AGM-88A

The original AGM-88A missiles, classified as Block I, were first introduced in the 1970s and had the first flight in 1975.

The AGM-88A Block II, launched in 1986, featured a new seeker with reprogrammable software, enhancing its adaptability to emerging threats.

The first production AGM-88A missiles were delivered in 1983, and HARM reached IOC (Initial Operational Capability) with the U.S. Navy in 1985, and the USAF in 1987. The first operational use of HARM occurred in April 1986, when the type was used to destroy Libyan radars.

The AGM-88A missile is powered by a Thiokol SR113-TC-1 dual-thrust (boost/sustain) low-smoke solid-fueled rocket motor, and has a 66 kg (146 lb) WDU-21/B blast-fragmentation warhead (25000 steel fragments) in a WAU-7/B warhead section.
The warhead is triggered by an FMU-111/B laser proximity fuze.
The seeker of the WGU-2/B guidance section has to be pre-tuned to likely threats at depot-level maintenance, so every base or ship has to store a selection of differently tuned HARM seeker heads.
In flight, the AGM-88 is controlled by the WCU-2/B control section using four movable BSU-59/B mid-body fins, and stabilized by the fixed BSU-60/B tailfins.

*   Original version developed in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
*   Entered service in 1985.
*   Key Features: Basic passive radar homing guidance.
*   Limitations: Susceptible to early radar shutdown tactics.