Harpoon (missile)

Harpoon

A Harpoon missile on static display at the USS Bowfin museum at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Type Anti-ship missile
Place of origin United States of America
Service history
In service 1977–present
Used by See operators
Production history
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Unit cost US$1,200,000 for Harpoon Block II (2011)[1]
No. built 7,500[2]
Specifications
Weight 1,523 lb (691 kg) with booster
Length Air-launched: 12.6 ft (3.8 m); Surface- and submarine-launched: 15 ft (4.6 m)
Diameter 13.5 in (34 cm)
Warhead 488 pounds (221 kg)
Detonation
mechanism
 Impact fuze
Engine Teledyne CAE J402 Turbojet/solid propellant booster for surface and submarine launch; greater than 600 pounds (greater than 272.2 kg) of thrust
Wingspan 3 ft (0.91 m)
Operational
range
 in excess of 67 nmi (124 km) depending on launch platform
Flight altitude Sea-skimming
Speed 537 mph (864 km/h; 240 m/s; Mach 0.71)
Guidance
system
 Sea-skimming cruise monitored by radar altimeter / active radar terminal homing
Launch
platform

multi-platform:

  • RGM-84A surface-launched
  • AGM-84A air-launched
  • UGM-84A submarine-launched

The Harpoon is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile system, developed and manufactured by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing Defense, Space & Security). In 2004, Boeing delivered the 7,000th Harpoon unit since the weapon's introduction in 1977. The missile system has also been further developed into a land-strike weapon, the Standoff Land Attack Missile (SLAM).

The regular Harpoon uses active radar homing, and a low-level, sea-skimming cruise trajectory to improve survivability and lethality. The missile's launch platforms include:

Development

The USS Coronado (LCS-4) launches the first over-the-horizon missile engagement using a Harpoon Block 1C missile during the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2016 in the Pacific Ocean, July 21, 2016.

In 1965 the United States Navy began studies for a missile in the 45 kilometres (24 nmi) range class for use against surfaced submarines. The name Harpoon was assigned to the project (i.e. a harpoon to kill "whales", a naval slang term for submarines). The sinking of the Israeli destroyer Eilat in 1967 by a Soviet-built Styx anti-ship missile shocked senior United States Navy officers, who until then had not been conscious of the threat posed by anti-ship missiles. In 1970 Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Elmo Zumwalt accelerated the development of Harpoon as part of his "Project Sixty" initiative, hoping to add much needed striking power to US surface combatants. Harpoon was primarily developed for use on US Navy warships such as the Ticonderoga-class cruiser as their principal anti-ship weapon system.

The Harpoon has also been adapted for carriage on several aircraft, including the P-3 Orion, the P-8 Poseidon, the AV-8B Harrier II, the F/A-18 Hornet and the U.S. Air Force B-52H bombers. The Harpoon was purchased by many American allies, including India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates and most NATO countries.

The Royal Australian Air Force is capable of firing AGM-84 series missiles from its F/A-18F Super Hornets, F/A-18A/B Hornets, and AP-3C Orion aircraft, and previously from the now retired F-111C/Gs. The Royal Australian Navy deploys the Harpoon on major surface combatants and in the Collins-class submarines. The Spanish Air Force and the Chilean Navy are also AGM-84D customers, and they deploy the missiles on surface ships, and F/A-18s, F-16s, and P-3 Orion aircraft. The British Royal Navy deploys the Harpoon on several types of surface ship.

The Royal Canadian Navy carries Harpoon missiles on its Halifax-class frigates. The Royal New Zealand Air Force is looking at adding the capability of carrying a stand-off missile, probably Harpoon or AGM-65 Maverick, on its six P-3 Orion patrol planes once they have all been upgraded to P3K2 standard.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force also operates five modified Fokker 50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) which are fitted with the sensors needed to fire the Harpoon missile. The Pakistani Navy carries the Harpoon missile on its frigates and P-3C Orions. The Turkish Navy carries Harpoons on surface warships and Type 209 submarines. The Turkish Air Force will be armed with the SLAM-ER.

