Air-launched cruise missiles of the US Air Force: status and development prospects. From here we find the expression for
AGM-158 air-to-surface missile long range designed to destroy both stationary and mobile targets (air defense systems, bunkers, large buildings, lightly armored and small heavily protected objects, bridges) in simple and adverse weather conditions, night and day.
The AGM-158 was developed by Lockheed Martin Missiles as part of the JASSM (Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile) program. The first flight test of the rocket under the JASSM program was carried out in January, the second - in April 2001.
The strategic bombers B-52N (12 missiles), B-1B (24 missiles), B-2 (16), F-15E (3), as well as tactical fighters F-16 C and D (2) are used as carriers of this missile. ), F/A-18 (2), F-117 (2), F-35 JSF.
The US Air Force has accelerated the modernization of the B-52H, which includes the installation of an Integrated Conventional Suspension Management System (ICSMS), adapted for Mil-Std 1760 hardware and software, which is necessary for the installation of next-generation precision weapons, such as Joint Direct Attack Munition ( JDAM), Joint Standoff Weapon (JSW), Wind-Corrected Munition System and Joint Air-to-Surface Missile.
Since mid-2008, a model of this missile, upgraded under the JASSM ER program - the AGM-158B missile with a maximum firing range of up to 1300 km, began to enter service.
Further development of the AGM-158 missile provides for a gradual increase in its combat effectiveness through the use of more modern technologies and the use of new design solutions. The main goal is to provide the possibility of automated correction of the inertial control system based on continuous updating of target designation data from various external sources in real time, which is believed to make it possible to hit mobile ground and surface targets without the use of expensive homing systems, as well as to retarget the missile flight. These tasks will be carried out through interaction through the unified data transmission network of the on-board missile guidance system, carrier aircraft and reconnaissance and attack control aircraft of the Jistars system.
Compound
The rocket is built according to a normal aerodynamic design - a low-wing aircraft with folding wings. Its design widely uses modern composite materials based on carbon fibers. As power plant A J402 turbojet engine with an improved compressor and fuel system is used. As part of the combined guidance system, along with a thermal imaging seeker borrowed from the AGM-130 glide bomb (operating in the final guidance section), an inertial control system with correction according to NAVSTAR CRNS data and software and hardware for autonomous target recognition are used. To aim the missile at the target, algorithms are used for correlation comparison of the image of the detected object (targeting area) obtained in the IR range with the reference signatures available in the memory of the on-board computer, which also makes it possible to automatically select the optimal aiming point.
When launching a missile over a long range, a problem arises in transmitting information about the current location of the missile. This information is necessary, in particular, to determine whether the missile has hit the target. The existing design includes a BIA (Bomb Impact Assessment) type transmitter (power 25 W) and an antenna device on the missile body, providing data transmission to the RC-135V and W strategic reconnaissance aircraft at speeds up to 9600 bps in the frequency range 391.7-398.3 MHz.
Depending on the type of target, a cluster or unitary warhead (CU) is used. Currently, the J-1000 concrete-piercing warhead is installed on the rocket. The warhead body is made of a metal alloy based on tungsten steel. Weight explosive- 109 kg. The J-1000 warhead at a speed of 300 m/s can penetrate medium-density soil to a depth of 6.1 to 24.4 m and pierce reinforced concrete slabs with a total thickness of 1.2-2.1 m. BLU-97 GEM (combined action) ammunition will probably be used to equip the cluster warhead.
Shelf life without routine maintenance is up to 20 years.
The modernized version of the missile - AGM-158B is made while maintaining the weight and size parameters ( starting mass and the mass of the warhead) of the prototype - AGM-158A. At the same time, the layout of the rocket has been optimized, resulting in an increased fuel supply, and a more economical double-circuit turbojet engine has been installed instead of the previous single-circuit one. The level of unification of the main elements of the AGM-158A and AGM-158B missile launchers is estimated to be more than 80%.
The rocket's name is short for Helicopter Launched Fire-and-Forget.
