Popeye (missile)
The AGM-142 Have Nap is a missile developed by the United States of America.
Overview
The Have Nap was a development of the Israeli Popeye missile, the AGM-142 is a joint project between Lockheed Martin and the Israeli company Rafael. The weapon is designed for precision attack against large targets from stand off ranges. The missile is powered by a single stage solid rocket. An inertial guidance system pilots the missile towards the target; for terminal homing the pilot can control the missile directly via an INS and data link, aiming via either a television or imaging infrared seeker depending on the missile model. It is not necessary for the launching aircraft to direct the missile - control can be passed to another platform whilst the firing aircraft escapes the area. There are two choices of warhead, a 340 kg (750 lb) blast/fragmentation or 360 kg (800 lb) penetrator.
The AGM-112 is compatible with a variety of aircraft. In US use, the AGM-142 is intended primarily to equip the B-52H, allowing it to attack fixed targets of high value at sufficient range to provide protection from defences. The missile represented the first precision guided munition to be carried by the B-52H.
Have Nap was available during the Operation Desert Storm, but was not used. There was some speculation that the political considerations of using an Israeli-designed missile against an Arab country prevented the deployment of the missile.
Since their inception, the missiles have gone through a variety of improvement programs designed to increase reliability and reduce costs. These efforts have included changes in the materials and manufacturing processes of the wings, fins and rocket motor, new components in the inertial guidance unit, an upgraded processor, and an improved imaging infrared seeker.
The Air Force originally bought 154 missiles. An second purchase of 54 followed in 1996.
Specifications
- Weight : 1,360 kg (2,992 lb)
- Length : 4.82 m (15.8 ft)
- Diameter : 53.3 cm (21 in)
- Wing Span : 1.98 m (78 in)
- Guidance : Inertial plus IIR or TV
- Engine : Single stage solid rocket
- Range : 78 km (48 miles)
- Warhead : 340 kg (750 kg) blast fragmentation or 360 kg (800 lb) I-800 penetrating