FGM-148 Javelin

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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

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.