American air-to-surface missile with semi-active laser or active radar guidance (fire and forget principle). Initially created as an anti-tank guided missile, as it developed - equipped with new types of warheads and modernized guidance system - it became multi-purpose high precision system weapons, which can be used from aircraft, sea and ground platforms according to armored vehicles, fortifications and other types of ground and surface targets at a range of up to 8 kilometers.
“Hellfire-II” is a further development of the AGM-114 missiles with a semi-active laser guidance system (in some cases, combined).
The main carriers of Hellfire missiles are fire support helicopters. Since 2007 also mounted on unmanned aerial vehicles aircraft MQ-1 Predator.
Modifications
AGM-114A - Hellfire modification adopted for service in 1985. It was armed with AH-64A helicopters with two- and four-rail launchers. The training variants of the AGM-114 were the M36 training guided missile for flights with missiles statically attached to the carrier (CATM-114) and the M34 dummy missile for training in missile handling in ground conditions(DATM-114). A total of 31,616 AGM-114A missiles were produced;
AGM-114B is the first modification of the missile for the US Navy and Marine Corps, used as part of the armament of AH-1 type helicopters, structurally, it is basically similar to the AGM-114A, with the exception of the presence of a SAD (Safing/Arming Device) safety and arming system for safe use on ships. Also, the AGM-114B uses a new low-smoke Thiokol TX-657 (M120E1) engine and a number of improvements have been made to the seeker and autopilot. There is a training version of the missile without a warhead - ATM-114B;
AGM-114C - Army version of the AGM-114B without the SAD safety and arming system;
AGM-114D and AGM-114E are modifications of AGM-114C, respectively, for Ground Forces USA and US Navy/USMC (with SAD), which were supposed to be equipped with a new digital autopilot. The creation was abandoned;
The AGM-114F Interim Hellfire (literally “intermediate Hellfire”) is a variant of the missile for the US Army, equipped with a tandem cumulative warhead capable of penetrating dynamic armor. The leading charge of the tandem warhead was placed between the seeker section and the main charge, which caused a slight increase in the length of the rocket. The AGM-114F featured a control section with improved passive interference suppression. An increase in rocket mass caused a decrease maximum range firing up to 7 km. Serially produced since 1991;
AGM-114G - designation reserved for the AGM-114F version equipped with the SAD safety and arming system for the US Navy and Marine Corps, never produced;
AGM-114H - a variant of the AGM-114F in which the latter’s analog autopilot was replaced with a new reprogrammable one digital system. This type of rocket was never produced;
AGM-114K Hellfire II - “Hellfire” with an improved noise-immune semi-active laser seeker, adopted for service in 1991;
AGM-114P - AGM-114K missile optimized for use with UAVs;
AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire - the only missile that complies with the “fire and forget” principle, is an AGM-114K ATGM with a tandem cumulative warhead and combined system guidance: active radar seeker in the 94 GHz range and inertial control system (INS). Adopted into service in 1998. More than 13,000 made;
AGM-114M - a modification designed to destroy bunkers and equipped with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead;
AGM-114N - a missile equipped with a thermobaric warhead;
ATM-114Q - a practical version of the missile with an inert warhead;
AGM-114R (Hellfire Romeo) - can be launched from any carrier, the new multi-purpose warhead ensures the destruction of targets such as armored vehicles, air defense systems, patrol ships, manpower the enemy in shelters or caves. Previously, a special model of Hellfire II missile was required to hit each of these targets. Guidance system - combined, semi-active laser seeker and INS;
RBS-17 - modification of the AGM-114C missile for use by Swedish coastal defense units as anti-ship missile short range against ships of small displacement. The contract for the modification of Hellfire for Sweden was signed in 1984; in 1987, a contract for the production of missiles was signed, at which time the complex entered service with Sweden. The RBS-17 missile has a high-explosive fragmentation warhead from Bofors, the detonation of which occurs with a slowdown. Can also be used against ground targets.
Brimstone - a modification manufactured by MBDA, is equipped with a three-mode millimeter-wave radar seeker and a laser seeker. As of February 2012, a factory in England produced 1242 and 500 units of Dual Brimstone missiles (200 were used in battles), they can hit both moving and non-moving targets, the seeker is 2-channel.
Brimstone 2 since 2013.
