AGM-123 Skipper II

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AGM-123 Skipper II

AGM-123 A-7 China Lake 1985.jpeg

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.

Similar models

Web links

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