FGM-148 Javelin

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

It is a "fire and forget" system which utilises a top-attack flight profile against armoured vehicles and also has a direct-attack mode for use against buildings or fortifications. The system has a soft launch arrangement which ejects the missile from the tube to a safe distance before igniting the main rocket motor. This reduces the firing signature and allows use from within buildings.

Javelin should not be confused with the British Javelin surface-to-air missile.

Contents

1 Combat History 2 Characteristics 3 Procurement 4 Cost 5 Users 6 See also 7 External links

Combat History

Javelin was used in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Characteristics

• Primary Function: Man-portable anti-tank guided missile.
• Contractor: Lockheed Martin, Raytheon.
• Power Plant: solid fuel rocket.

• Length:
  • 108.1 cm (42.6 in) missile.
  • 119.8 cm (47.2 in) launch tube.
• Diameter:
  • 12.7 cm (5.0 in) missile.
  • 14.2 cm (5.6 in) launch tube.
• Weight:
  • 11.8 kg (21.6 lb) missile.
  • 6.4 kg (14.1 lb) CLU.
• Warhead:
  • 8.4 kg tandem shaped charge HEAT.
  • Armour penetration >600 mm RHA.
• 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.

Procurement

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.

Cost

In a 2002 contract, Lithuania 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.

Users

• Australia
• Canada (In the process of testing prior to deciding to purchace the system)
• Czech Republic
• Jordan
• Lithuania
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Republic of Ireland
• Taiwan
• United Kingdom
• United States

See also

• Anti-tank guided missile
• List of missiles
• U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command

External links

• Lockheed Martin
• FAS article on Javelin