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The Pros And Cons Of The Harpoon Missile

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The Pros And Cons Of The Harpoon Missile
The UGM-84A, or the Harpoon missile is an anti-ship missiles capable of engaging a variety of targets. Through technological advancements, harpoons can now be incorporated into every naval platform in order to combat various enemies. With its built in radar, targets can now be detected at longer rangers and precisely eliminated. This radar system also allows for efficient guidance during flight path. Each missile has a different launch sequence, and varying bandwidths. This allows each to specialize in certain targets. There are many advantages to using a harpoon, but like any other weapon, can be countered and destroyed. Regardless of the disadvantages I believe Harpoons are an efficient means to combat enemies. I believe that they should …show more content…
It was not seen as a necessity for all platforms until the sinking of the Israeli ship Eilat by the Soviets in 1967. The following year, the US Navy began advanced research in anti-surface submarines missiles. An official proposal request was issued in January 1971, and within that year the McDonnell Douglas Corporation won the development contract. The name Harpoon was given to this project. The first harpoon, AGM-84A was only air-launched. But with advancements in technology, ship launched (RGM-84A), and a submarine-launched (UGM-84A) missiles were developed. The first test missile flew on October 1972, and operational testing was completed by 1978. Pilot production began in 1975, and the missile entered the Navy with the USS Sterret (CG 31). The first UGM-84 became operational on Submarines in 1981, and since then, the harpoon has been used in several battles. The missile was utilized in Persian Gulf against Iraqi forces, as well as in engagement against Libyan Forces on March 24, 1986. In September 1989 McDonnel Douglas received a contract to develop the Harpoon Block 1D. Along with the 1D, unarmed training versions were created. They were the ATM-84A, RTM-84A, and UTM-84A. In order to provide a more precision-attack air-launched weapon, Douglas created the SLAM (Stand-off Land Attack Missile). This became functional in November 1988, and was test-fired by the USS Ticonderoga. Air Launched SLAM were later utilized in operation desert storm against Saddam’s

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