The AGM-86 Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) is a long-range, subsonic air-launched cruise missile designed to give U.S. bombers the ability to launch their payload from outside the range of anti-aircraft weapons. It is a central element of the United States strategic bomber force.It is launched from a B-52H Stratofortress bomber. The AGM-86 was developed in the 1970s and entered service in 1981.
A. Specification
1. Length: 6.32 m (20.73 ft)
2. Diameter: 0.693 m (27.3 in)
3. Wingspan: 3.65 m (12 ft)
4. Weight: 1,458 kg (3,215 lb)
5. Range: 2,500 km (1,553 mi)
6. Speed: 770 km/h (478 mph)
7. Guidance system: Inertial guidance with Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM)
8. Warhead: W80-1 nuclear warhead (200 kt yield) or conventional warhead (1,000 lb)
B. Variants
1. AGM-86B: Nuclear-armed variant
2. AGM-86C: Conventional-armed variant
3. AGM-86D: Conventional-armed variant with improved guidance system
C. Warhead fusion system
The AGM-86B carries a W80-1 nuclear warhead, which is a two-stage thermonuclear weapon. The first stage is a fission warhead that triggers the second stage, which is a fusion warhead. The fusion warhead produces a much larger explosion than the fission warhead.
D. Propulsion System
The AGM-86 is powered by a Williams International F107 turbofan engine. The engine provides enough thrust to propel the missile to a speed of 800 km/h (500 mph).
E. Programming language
The AGM-86 uses a custom programming language that was developed specifically for the missile. The language is based on the C programming language, but it has been extended to include features that are specific to the missile's hardware and software systems.
F. Operating system
The AGM-86 uses a real-time operating system (RTOS) called VxWorks. VxWorks is a small and efficient operating system that is designed for embedded systems. It provides the basic services that the missile's software needs to run, such as task scheduling, memory management, and device drivers.
G. Guidance Systems
1. Inertial guidance System
2. TERCOM System
H. How does it works
1. The missile would be launched from a B-52H bomber flying over the mountains.
2. The missile's guidance system would be programmed with the target's coordinates and a pre-programmed route to the target that avoided the highest peaks in the mountains.
3. The TERCOM system would compare the missile's altitude to the pre-programmed map of the terrain and guide the missile around the mountains.
4. The missile would fly to the target at a low altitude, making it difficult for enemy radar to detect.
5. When the missile reached the target, it would detonate its warhead.
I. Advantages
1. Long range: The AGM-86 has a range of 2,500 km, which allows it to strike targets from a safe distance.
2. High accuracy: The AGM-86 uses an inertial guidance system with TERCOM to navigate to its target accurately.
3. Versatility: The AGM-86 can be armed with either a nuclear or conventional warhead, making it suitable for a wide range of missions.
J. Disadvantage
1. High cost: The AGM-86 is a complex and expensive weapon.
2. Vulnerability to air defenses: The AGM-86 is a subsonic missile, which makes it vulnerable to air defenses.
3. Limited payload: The AGM-86 has a relatively small payload, which limits its effectiveness against certain targets.
K. Future
The AGM-86 is currently being phased out of service in the US Air Force in favor of the AGM-129 Advanced Cruise Missile (ACM). The ACM is a more advanced missile with a longer range, higher accuracy, and greater payload than the AGM-86. However, the AGM-86 is expected to remain in service for a number of years to come.
The AGM-86 is a highly effective air-launched cruise missile that has been in service for over 30 years. It is a key component of the US Air Force's strategic bomber force. While the AGM-86 is not as fast or stealthy as newer air-launched cruise missiles, it is still a valuable weapon system.
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