Main Page | See live article | Alphabetical index

AGM-84 Harpoon

The AGM-84 Harpoon is a US all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile system.

The Harpoon's uses active radar guidance and low-level, sea-skimming cruise trajectory to improve survivability and effectiveness. The missile is capable of being launched from surface ships, submarines, or (without the booster) from aircraft. Originally developed for the US Navy to serve as its basic anti-ship missile for fleetwide use, the AGM-84D has been adapted for use on Air Force B-52G bombers, which can carry from eight to 12 of the missiles.

The AGM-84D was first introduced in 1977, and in 1979 an air-launched version was deployed on the Navy's P-3 Orion aircraft.

General Characteristics