The AGM-179A Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) has achieved Initial Operational Capability on the AH-1Z Viper helicopter, the US Marine Corps has revealed.
The missile, developed by the army and marines, achieved the milestone after a thorough evaluation process, including being used on sea and land-based targets.
“[Initial Operational Capability] IOC marks a major milestone for the JAGM program and significant increase in capability for the AH-1Z,” Deputy program manager for precision-guided missiles, Cmdr. J. Reid Adam, said.
Next Level Unlocked: #MarineCorps declares Initial Operating Capability for the AGM-179A Joint Air-to-Ground Missile on the AH-1Z Viper.
📰: https://t.co/VkWi7UKzAI pic.twitter.com/ltWcSGBlC0
— NAVAIR (@NAVAIRNews) March 7, 2022
To Replace Hellfire, Maverick
The missile is intended to replace the air-launched BGM-71 TOW, AGM-114 Hellfire, and AGM-65 Maverick missiles on army, navy, and marine platforms.
It uses semi-active laser guidance for precise targeting and millimeter-wave radar for “active fire-and-forget capability during the day, night, adverse weather and battlefield obscurants.”
The missile’s multi-purpose warhead consists of a “precursor warhead” that penetrates armored targets followed by a time-delayed main warhead, which detonates inside.
“Incorporating systems such as JAGM on the AH-1Z is essential in keeping the platform at the forefront of warfighting capabilities,” USMC H-1 light/attack helicopter program manager Col. Vasilios Pappas remarked.