Combat use
In 1991, during the war in Persian Gulf About 4,000 missiles were fired.
-During Operation Anaconda (March 2002), the missile was first used by a Predator drone. The missile was fired at the terrorists' bunker and successfully hit the target. Thus, on the Takur Ghar peak, weapons were used in combat conditions for the first time by a Predator drone.
TTX
Length: 1.6-1.8 m
-Diameter: 178mm
-Weight: 45-50 kg
-Warhead: cumulative
-Warhead mass: 8 kg
-Engine type: Solid propellant rocket motor Thiokol M120E1
-Pull: about 250 kg
-Flight range: 8 km
-Flight speed: up to 425 m/s
-Guidance system: semi-active laser seeker
- Flight time to a distance of 8 km, when launched from a ground launcher - 28 s.
The AGM-86B cruise missile is designed to destroy stationary missiles, including. highly protected ground targets: ICBM launch silos, command posts, industrial and administrative centers enemy. Full-scale development cruise missile long-range air-launched aircraft, designated AGM-86A, under the ALCM ("Air-Launched Cruise Missile") program began in July 1973. In February 1974, Boeing Corporation was chosen as the main contractor for the project. The first launch of the AGM-86A took place in March 1976, and in September of the same year the missile was launched with a fully functioning control system. In January 1977, the decision was made to begin full-scale production of the AGM-86A missiles.
However, already in 1977, the JCMP project ("Joint Cruise Missile Project") was launched, within the framework of which, on the basis of the AGM-86A missile launcher, it was decided to develop an improved air-launched missile with an increased range, which was designated AGM-86B. One of the main goals of the JCMP project was also the maximum unification of promising cruise missiles being developed for the needs of the US Air Force and Navy. To equip surface ships and nuclear submarines of the US Navy, Raytheon developed the BGM-109A Tomahawk cruise missile. During the implementation of the JCMP program, it was decided to equip the BGM-109A and AGM-86B missiles unified system trajectory correction based on the terrain image AN/DPW-23 of the McDonnell Douglas corporation and a unified small-sized dual-circuit jet engine F107-WR-100 from Williams. In addition, partial unification of the thermonuclear warhead of future missile launchers was carried out - both missiles were equipped with modifications of the W-80 warhead. The first launch of the AGM-86B missile took place in August 1979.
In 1979-1980 The US Air Force held a competition in which two missiles were submitted - Boeing's AGM-86B and Raytheon's AGM-109 (an "airborne" modification of the BGM-109A "Tomahawk"). Despite the fact that the creators of the AGM-109 put forward a more advanced concept for placing missiles on board the B-52G bomber, according to which the aircraft could take on board up to 18 AGM-109 missiles (12 missiles on two underwing hardpoints and 6 in the bomb bay on a multi-position rotating launcher installation) against 12 AGM-86B missiles on two underwing hardpoints, the victory in the competition was given to the Boeing Corporation AGM-86B missile.
On-board equipment strategic bombers The B-52G "Stratofortress", which was supposed to carry the AGM-86B, was modified as part of the OAS ("Offensive Avionics System") program. Later, B-52H aircraft were also converted to carry the new missiles. In 1981-1990 195 vehicles were modernized (99 modifications G and 96 modifications H). For the first time, the new missiles were deployed on B-52G aircraft of the 416th Heavy Bomber Wing of the US Air Force (Griffiss Air Force Base, New York), whose aircraft began to carry combat duty with KR AGM-86B in December 1982. In 1988-1993 all B-52H bombers also received an intra-fuselage multi-position rotating launcher CSRL ("Common Strategic Rotary Launcher"), which made it possible to increase the ammunition load of one aircraft to 20 missiles (it was decided to abandon the conversion of older B-52Gs). In September 1991, by order of President George W. Bush, all strategic bombers (including those equipped with ALCMs) and the air tankers serving them were removed from permanent combat duty. Regular flights of bombers with AGM-86B missiles in combat equipment were discontinued in September 1992. The missiles were put into active reserve and are included in the “nuclear classification”.
