// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Harpoon
The Harpoon is a widely used all-weather, over-the-horizon anti-ship missile system designed to strike surface targets. It can be launched from various platforms like ships, submarines, aircraft, and coastal missile batteries.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The Harpoon is a subsonic, all-weather, over-the-horizon anti-ship missile system developed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing Defense, Space & Security), primarily deployed by the U.S. Navy and allied forces to engage surface combatants and merchant vessels from air, surface, subsurface, and land-based platforms using active radar homing.
BACKGROUND
The Harpoon is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. The AGM-84E Standoff Land Attack Missile (SLAM) and later AGM-84H/K SLAM-ER are cruise missile variants.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Anti-ship missile
- ASM
- Boeing Harpoon
- RGM-84
- AGM-84
- UGM-84
USAGE NOTE
It is a cornerstone naval weapon system for many countries, used for anti-surface warfare (ASuW) missions, but is being superseded by newer, more advanced anti-ship missiles.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Harpoon.
The original developer and sole prime contractor for the Harpoon anti-ship missile system, responsible for its design, manufacturing, and ongoing technology upgrades and sustainment programs, including advanced versions like Harpoon Block II+ ER.
Develops and supplies advanced navigation and guidance systems, such as Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) and GPS/INS components, which are critical for the Harpoon missile and its derivatives like SLAM-ER, and are continuously updated for new blocks.
A leading provider of propulsion systems for missiles, including the turbojet engine (Teledyne CAE J402) that powers the Harpoon missile, and is involved in the ongoing development and production of these vital components.
As the primary U.S. government agency responsible for the lifecycle management, procurement, and engineering support of naval weapon systems, NAVAIR drives the technological requirements and oversees development contracts for the Harpoon missile.
A university-affiliated research center for the U.S. Department of Defense, JHU/APL conducts extensive research and development in areas such as missile guidance, control, and system engineering, often contributing to the technological advancement and analysis of naval weapon systems like Harpoon.