At least 339 Harpoon missiles were sold to the Republic of China Air Force (Taiwan) for its F-16 A/B Block 20 fleet and the Taiwanese Navy, which operates four guided-missile destroyers and eight guided-missile frigates with the capability of carrying the Harpoon, including the eight former U.S. Navy Knox-class frigates and the four former USN Kidd-class destroyers which have been sold to Taiwan. The two Zwaardvis/Hai Lung submarines and 12 P-3C Orion aircraft can also use the missile. The eight Cheng Kung-class frigates, despite being based on the US Oliver Hazard Perry class, have Harpoon capabilities deleted from their combat systems, and funding to restore it has so far been denied.

The Block 1 missiles were designated AGM/RGM/UGM-84A in US service and UGM-84B in the UK. Block 1B standard missiles were designated AGM/RGM/UGM-84C, Block 1C missiles were designated AGM/RGM/UGM-84D. Block 1 used a terminal attack mode that included a pop-up to approximately 1,800 metres (5,900 ft) before diving on the target; Block 1B omitted the terminal pop-up; and Block 1C provided a selectable terminal attack mode.[3]

Harpoon Block 1D

This version featured a larger fuel tank and re-attack capability, but was not produced in large numbers because its intended mission (warfare with the Warsaw Pact countries of Eastern Europe) was considered to be unlikely following the events of 1991–92. Range is 278 kilometres (173 mi). Block 1D missiles were designated RGM/AGM-84F.

SLAM ATA (Block 1G)

This version, under development, gives the SLAM a re-attack capability, as well as an image comparison capability similar to the Tomahawk cruise missile; that is, the weapon can compare the target scene in front of it with an image stored in its on-board computer during terminal phase target acquisition and lock on (this is known as DSMAC). Block 1G missiles AGM/RGM/UGM-84G; the original SLAM-ER missiles were designated AGM-84H (2000-2002) and later ones the AGM-84K (2002 onwards).

Harpoon Block 1J

Block 1J was a proposal for a further upgrade, AGM/RGM/UGM-84J Harpoon (or Harpoon 2000), for use against both ship and land targets.

Harpoon Block II

Loading Mk 141 canister launcher

In production at Boeing facilities in Saint Charles, Missouri, is the Harpoon Block II, intended to offer an expanded engagement envelope, enhanced resistance to electronic countermeasures and improved targeting. Specifically, the Harpoon was initially designed as an open-ocean weapon. The Block II missiles continue progress begun with Block IE, and the Block II missile provides the Harpoon with a littoral-water anti-ship capability.

The key improvements of the Harpoon Block II are obtained by incorporating the inertial measurement unit from the Joint Direct Attack Munition program, and the software, computer, Global Positioning System (GPS)/inertial navigation system and GPS antenna/receiver from the SLAM Expanded Response (SLAM-ER), an upgrade to the SLAM.

The US Navy awarded a $120 million contract to Boeing in July 2011 for the production of about 60 Block II Harpoon missiles, including missiles for 6 foreign militaries.[1] Boeing lists 30 foreign navies as Block II customers.[1]

India acquired 24 Harpoon Block II missiles to arm its maritime strike Jaguar fighters in a deal worth $170 million through the Foreign Military Sales system.[4] In December 2010, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified U.S. Congress of a possible sale of 21 additional AGM-84L HARPOON Block II Missiles and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for a complete package worth approximately $200 million; the Indian government intends to use these missiles on its Indian Navy P-8I Neptune maritime patrol aircraft.[5] The Indian Navy is also planning to upgrade the fleet of four submarines – Shishumar class – with tube-launched Harpoon missiles.[6]

Harpoon Block 2 missiles are designated AGM/RGM/UGM-84L.

On 18 November 2015, the U.S. Navy tested the AGM-84N Harpoon Block II+ missile against a moving ship target. The Block II+ incorporates an improved GPS guidance kit and a net-enabled data-link that allows the missile to receive in-flight targeting updates. The Block II+ is planned to enter service in 2017.[7]

Harpoon Block III

Harpoon Block III was intended to be an upgrade package to the existing USN Block 1C missiles and Command Launch Systems (CLS) for guided missile cruisers, guided missile destroyers, and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft. After experiencing an increase in the scope of required government ship integration, test and evaluation, and a delay in development of a data-link, the Harpoon Block III program was canceled by the U.S. Navy in April 2009.

