AGM-65 Maverick

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.

Related Topics:
Air-to-surface tactical missile - Tactical - Armor - Ship

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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 vs 125 pounds ). 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.

Related Topics:
Infrared - US Navy - Shaped charge - US Marine Corps - US Air Force - Warhead - Kinetic energy

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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.

Related Topics:
F-16 Fighting Falcon - A-10 Thunderbolt II - Desert Storm - 1991 - Iraq

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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.

Related Topics:
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 - SH-2G - UK Royal Air Force

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