It was planned to equip the Rockwell B-1B Lancer supersonic strategic bombers with AGM-86B missiles, which began to be delivered to the combat units of the US Air Force SAC in July 1985. All 100 bombers produced were equipped with hardpoints and could carry up to 20 AGM-86Bs (12 on the external and 8 on the internal sling). However, the test program, which began in November 1987, was never completed for various reasons. In 1996, after these aircraft acquired the ability to use high-precision non- nuclear weapons, specialized hardpoints and equipment intended for nuclear weapons were dismantled and these vehicles were removed from the so-called. "nuclear offset".
A total of 1,715 AGM-86B missiles were launched, and in October 1986 they were mass production was discontinued. In June of the same year, the Boeing Corporation began research under the CALCM (Conventional ALCM) program aimed at creating an ALCM with a non-nuclear warhead. The new modification was designated AGM-86C (CALCM Block 0). In order to save money, it was decided to convert some of the existing AGM-86B missiles. When replacing a thermonuclear warhead with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead, the missile's mass increased noticeably, which caused a significant reduction in flight range. The main difference between the AGM-86C and its predecessor was the control system - the AN/DPW-23 terrain image correction system was dismantled and a system was installed instead satellite navigation GPS, which significantly increased accuracy.
The AGM-86C missile became operational in January 1991, allowing the US Air Force to use it in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. The missiles, whose official existence was only revealed in 1992, were developed as part of the Senior Surprise program. The missile operation was called "Secret Squirrel". Seven B-52G Stratofortress strategic bombers from the 2nd Heavy Bomber Wing (Barksdale AFB, Louisiana) took off with an incomplete combat load (39 ALCMs were carried on board with a potential capacity of 84 missiles). 35 out of 39 missiles were successfully fired at targets in Iraq, after which the planes returned to base. The flight was carried out without landings, with numerous refuelings in the air.
In 1996, a new modification of the AGM-86C missile was put into service, designated CALCM Block I. The missile received a heavier and more powerful high-explosive fragmentation warhead and an improved control system - the satellite navigation system receiver became multi-channel. All previously released Block 0 missiles were brought to the Block I level. CALCM Block I missiles were widely used during military aggression NATO against Yugoslavia.
In 1998, the development of another modification of CALCM, Block IA, began. In January 2001, the new missile entered service. The missile has an improved satellite navigation system receiver, which ensures higher accuracy and resistance to interference; several ALCM approach routes to the target can be stored in the on-board computer's memory, which increases the missile's effectiveness when flying over desert or rugged terrain. All CALCM missiles were converted from previously produced AGM-86B missiles. CALCM missiles produced before 2001 received Block IA level on-board electronics without changing the existing designation. The new missiles were used during operations against Afghanistan and Iraq.
The latest modification of the CALCM missile to date is the AGM-86D (CALCM Block II) missile, which made its first flight in November 2001. The CALCM Block II missile is equipped with an AUP (Advanced Unitary Penetrator) warhead developed by Lockheed Martin and is designed to destroy buried and hardened targets.
The only carrier of all available modifications of the CALCM ALCM (as well as the AGM-86B) is the Boeing B-52H strategic bomber, which is planned to remain in service with the US Air Force until 2030.
Compound
The AGM-86B (C,D) ALCM is made according to a normal aerodynamic design (monoplane), has a complex quadrangular hull with a fairing of the head part (ogive shape for CALCM), low swept wings folding and recessed into the body in the central part of the hull and swept folding vertical tail at the rear of the fuselage. The air intake is installed in the rear of the rocket above the fuselage and is foldable. The body is made of durable aluminum alloys 2219 and 7050, thermoplastic R-1700 and radio-transparent materials. To reduce radar signature, a special coating is applied to the body, wing and stabilizer.
The warhead of the AGM-86B strategic ALCM is the W-80-1 warhead (weight 123 kg, length about 1 m, diameter 0.27 m) with a selective power option - 150 kt or 5 kt. The warhead was developed by specialists from the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Detonation is carried out by a contact fuse. The radius of the destruction zone is 3 km. High accuracy firing and the significant power of a thermonuclear warhead make it possible to hit highly protected small-sized targets with high efficiency. According to American experts, the probability of destroying a protected object that can withstand an overpressure of 70 kg/cm2 by one ALCM is 0.85 (Poseidon-C3 SLBM - 0.10).
