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Air-Launched Cruise Missile AGM-86B

ALCM AGM-86B

The Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) or AGM-86B is a long-range subsonic cruise missile armed with a nuclear warhead and carried and launched internally and externally from the B-52 bomber at high and low altitudes. The ALCM attacks targets while allowing a bomber aircraft to remain beyond the threat of an enemy's most severe air defenses. ALCM-B is an integral element of the strategic bomber force, which – along with the other elements of the Strategic Triad – comprise the U.S. nuclear deterrent forces. Boeing has manufactured and delivered 1,739 ALCM missiles and continues to supply engineering services support. The AGM-86B missile has been in service with the U.S. Air Force since 1982. Since then, more than 100 launches have been made with about a 90 percent success rate. Missile flight is preprogrammed for high- or low-altitude flight or a combination of both. The missile is totally autonomous after launch. Powered by a Williams International turbofan engine, the missile navigates with an inertial guidance system. The AGM-86B missile has a terrain-correlation system to provide navigation updates in flight. A variety of test and demonstration payloads have been flown, and the airframe has great flexibility in adapting to new payloads.

ACLM

The ALCM Advanced Development Program began in June 1974. Six short-range ALCM missiles (AGM-86A) were test-flown in 1976. In 1977, the longer range AGM-86B became the prime design for the missile to compete with General Dynamics Tomahawk. During a competitive flyoff, Boeing launched 10 test missiles. Six test flights were of full duration. Nine flights fulfilled virtually all test objectives. In March 1980, Boeing received a production contract and follow-on operational test and evaluation contract for 19 test flights. Over the life of the ALCM program, Boeing has received production awards for 225 missiles (FY80), 480 missiles (FY81), 440 missiles (FY82), 330 missiles (FY83), and 240 air vehicles (FY84). The last of 1,739 production missiles was delivered on Sept. 26, 1986. Responsibility for program maintenance was shifted with Program Management Responsibility Transfer (PMRT) from Aeronautical Systems Division to Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center on October 31, 1985.

ACLM

In June 1986, a limited number of AGM-86B missiles were converted to carry a high-explosive blast/fragmentation warhead. The missile's terrain contour-matching guidance system was replaced by a global positioning system (GPS) that would integrate with the existing inertial navigation computer system. (see CALCM)

In September 1987, Boeing received the maximum incentive award as well as a reward of maintenance pool funds for completing the ALCM Availability Guarantee program two years ahead of schedule.

The Air Force exercised its options for an engineering services contract in 1997 and extended its engineering services contract with Boeing in 1998.

ACLM

Major subcontractors on the AGM-86B program are: Air Research (servo assembly), ALCOA/Wellman (tank castings), Consolidated Controls (arming/impact fuse), Northrop (flight data transmitter), Williams International (engine), Litton (INE), and Unidynamics (ballistic actuators).

Launch Weight:

Height:

Length:

Wing span:

Range:

Speed:

Engine:

Fuel:

3,150 pounds

4 feet

21 feet

12 feet

1,250 miles nominal

About 500 mph

Williams F107-WR-101

JP-10

Source: Boeing

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