Harpoon Block II+ ER

In April 2015, Boeing unveiled a modified version of the RGM-84 it called the Harpoon Next Generation. It increases the ship-launched Harpoon missile's range from the Block II's 70 nmi (81 mi; 130 km) to 134 nmi (154 mi; 248 km), along with a new lighter 300 lb (140 kg) warhead and a more fuel-efficient engine with electronic fuel controls. Boeing offered the missile as the U.S. Navy's Littoral Combat Ship frigate upgrade over-the-horizon anti-ship missile as a cost-effective missile upgrade option; complete Next Gen Harpoons would cost approximately as much as a Block II at $1.2 million each, with upgrades for an existing missile costing half that.[2][8][9] The version is also called the Harpoon Block II + ER.[10] Boeing claims the Block II+ ER is superior to the Naval Strike Missile through its improved turbojet giving it greater range and active radar-homing seeker for all-weather operation, as well as a lighter but "more lethal" warhead.[11] Test shots in 2017 had been confirmed.[12] In May 2017, Boeing revealed it was no longer offering the upgraded Harpoon for the frigate OTH missile requirement, but would continue development of it.[13]

Operational history

In 1981 and 1982 there were two accidental launches of Harpoon missiles: one by the United States Navy which caused no damage and the other by the Danish Navy, which destroyed and damaged buildings in the recreational housing area Lumsås. The Danish missile was later known as the hovsa-missile (hovsa being the Danish term for oops).

In November 1980, during Operation Morvarid, Iranian missile boats attacked and sank two Iraqi Osa-class missile boats; one of the weapons used was the Harpoon missile.

In 1986, the United States Navy sank at least two Libyan patrol boats in the Gulf of Sidra. Two Harpoon missiles were launched from the cruiser USS Yorktown with no confirmed results and several others from A-6 Intruder aircraft that were said to have hit their targets.[14][15] Initial reports claimed that USS Yorktown scored hits on a patrol boat, but action reports indicated that the target may have been a false one and that no ships were hit by those missiles.[16]

In 1988, Harpoon missiles were used by the U.S. to sink the Iranian frigate Sahand during Operation Praying Mantis. Another was fired at the Kaman-class missile boat Joshan, but failed to strike because the fast attack craft had already been mostly sunk by RIM-66 Standard missiles. An Iranian-owned Harpoon missile was also fired at the guided missile cruiser USS Wainwright. The missile was successfully lured away by chaff.[17]

In December 1988, a Harpoon launched by an F/A-18 Hornet fighter from the aircraft carrier USS Constellation[18] killed one sailor when it struck the merchant ship Jagvivek, a 250 ft (76 m) long Indian-owned ship, during an exercise at the Pacific Missile Range near Kauai, Hawaii. A Notice to Mariners had been issued warning of the danger, but Jagvivek left port before receiving the communication and subsequently strayed into the test range area, and the Harpoon missile, loaded just with an inert dummy warhead, locked onto it instead of its intended target.

The UGM-84A undersea-launched Harpoon version was retired from U.S. Navy service in 1997, leaving the U.S. submarine force without an anti-ship missile, a capability that isn't planned to be reintroduced until the Block IV Tomahawk is modified with a moving target maritime attack feature in 2021.[19]

In June 2009, it was reported by an American newspaper, citing unnamed officials from the Obama administration and the U.S. Congress, that the American government had accused Pakistan of illegally modifying some older Harpoon missiles to strike land targets. Pakistani officials denied this and they claimed that the US was referring to a new Pakistani-designed missile. Some international experts were also reported to be skeptical of the accusations. Robert Hewson, editor of Jane's Air Launched Weapons, pointed out that the Harpoon is not suitable for the land-attack role due to deficiency in range. He also stated that Pakistan was already armed with more sophisticated missiles of Pakistani or Chinese design and, therefore, "beyond the need to reverse-engineer old US kit." Hewson offered that the missile tested by Pakistan was part of an undertaking to develop conventionally armed missiles, capable of being air- or surface-launched, to counter its rival India's missile arsenal.[20][21][22] It was later stated that Pakistan and the US administration had reached some sort of agreement allowing US officials to inspect Pakistan's inventory of Harpoon missiles,[23][24] and the issue had been resolved.[25]