The CALCM AGM-86C Block 0 missile is equipped with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead weighing 900 kg. The CALCM AGM-86C Block I/IA missiles are equipped with a more powerful non-nuclear high-explosive fragmentation warhead weighing 1450 kg, which further reduced the flight range. The CALCM AGM-86D missile is equipped with a non-nuclear penetrating warhead weighing 540 kg.
The AGM-86B ALCM control and guidance system is a combination of the following subsystems:
inertial P-1000, developed by Litton
AN/DPW-23 terrain image correction systems of the McDonnell Douglas corporation, type TERCOM ("Terrain Contour Matching")
The inertial control subsystem (weight 11 kg) operates in all phases of the rocket’s flight. It includes an on-board digital computer, an inertial platform and a barometric altimeter. The inertial platform consists of three gyroscopes to measure the angular deflections of the rocket and three accelerometers. The system provides location of the rocket with an accuracy of 800 m in 1 hour of flight. Until the ALCM separates from the carrier aircraft, the data of the inertial subsystem of the missile control system is updated according to the coordinates of the current location and flight altitude. The role of the leading system in this process is played by the inertial control system of the carrier aircraft.
The TERCOM correlation subsystem operates in the middle and final stages of a rocket's flight. It includes a computer, a radio altimeter, and a set of reference maps of areas along the rocket’s flight route. The beam width of the radio altimeter is 13-15°. Frequency range 4-8 GHz. The operating principle of the TERCOM subsystem is based on comparing the terrain of a specific area where the missile is located with reference maps of the terrain along its flight route. Determination of the terrain is carried out by comparing data from radio and barometric altimeters. The first measures the height to the surface of the earth, and the second - relative to sea level. Information about a certain terrain is digitally entered into the on-board computer, where it is compared with data on the terrain of the actual terrain and reference maps of the areas. The computer provides correction signals to the inertial control subsystem. The stability of the TERCOM subsystem and the necessary accuracy in determining the location of a cruise missile are achieved by choosing the optimal number and size of cells; the smaller their size, the more accurately the terrain, and therefore the location of the missile, is tracked. However, due to the limited memory capacity of the on-board computer and the short time for solving the navigation problem, a nominal size of 120 x 120 m was adopted. The entire flight path of a cruise missile over land is divided into 64 correction areas with a length of 7-8 km and a width of 0.8-2 km. The accepted quantitative characteristics of the cells and correction areas, according to American experts, ensure that the cruise missile reaches its target even when flying over flat terrain. Permissible error in measuring the height of the terrain for reliable operation TERCOM subsystem should be 1 m.
On CALCM missiles of all modifications, the AN/DPW-23 system was removed and replaced by the Interstate Electronics Corporation GPS satellite navigation system, which significantly increased accuracy. Since CALCM Block I, the satellite navigation system has been constantly upgraded, and the inertial control subsystem has also been upgraded. Firing accuracy also increased accordingly.
The AGM-86B rocket is equipped with a small-sized turbojet twin-shaft two-stage engine F107-WR-101 from Williams (see photo) with a low bypass ratio and mixing of the flows of both circuits in the nozzle. Fuel - JP-9.
B-52N bombers are equipped with rotary launchers CSRL (see photo) and allow you to place up to 20 AGM-86B missiles on board - 8 missiles in the bomb bay on the CSRL, and 12 missiles on two pylons under the wings. Each pylon can carry 6 CR (see photo) and docks to the B-52 aircraft hardpoint, located between the fuselage and the internal engine pylon. The weight of the pylon is 2270 kgf. After the launch of all missile launchers, the pylons can be reset to reduce the drag of the aircraft.
According to the requirements of the SALT-2 treaty, for the purpose of identification using means space reconnaissance the wings of the B-52G carriers of the Kyrgyz Republic (some of the existing B-52Gs were converted into carriers of the Kyrgyz Republic) were equipped with small decorative beads in the root part ("strakelets"). The B-52H aircraft carrying the missile launcher were not equipped with such influxes, since all available aircraft of this modification were carriers of the missile launcher, and in turn, distinguishing the B-52H from the B-52G using space reconnaissance equipment was not difficult.
