AGM-123 Skipper II
AGM-123 Skipper II | |
---|---|
General Information | |
Type | Airborne standoff weapon |
Manufacturer | Emerson Electric |
development | 1980 |
Technical specifications | |
length | 4.27 m |
diameter | 356 mm |
Combat weight | 580 kg |
drive | Solid booster |
speed | 1100 km / h |
Range | 55 km |
Furnishing | |
Target location | Semi-active laser target search |
Warhead | 454 kg Mk.83 bomb |
Weapon platforms | A-6E Intruder |
Lists on the subject |
In early 1980, Emerson Electric developed a short-range air-to-surface missile on behalf of the US Navy , which was intended to combat ships . In contrast to other programs, however, it should not be a new development; instead, existing components should be used. The laser-guided bomb GBU -16 Paveway II was used as the starting point . The drive section of an AGM-45 Shrike was mounted on the GBU-16 and the electronics and the various components were adapted. The result was the AGM-123 Skipper II . The first prototypes were tested in 1980 and in 1985 the order for the production of 2500 AGM-123 came in. Almost only the A-6E Intruder was used as a carrier aircraft . The skipper also showed weaknesses. According to the manufacturer, it has a range of 55 km, but this was never achieved in everyday use. The main problem was the laser target designator, which limited the range to 15 km.
Depending on the source, there should be an improved AGM-123 or AGM-123B, in which above all the electronics have been revised. This variant is said to have been developed by Texas Instruments . It is unclear how many were built or whether she ever got into service.
From the mid-1990s, the US Navy phased out the AGM-123. She is no longer on duty today.
Worth mentioning
The name AGM-123 Skipper II suggests that there was a Skipper I, but this is not the case. The designation II comes from Paveway II.