AGM-88 HARM
(High speed Anti-Radiation Missile)

HARM being fired from an E6-B

Harm Microwave Program Description
HARM Microwave is a 4 module set, Integrated Receiver Module (IRM, the most complicated module), Switch Amplifier, -4 Mono IF Amplifier, and the -5 Mono Amplifier. These modules are built in AF1 and delivered to Lewisville for integration into the HARM Missile.  Lewisville is now closing and the higher level system will be built in Tucson, Arizona.

Three models delivered
AGM-88A  Programmed in factory
AGM-88B  Reprogrammable in the field
AGM-88C  Improved seeker, software, and warhead
AGM-88C  Upgrade kits being delivered to U.S. Forces

Harm General Information
The AGM-88 HARM (high-speed anti-radiation missile) is an air-to-surface tactical missile designed to seek and destroy enemy radar-equipped air defense systems. The HARM was developed as a replacement for the AGM-45 Shrike and the AGM-78 Anti-Radiation Missile. Although generally similar in appearance and mission to the Shrike, produced more than 25 years prior to the AGM-88, the HARM missile is several feet longer than an AGM-45, has a slightly-enlarged diameter a foot back from the nose, and has a slightly greater diameter overall. The AGM-45 also has an RF window/slot on the side, not present on the AGM-88.

The AGM-88 HARM is a very expensive missile, but one with a broad capability against ground- and ship-based radars. It is designed to detect, attack and destroy a target with minimum aircrew input. The HARM can be fired in three situations. It can be fired at an active source, or if the missile is already locked on, it can be launched at a recently turned off radar. It can also be fired in LOITER mode, where it waits for an enemy radar to rear itself, then locks on and homes in.

The proportional guidance system that homes in on enemy radar emissions has a fixed antenna and seeker head in the missile nose. A smokeless, solid-propellant, dual-thrust rocket motor propels the missile. Prior to impact, the high-explosive warhead is pre-fragmented into thousands of small steel cubes, specifically designed to tear a radar antenna to shreds.

The AGM-88 missile was approved for full production by the Defense Systems Acquisition Review Council in March 1983. The missile first entered service with the U.S. in 1984. The Air Force equipped the F-4G Wild Weasel with the AGM-88 to increase the F-4G's lethality in electronic combat. The missile worked with the APR-47 radar attack and warning system on the aircraft. The missile is operationally deployed throughout the Air Force and in full production as a joint U.S. Air Force-U.S. Navy project.

HARM mounted on the wing pod.

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