Performance characteristics
Sources
- To defend and deter: the legacy of the United States Cold War missile program / J.C. Lonnquest and D.F. Winkler. USACERL, 1997.
, at the turn of the 1960s - 1970s of the 20th century, a new ideology of long-range strategic missile defense was formed. The missiles “descended” to low altitudes and subsonic speeds, flew around the terrain, could maneuver and, moreover, “reached the target” more accurately.
In the United States of America, work on creating a new generation of cruise missiles began in 1970-1972. Ground, air and sea-based missile defense projects were announced - GLCM, ALCM and SLCM, respectively.
aviation cruise missiles AGM-86 photo
The main customers were the Navy and Air Force. Development and execution were entrusted to two industrial giants, General Dynamics and Boeing corporations.
aviation-based was designed for the launch from the bomb bay of the B-52 strategic bomber equipped with a revolver installation containing 8 missiles. Another 12 were located on two underwing pylons. The ALCM test launch took place on March 5, 1976. It was developed and manufactured by the Boeing Corporation.
8 AGM-86B missiles in the bomb bay on a CSRL turret mount, the B-52N strategic bomber lifts 20 missiles in total
The design range of 1200 km did not suit the military; they demanded to increase the range to 2500 km. This made it possible for the carrier aircraft to strike various enemy targets located deep in the territory. Moreover, they themselves would be outside the cover zone with active means air defense enemy. Since the process of creating a new cruise missile takes a long time, they decided to adopt the AGM-86A modification with a range of 1200 km, and at the same time work on increasing the range and creating a new aircraft launcher.
AGM-86B on the external pylons of a B-52G Stratofortress carrier aircraft
Boeing products AGM-86B cruise missile photo
, was chosen Air Force The USA began to enter service with the B-52N in 1982, and a little later they were equipped with the legendary B1B and B2A bombers. Collaborations efforts to create a single missile were not in vain; both air- and sea-based missiles have the same guidance systems, engines and warhead.
The B-52N strategic bomber lifts up to 20 AGM-86B missiles - 8 in the bomb bay on a CSRL turret and 12 on two underwing pylons. The B1B bomber carries 20 missiles, and the B2A-16.
remote controller remote control hydraulics for attaching and removing missiles from under the wing of a B-52G Stratofortres aircraft, loading at a US air base in Pacific Ocean, near China
Hydraulics are hydraulics, but without a booster (aka scrap) the Americans are nowhere, unlike ours, they have nickel-plated scrap :-), AGM-86
AGM-86 air-launched cruise missile photo
design
The 86th has a normal aerodynamic design, a low-swept wing, and a rectangular fuselage section. The tail and wing deploy immediately after launch. It has an upper air intake, a small-sized bypass turbojet engine F107-WR-101 developed by William Research is located in the rear section.
small-sized bypass turbojet engine F107-WR-101, identical to the tomahawk
The AGM-86B modification has a thermonuclear combat unit W80-1 with the ability to switch to TNT equivalent. The guidance system, inertial, autonomous, has high noise immunity and reliability, the deviation of the trajectory from the specified values is 800-900 m for every hour of flight, at the maximum range the flight lasts about three hours, it is not difficult to calculate the deviation from the target is 2.5 km. In this regard, for correction, it was decided to use a method (patented in 1958!) of the uniqueness of the relief of various parts of the Earth's surface (three-dimensional radar images), which were created thanks to satellite reconnaissance. TERCOM (AN/DPW-23 developed by McDonnell-Douglas) was equipped with a correlation radar system for following the terrain.
correlation radar terrain following systems and their differences
Several sections of digitized radar images of the terrain are selected along the motion trajectory and loaded into the memory of the on-board digital computer during preparation for launch. The CD flies to the target along a given trajectory on average at altitudes of 60-100 meters with a decrease to 30 meters, speed is 750-850 km/h, avoiding obstacles and identified air defense groups (stored in memory in advance) is carried out by changing course after 100-200 km.
