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FGM-148 Javelin

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File:Fgm-148a.jpg
A soldier practices with the Javelin on a firing range.

For the British Javelin missile see Javelin surface-to-air missile.

Javelin is an American man-portable anti-tank guided missile.

Javelin is a fire-and-forget missile with lock-on before launch and automatic self-guidance. The system which takes a top-attack flight profile against armoured vehicles (attacking the top armour which is generally thinner) but can also take a direct-attack mode for use against buildings or fortifications. This missile also has the ability to engage helicopters. The missile reaches a peak altitude of 150m in top attack mode and 50m in direct fire mode. The missile is equipped with an imaging infrared seeker. A tandem warhead is fitted with two shaped charges, a precursor warhead to detonate any explosive reactive armour and a primary warhead to penetrate base armour. Javelin was used in the 2003 Invasion of Iraq.

The missile is ejected from the launcher so that it reaches a safe distance from the operator before the main rocket motors ignite; a "soft launch arrangement". This also makes it harder to identify the launcher and allows it to be fired from within buildings. As soon as the missile is fired the firing team may displace.

Javelin is supplied by Raytheon/Lockheed Martin's JAVELIN Joint Venture. Over 20,000 missiles and 3,000 CLUs (Command Launch Unit, the seperable device that aims and launches missiles but can also act independently) have been produced. In a 2002 contract, Taiwan bought 360 Javelin missiles and 40 launcher units for $39 million. The contract also included training devices, logistics support, associated equipment and training. press release This works out at about $100,000 per missile.

In January 2003, the UK Ministry of Defence announced that it had decided to procure Javelin for the Light Forces Anti-Tank Guided Weapon System (LFATGWS) requirement. Javelin will replace the MILAN system.

Operators

In addition, Canada and Norway are testing the Javelin prior to deciding whether to purchase.

Characteristics

  • Primary Function: Man-portable anti-tank guided missile.
  • Contractor: Lockheed Martin, Raytheon.
  • Power Plant: solid fuel rocket.
  • Length:
    • 1.1 m (42.6 in) missile.
    • 1.2 m (47.2 in) launch tube.
  • Diameter:
    • 127 mm (5.0 in) missile.
    • 142 mm (5.6 in) launch tube.
  • Weight:
    • 11.8 kg (26.0 lb) missile.
    • 6.4 kg (14.1 lb) CLU.
  • Warhead:
  • Range: <75 to >2500 m
  • Guidance system: Imaging infra-red guidance, fire and forget.
  • Command Launch Unit:
    • Passive target acquisition/fire control with integrated day/thermal sight.
    • Magnification 4x day and 4x or 9x thermal.

The FGM-148 Javelin makes an appearance in Steven Spielberg's version of War of the Worlds.

It can also be briefly seen in Dreamworks Red Eye.

Is a buildable unit in the computer game Act of War: Direct Action.

The Javelin is also mentioned in Tom Clancy's Net Force: The Archmedes Effect.

See also

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