Cruise Missile
AGM-86 ALCM
The AGM-86 ALCM is an American air-launched cruise missile made by Boeing, in service since 1982. The AGM-86B carries a W80-1 nuclear warhead to about 2,400 km, and the conventional AGM-86C/D CALCM was used in several wars.
United States|BoeingOverview
Boeing developed the AGM-86 for the US Air Force Strategic Air Command so that B-52 bombers could launch from outside Soviet air defences. First flight was in 1976, it was selected over the General Dynamics AGM-109 Tomahawk in 1977, and service entry followed in 1982, with about 1,715 AGM-86B built. A Williams F107 turbofan gives a speed of about 800 km/h and range of about 2,400 km, guided by inertial navigation with TERCOM updates. The W80-1 warhead has a selectable yield of 5 to 150 kt.
Only the B-52H carries the ALCM today. The AGM-86C/D CALCM has a conventional 450 kg warhead and GPS guidance, and was used in the 1991 Gulf War, in 1998 against Iraq, in Kosovo in 1999, in Afghanistan in 2001 and in Iraq in 2003. About 500 to 575 nuclear ALCMs are estimated to remain in the stockpile, extended in service into the 2030s. The AGM-181 Long Range Stand Off (LRSO), with initial capability planned around 2030, will replace it. The US is the only operator.
Key Specifications
Variants
The AGM-86B ALCM is the nuclear-armed air-launched cruise missile carried by the B-52.
The AGM-86C/D CALCM is the conventional version with a 450 kg warhead and GPS guidance.
The AGM-181 LRSO is the successor missile being developed by Raytheon, with capability planned around 2030.
Operators
United StatesFrequently Asked Questions
What is the range of the AGM-86 ALCM?
The AGM-86B ALCM has a range of about 2,400 km. Published figures are about 1,500 miles, and some sources give 2,500 km.
Is the AGM-86 nuclear?
Yes, the AGM-86B ALCM carries a W80-1 nuclear warhead with a selectable yield of 5 to 150 kt. The AGM-86C/D CALCM is the conventional version.
How many AGM-86 missiles exist?
About 1,715 AGM-86B missiles were built, and an estimated 500 to 575 remain in the US nuclear stockpile. Those figures are estimates from FAS and the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.
AGM-86 vs Tomahawk: what is the difference?
The AGM-86 is launched from the air by B-52 bombers and carries a nuclear warhead, while the Tomahawk is a ship and submarine-launched missile. The ALCM was selected over the AGM-109 Tomahawk in 1977.
Which aircraft carries the AGM-86?
Only the B-52H carries the AGM-86 ALCM. The B-2 and B-1 no longer use it.
What will replace the AGM-86 ALCM?
The AGM-181 Long Range Stand Off (LRSO) from Raytheon will replace the AGM-86. Initial capability is planned around 2030.
