AGM-86 B/C ALCM-B/CALCM
The AGM-86B/C is an unmanned air-to-ground missile designed to be launched from
aircraft such as the B-52. The wings, tail surfaces, and engine inlet are folded while
the ALCM-B/CALCM is being carried but are deployed upon launching. Powered by a
small turbofan engine which starts when the missile is released, the AGM-86B/C flies
at low altitudes. The slim wings are sufficient because the ALCM-B/ CALCM does not
takeoff or land and flies only at high speed. The missile is programmed to fly to a preselected target by inertial guidance and by comparison techniques through which
prerecorded geographical features are matched with the terrain "seen" by the missile's
sensors. Each B-52 carries at least 12 AGM-86B/Cs permitting a bomber force to
launch them in large numbers, saturating defenses. Further hampering enemy
defenses are the missile's small size and low-altitude flight profile which make it
difficult to detect on radar.
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
Span: 12 feet.
Length: 20 feet, 9 inches.
Body Diameter: 24 inches.
Weight: 3,100 lbs. loaded.
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Armament:
AGM-86B W-80-1 nuclear warhead.
AGM-86C conventional high explosive.
Engine: Williams International F107-WR-101 turbofan of 600 lbs. thrust.
PERFORMANCE
Maximum Speed: 500 mph.
Range: About 500 miles.
Operating Altitude: Approximately 100 to 500 feet above terrain.
Maximum Altitude: Above 20,000 feet (est.).
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