AGM-65 Maverick
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With a first version that was operational in 1972, air-to-surface missiles of the AGM-65 Maverick family have a wide range of guidance and warhead options. They are of fairly short range: 17+ miles (12 nautical miles/27 km)[1][2] The 125 pound explosively formed projectile|shaped charge warheads have less than half the explosive of the 300 pound penetrators, but the explosive force is directional. Of the three forms of guidance, electro-optical television, forward-looking infrared|passive thermal, and laser designator|laser guided, each has an area where it is best. Experience proved that television is better at discriminating a target under hot desert sun, while passive thermal would work better against the same vehicle at night. It is expected that the pilot will do a "man-in-the-loop lock-on" (i.e., looking through the weapon's own seeker) before releasing the missile, which can hit within 1 meter. Mavericks have been certified on over 25 aircraft of various countries. Current U.S. aircraft that use versions include the AH-1 Cobra, A-10, AV-8 Harrier II, F-4 Phantom II, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-18 Hornet, F-18 Super Hornet and P-3 Orion. Guidance and warhead combinations
General characteristics
References
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