Operators

Map with Harpoon operators in blue
The Canadian frigate HMCS Regina fires a Harpoon anti-ship missile during a Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) sinking exercise

Operators

 Australia
 Belgium
 Brazil
 Canada
 Chile
 Denmark
 Egypt
 Germany
 Greece
 Iran
 Indonesia
 Israel
 India
 Japan
 Malaysia
 Mexico
 Netherlands
 Pakistan
 Poland
 Portugal
 Republic of Korea
 Saudi Arabia
 Singapore
 Spain
 Republic of China
 Thailand
 Turkey
 United Arab Emirates
 United Kingdom
 United States

General characteristics

Harpoon Block II test firing from USS Thorn.
UGM-84 submarine launch
AGM-84D being prepared for P-3 Orion weapons pylon.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Backgrounder – Harpoon Block II" (PDF). Boeing. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  2. 1 2 Gady, Franz-Stefan (20 April 2015). "Who Will Supply the US Navy's Next Anti-Ship Missile?". Thediplomat.com. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  3. ↑ "Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) AGM/RGM/UGM-84 Harpoon". Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles. Andreas Parsch. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  4. ↑ "Military pacts on hold but India, US continue with exercises, arms deals". The Times of India. TNN. 22 September 2010. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  5. ↑ "India to Receive AGM-84L HARPOON Block II Missiles Worth $200 Million". defpro.com. December 23, 2010. Archived from the original on December 25, 2010.
  6. ↑ Pubby, Manu (20 June 2012). "Navy plans missiles for four submarines". The Indian Express. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  7. ↑ "U.S. Navy Completes Flight Test of New Network-Enabled AGM-84N Harpoon Block II+ Missile". Navyrecognition.com. 22 November 2015. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  8. ↑ LeGrone, Sam (16 April 2015). "Boeing Will Offer Modified Harpoon Missile for Littoral Combat Ships". USNI News. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  9. ↑ Osborn, Kris (12 May 2015). "Next-Generation Harpoon Missile Offered to Navy". DoDBuzz.com. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  10. ↑ Seck, Hope Hodge (2 February 2016). "Boeing Says Harpoon Missile Light Enough for Littoral Combat Ship". Military.com. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  11. ↑ Boeing backs extended-range Harpoon to stave off Kongsberg threat - Flightglobal.com, 12 May 2016
  12. ↑ http://seapowermagazine.org/stories/20170110-harpoon.html
  13. ↑ Boeing Takes Harpoon Out Off Littoral Combat Ship/Frigate Over the Horizon Missile Competition - News.USNI.org, 2 May 2017
  14. ↑ "High-Tech Firepower". Time. 7 April 1986. Retrieved 12 March 2016. (Subscription required (help)).
  15. ↑ Reagan, Ronald (26 March 1986). "Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate on the Gulf of Sidra Incident". Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  16. ↑ "Pentagon Revises Libyan Ship Toll". The New York Times. 27 March 1986.
  17. ↑ Cushman Jr., John H. (19 April 1988). "U.S. Strikes 2 Iranian Oil Rigs and Hits 6 Warships in Battles Over Mining Sea Lanes in Gulf". The New York Times. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  18. ↑ "U.S. Rocket Hits Indian Ship Accidentally, Killing Crewman". The New York Times. Associated Press. 13 December 1988. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  19. ↑ U.S. Navy Anti-Ship Tomahawk Set for Surface Ships, Subs Starting in 2021 - News.USNI.org, 18 February 2016
  20. ↑ Schmitt, Eric; Sanger, David E. (29 August 2009). "US Says Pakistan Made Changes to Missiles Sold for Defense". The New York Times. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  21. ↑ "Pakistan illegally modified Harpoon missile: Report". Rediff.com. PTI. 30 August 2009. Retrieved 12 March 2015.
  22. ↑ "Harpoon missile modification by Pak very serious: US". The Times of India. PTI. 1 September 2009. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  23. ↑ Dawn News. Archived September 8, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.
  24. ↑ India TV News Archived July 13, 2011, at the Wayback Machine.
  25. ↑ "US confusion on Harpoon missile clarified: Naval Chief". Archived from the original on October 5, 2009. Retrieved September 28, 2009.
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