the 2nd Bomb Wing at
Barksdale AFB, La. Four B-52H models were rapidly modified (as an
interim measure) to accept Harpoon launch control equipment pending
B-52H fleet modification. By 1997, all B-52H airframes will be Harpoon
capable, providing both the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot AFB, N.D., and
the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale, full squadron strength capability.
General Characteristics
Primary Function: Air-to-surface anti-ship missile
Contractor: McDonnell Douglas
Power Plant: Teledyne Turbojet
Thrust: 660 pounds (approximately 594 kilograms)
Length: 12 feet, 7 inches (3.79 meters)
Weight: 1,145 pounds (515.25 kilograms)
Diameter: 13.5 inches (34.29 centimeters)
Wing Span: 3 feet (91.44 centimeters)
Range: Over the horizon
Speed: High subsonic
Guidance System: Sea-skimming cruise monitored by radar altimeter,
active radar terminal homing
Warheads: Penetration high-explosive blast (488 pounds)
Unit Cost: Not available
Date Deployed: 1985
Inventory: Classified
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