The AGM-65 Maverick is an air-to-surface tactical missile (ASM) designed for close air support, prohibition, and forceful prevention. It is effective against a wide range of tactical targets, including armor, air defenses, ships, ground transportation, and fuel storage facilities.

The AGM-65F (infrared targeting) used by the US Navy has an infrared guidance system optimized for ship tracking and a larger penetrating warhead than the 125 pound (57 kg) shaped charge used by the US Marine Corps and the US Air Force (300 pounds [136 kg] vs 125 pounds [57 kg]). The AGM-65 has two types of warheads; one has a contact fuse in the nose, and the other has a heavyweight warhead with a delayed fuse, which penetrates the target with its kinetic energy before firing. The latter is most effective against large, hard targets. The propulsion system for both types is a solid-rocket motor behind the warhead.

AGM-65 missiles were employed by F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 to attack armored targets. Mavericks played a large part in the destruction of Iraq's military force.

LAU-117 Maverick launchers have also been used on USA navy and air force aircraft: A-4 Skyhawk, A-6 Intruder, A-7 Corsair II, AH-1W, AV-8 Harrier II, F-4 Phantom II, F-5 Freedom Fighter, F-15 Eagle, F/A-18 Hornet, General Dynamics F-111, P-3 Orion, and SH-2G; and the UK Royal Air Force' Harrier GR7.

General characteristics

• Primary function: Air-to-surface laser guided missile; attack and destroy armor, air defenses, ships, ground transportation, and fuel installations.
• Contractor: Hughes Aircraft Corporation; Raytheon Corporation.
• Power plant: Thiokol TX-481 dual-thrust solid propellant rocket motor
• Length: 2.55 m (8 ft 2 in)
• Launch weight: From 208 kg (462 lb) to 302 kg (670 lb) depending upon model and warhead weight
• Diameter: 305 mm (12 in)
• Wing span: 710 mm (2 ft 4 in)
• Range: 27 km (17 statute miles, 12 nautical miles)
• Guidance: Electro-optical in A, B, K, and H models; infrared imaging in D and G models; laser guided in E models; infrared homing in F models.
• Warhead: 135 kg (300 lb); contact fuse, delayed fuse penetrator, heavyweight
• Unit cost: US$180,000
• Date first deployed: August 1972

See also

• List of missiles

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