Warplanes: June 4, 2001

Archives

The US Air Force plans to buy more air-launched cruise missiles to replenish the stockpile expended during the Kosovo War. One option is to build more of the AGM-86C Conventional Air-Launched Cruise Missiles, with a new engine that could increase the range to beyond 2500km and keep the launch aircraft well out of the range of the new Russian-built S300 anti-aircraft missiles. This option would include a new GPS guidance system that is harder to jam. Another option is to buy an extended-range version of the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile. This would use the original seeker and warhead but a new turbofan engine would double the range to 1,000km. This new design could be ready in 36 months, twice as long as a long-range CALCM. This option would be considerably less expensive, costing $55,000 per missile. --Stephen V Cole

X

ad

Help Keep StrategyPage Open

First came Facebook, then came Twitter, and finally, AI has arrived. They have all caused a decline in our business, but AI may be the deadliest innovation. We are currently in survival mode. Our writers and staff receive no payment in some months, and even when they do, it is below the minimum wage for their efforts. You can support us with your donations or subscriptions. Please help us keep our doors open.

Make sure you spread the word about us. Two ways to do that are to like us on Facebook and follow us on X.

Subscribe   Donate   Close