A small dispersion surface (for radar stations), flight at low and ultra-low altitudes, and maneuvering on a trajectory make the AGM-86 cruise missile a difficult target to detect and hit. Salvo launch and reaching the target from various directions is very difficult task on counteraction for the most modern means Air defense.
modifications
Specialists of the 5th Bomb Wing strategic aviation The US Air Force is preparing AGM-86B missiles for loading onto the B-52H Stratofortress bomber. Minot AFB, North Dakota, 2014
- Production was completed in 1986, and when converted into conventional ones, changes are still being made to the design. A total of 1,715 missiles of the AGM-86B modification were manufactured. Conversion of AGM-86B (thermonuclear) parts into “conventional” CALCM (“conventional air-launched cruise missile”) was resumed as soon as production was completed. The increased mass and volume led to a decrease in launch range. But they increased the aiming accuracy of the warhead by installing the DSMAC system; on approaching the target, it compares the reference one with a digital optical image of the terrain. The deviation from the target was about 10 m. To hit radio-contrasting targets, the missile was equipped with an active radar seeker with a “friend or foe” interrogator. What's interesting first combat use cruise missiles took place in 1991 in the Middle East. The monotonous sandy landscape revealed problems for the TERCOM terrain following radar system - it made it difficult to select areas for flight correction.
- AGM-86C Block I, this modification received a GPS satellite system receiver and a more powerful high-explosive fragmentation warhead.
- AGM-86C modification Block IA since 2001 comes with new software for the on-board digital computer, the pointing accuracy has increased, and the possibility of vertical packing onto an object has appeared.
- AGM-86D (Block II), the latest modification, received a penetrating warhead - for hitting buried, highly protected targets.
AGM-86 on the wing of a B-52G Stratofortress, pylon with six air-launched cruise missiles (ALCM)
TACTICAL AND TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF AVIATION CRUISED MISSILES AGM-86
Performance characteristics of AVIATION KR | |||
Modification | AGM-86B | AGM-86C Block 1 | AGM-86D Block II |
Year | 1982 | 1996 | 2002 |
Maximum launch range, km | 2400 | 1200 | 1320 |
Average flight speed, km/h | 805 (max 1200) | 805 | 805 |
Guidance system | combined: autonomous inertial with terrain correction | combined: autonomous inertial with correction based on 2nd generation GPS signals | combined: autonomous inertial with correction based on 3rd generation GPS signals |
Engine | Turbofan engine F107-WR-101 | Turbofan engine F107-WR-101 | Turbofan engine F107-WR-101 |
Starting weight, kg | 1455 | 1950 | 1475 |
Weight of warhead, kg | 123 | 1450 | 540 |
Warhead type | thermonuclear (5-200 kt) | high-explosive fragmentation | penetrating high explosive |
Length, mm | 6320 | 6320 | 6320 |
Fuselage diameter, mm | 620 | 620 | 620 |
Wingspan, mm | 3660 | 3660 | 3660 |
In 1982, the US Air Force announced a competition to create a second-generation strategic air-launched cruise missile (ALCM). The main difference of the new missile was supposed to be reduced visibility in the main detection ranges. In addition, the missile was supposed to have a significantly increased firing range, which would make it possible to move the combat patrol areas of strategic bombers away from the zone of effective operation of the USSR air defense. The missile was designated AGM-129 ACM (Advanced Cruise Missile).
The first test launch of the new rocket took place in July 1985. The first AGM-129 ACM missiles were received by the B-52H aircraft of the 410th Heavy Bomber Wing of the US Air Force (CI Sawyer Air Force Base, Michigan) in July 1988.
In 1989 and 1991, the supply of new missiles to the unit was suspended until the identified problems were eliminated. In 1989, Congress even went so far as to temporarily stop funding the program. However, despite a number of unpleasant delays, production of missiles and equipping B-52H aircraft with them continued. In June 1990, aircraft with AGM-129 ACM missiles on board began combat duty.
The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 had a serious impact on the Air Force's future plans to deploy the latest missile system. Already in January 1992, it was announced that the number of missiles produced would not exceed 640. In September of the same year, regular flights of B-52H bombers with AGM-129 ACM missiles were stopped in combat equipment, the missiles were put into active reserve. In 1993, the assembly lines were closed after producing 509 missiles.
