Harpoon Missile Description

The Harpoon Weapon System consists of the missile, launcher and a Command Launch System (CLS). The CLS can be a stand-alone system such as the Harpoon Shipboard (HSCLCS), Harpoon Aircraft (HACLCS), and the Encapsulated Harpoon Command and Launch Subsystems (EHCLCS), or it's functions can be integrated into an aircraft, ship or submarine fire control system.

This multi-platform flexibility and ease of installation have resulted in the selection of the Harpoon Weapon System by cost-conscious military services throughout the world. The missile system provides total interoperability across numerous platforms; therefore, it is very attractive when support cost are considered.

As prime contractor to the Department of the Navy Program Executive Officer Cruise Missile Project and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Joint Project, McDonnell Douglas Aerospace (MDA) has been responsible for development and production of Harpoon since mid-1971. A continuous preplanned product improvement (P'I) program has resulted in a series of missile and CLS performance improvements to meet new threats.

AGM-84E SLAM, the imaging infrared (IIR) variant of Harpoon, was developed to provide strike from long standoff range against land and selective ship targets. SLAM uses many Harpoon components and the same logistics support system to maximize commonality and interoperability. A/RGM-84F, designated Block ID, is two feet (0.9m) longer and 200 lbs (90kg) heavier than A/RGM-84D Harpoon Block IC. Block ID doubled the range of Block IC and provided a reattack capability. The block ID missile successfully completed development and a demanding test program and is avaliable for procurement.

Lastest Development

Harpoon has demostrated exceptional reliability in flight test and has had a 100% success rate in combat launches.

The Harpoon Weapon System is deployed worldwide with full logistic support avaliable from 16 weapon stations. Harpoon maintenance and logistics are based on the "round of ammunition" concept. Built-in-Test (BIT) is avaliable to operating units to assess status of the missile and command and launch subsystems. Weapons station support equipment includes the Missile Subsystem Test Set (MSTS) for automated test and fault isolation. Depot support is provided at MDA in St. Charles, Missouri.

Guidance Section

The guidance system provides all-weather capability and superior performance in electronic warfare environment. A three-axis, strap-down attitude reference assembly plus a general purpose digital computer and a radar altimeter are used for midcourse guidance, and a frequency-agile, J-band seeker is used for terminal guidance. In combat operations, various targeting information may be accommodated, including radar, sonar, ESM, third party, and periscope inputs. Target data can be inserted into the Harpoon guidance system either automatically or manually prior to launch. Various missile launch modes, waypoints, seeker search patterns, and terminal maneuvers are available to enhance target selectivity and mission success

Warhead

The warhead is a 500 pound, blast/fragmentation, high explosive unitary warhead. Delayed fuzing is employed to permit warhead penetration of the ship's hull.

Sustainer Section

The sustainer section consists of a Teledyne CAE J402 turbojet engine, cast aluminum flush inlet, a sealed fuel tank with JP-10 fuel, two silver-zinc batteries, and the missile wings.

Control Section

The control or boattail section supports the four control fins and the electromechanical actuators for each.

Booster

For deployment from submarines, ground-based installations, and surface platforms, Harpoon employs a solid rocket booster to accelerate the missile to cruise velocity. The booster contains a solid propellant which produces an average thrust of 12,000 pounds for approximately 2.9 seconds. A booster-assisted missile is launched at a medium elevation angle and follows a ballistic trajectory. After the booster is expended, it separates from the missile.

Flight Profile

When Harpoon is launched from ships, ground-based installations and submarines, the turbojet engine starts automatically after booster separation. For air-launched Harpoon, the booster is not used; the turbojet engine fires on command or automatically depending on speed and altitude of the launched aircraft. Using the MGU and data from the radar altimeter, the missile flies at the optimum height for the prevailing sea state. This radar seeker is initialized at mid-course cruise altitude as it approaches the target. After acquisition, Harpoon immediately descends to the sea skimming altitude. Just prior to impact the missile executes a shallow pop-up or maintains sea skimming unit the target

Harpoon Platforms

USA                Allies

Aircraft                    Aircraft

P-3 ASW Patrol                 P-3A/B/C,F-111C,
S-3 ASW Patrol                 Nimrod, F-27, F/A-18,
A-6 Attack                     F-16, CN-235, F-50
F/A-18 Attack
B-52 Bomber

Ships                       Ships

FFG-7 & FF-1052                Frigates, Fast Patrol
 Guided Missile Frigates       Boats, Corvettes,
DD & DDG Class Destroyers      Destroyers
CG & CGN Class Guided Missile
 Cruisers

Submarines                  Submarines
Classes 594, 637, 688          Virtually All Types
Nuclear Attack                 of Attack Submarines

Air Launch

A launch kit adapts the Harpoon missile airframe for integration various type of aircraft. Missile initialization and launch can be accomplished via a Harpoon Aircraft Command-Launch Control Set (HACLCS) for maritime patrol aircraft such as the P-3 and F-27. High performance combat aircraft, such as the F/A-18 and A-6, use CLS functions integrated into the aircraft avionics. Other specialized air launch systems include the Harpoon Interface Adapter Kit (HIAK) for F-16 and an upgraded HACLCS for CN-235 and other new candidate platforms.

Ship Launch

Virtually all ship installations use a Harpoon Shipboard Command and Launch Control System (HSCLCS) or MK-13 Tartar Launcher and Canister. Various canister configurations (thick wall, Grade B, and light weight) are avaliable to meet specific weight, space, and protection requirements. The lastest HSCLCS AN/SWG- 1A(V) provides graphic displays and automatic engagement planning to optimize Harpoon performance. The computer-based Harpoon Operator/Team Training System (HOTTS) provides shore- based HSCLCS training.

Submarine Launch

For submarines launch, Harpoon is installed in a buoyant capsule which is fired from the submarine's torpedo tubes and glides to the surface. Upon broaching the surface, capsule sections separate and the missile's booster ignites, launching the missile into the same trajectory used in surface launches. The Encapsulated Harpoon Command and Launch System, federated systems (submarine fire control system interfaced to the Harpoon Data Processor) or integrated fire control systems, such as the CCS MK 1 and 2, are used to initialize and launch Harpoon.

Ground Launch

The Harpoon Costal Defense System (HCDS) uses Grade B canisters and the HSCLCS AN/SWG-1A(V) for planning engagements and launching the missile. The customer has the option of selecting communications, targeting sources, vehicles, and ancillary services to minimize system support costs.