FGM-148 Javelin

practices with the Javelin on a firing range.
Javelin is an American man-portable anti-tank guided missile.

It is a "fire and forget" system which utilises a top-attack flight profile against armoured vehicles and also has a direct-attack mode for use against buildings or fortifications. The system has a soft launch arrangement which ejects the missile from the tube to a safe distance before igniting the main rocket motor. This reduces the firing signature and allows use from within buildings.

Javelin should not be confused with the British Javelin surface-to-air missile.

Combat History

Javelin was used in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Characteristics

Primary Function: Man-portable anti-tank guided missile.

Contractor: Lockheed Martin, Raytheon.

Power Plant: solid fuel rocket.

Length:
*108.1 cm (42.6 in) missile.
*119.8 cm (47.2 in) launch tube.
Diameter:
*12.7 cm (5.0 in) missile.
*14.2 cm (5.6 in) launch tube.
Weight:
*11.8 kg (21.6 lb) missile.
*6.4 kg (14.1 lb) CLU.
Warhead:
*8.4 kg tandem shaped charge HEAT.
*Armour penetration >600 mm RHA.
Range: <75 to >2500 m
Guidance system: Imaging infra-red guidance, fire and forget.
Command Launch Unit:
*Passive target acquisition/fire control with integrated day/thermal sight.
*Magnification 4x day and 4x or 9x thermal.

Procurement

In January 2003, the UK Ministry of Defence announced that it had decided to procure Javelin for the Light Forces Anti-Tank Guided Weapon System (LFATGWS) requirement. Javelin will replace the MILAN system.
Cost

In a 2002 contract, Lithuania bought 360 Javelin missiles and 40 launcher units for $39 million. The contract also included training devices, logistics support, associated equipment and training. press release

This works out at about $100,000 per missile.