In March 2007, the US Air Force announced the removal of AGM-129 ACM missiles from service, removing them from the “nuclear classification” and placing them in long-term storage by the end of 2008. The further fate of these missiles is still unknown, but it can be assumed that they will be modified to the level of high-precision cruise missiles with non-nuclear high-explosive fragmentation or penetrating warheads. Considering the low visibility of the AGM-129 cruise missile and its long firing range, the use of these missiles is most likely against countries that have relatively developed air defense and a large territory with potential targets in the depths.
The AGM-129 ACM missile is a high-precision means of delivering thermonuclear ammunition to a target - according to some data, the missile's COE at the maximum firing range is about 30 m. The coordinates of several potential targets are stored in the memory of the main on-board computer of the missile control system, the choice of one of which can be ensured using special system by the navigator-bomber of the carrier aircraft already during the flight, which increases the flexibility of the missile.
The AGM-129 ACM strategic cruise missile is made according to a normal aerodynamic design and has a complex-shaped body with a polygonal fairing of the warhead. The hull shape is optimized in such a way as to minimize the missile's visibility in the radar range, and also, as far as possible, in optical range. The missile has high-mounted forward-swept wings that fold and recess into the body and a folding swept-back tail unit in the rear fuselage. The keel is folding and is located at the bottom of the tail. The forward sweep of the wings provided a reduced radar signature of the missile.
The AGM-129 ACM missile body is made of durable aluminum alloys, organic and radio-transparent materials. To reduce radar and infrared signature, a special coating is applied to the body, wing and stabilizer. The coating has a special color to reduce the missile's visibility in the optical range.
The AGM-129 ACM missile is equipped with a small-sized, highly economical twin-circuit turbojet engine F112-WR-100 from Williams.
Warhead strategic missile The AGM-129 ACM carries a W-80-1 warhead (weight 123 kg, length about 1 m, diameter 0.27 m) with a selective power option - 150 kt or 5 kt, which provides flexible use of the missile. Detonation is carried out by a contact fuse. The radius of the destruction zone is 3 km. High shooting accuracy and significant power of a thermonuclear warhead make it possible to hit highly protected small-sized targets with high efficiency.
The TAINS (TERCOM Assisted Inertial Navigation System) control and guidance system, developed by General Motors Corporation specifically for the AGM-129 ACM cruise missile.
The inertial control subsystem operates in all phases of the rocket's flight. It includes an on-board digital computer, a block of laser gyroscopes for measuring the angular deviations of the rocket, a block of accelerometers and a barometric altimeter. The system ensures that the missile's location is determined with increased accuracy through the use of not only new components and electronics, but also thanks to new-generation software and mathematics.
The B-52H carrier aircraft, along with the new missiles, received a modified inertial control system on laser gyroscopes, integrated with a satellite navigation system, which helped increase firing accuracy. The inertial control subsystem of the AGM-129 ACM missile has increased resistance to PFYVs and interference created by by means of electronic warfare enemy.
B-52N bombers can carry up to 12 AGM-129 ACM missiles on two pylons under the wings. Each pylon can carry 6 cruise missiles and docks to a B-52 aircraft hardpoint located between the fuselage and the inner engine pylon. After all missiles have been launched, the pylons can be reset to reduce the aircraft's drag.
Assessing the project, it can be noted that the Americans managed to create a powerful, stealthy, air-launched strategic cruise missile, which significantly increased the strike capabilities of strategic aviation. However, technical difficulties and the financial and political situation of the late 80s - early 90s did not allow the development of this system weapons in the planned volume.
Performance characteristics of the AGM-129 ACM cruise missile
Length, m: 6.35;
Wingspan, m: 3.10;
Case diameter, m: 0.705;
Starting weight, kg: 1680;
Warhead weight, kg: 123;
Warhead power, ct: 5/150;
Average engine thrust, kN: 3.25;
Cruising speed, km/h: 800;
Firing range, km: 3700;
CEP, m: no more than 90