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AGM-86 ALCM Cruise Missile

AGM-86 ALCM Cruise Missile

Manufacturer: Boeing Defense
Category: Missiles & Precision Weapons
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Guidance System GPS/INS
Maximum Speed Subsonic
Launch Compatibility B-52H bomber
Warhead Technology Nuclear or high-explosive conventional

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	AGM-86 ALCM
Type / Role	Air-Launched Cruise Missile, Strategic Strike
Country of Origin	United States
Manufacturer	Boeing
Service Entry / Year Introduced	Early 1980s
Operational Status	Active

2. Performance & Range

Range	1,200+ km (Long Range)
Speed	Subsonic
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	Low-altitude terrain-following flight
Accuracy (CEP)	Few meters with GPS/INS
Warhead Type	Nuclear (B-variant) / HE (C/D variants)

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	GPS/INS
Targeting Mode	Pre-programmed / Precision strike
Launch Platform Compatibility	B-52H
Seeker Type	None (navigation-based)

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	~6.3 m
Diameter	0.62 m
Wingspan	3.67 m
Launch Weight	~1,500 kg
Propulsion	Williams F107 turbofan

5. Warhead & Payload

Warhead Weight	Classified / Variant-dependent
Explosive Type	Nuclear / High Explosive
Detonation Mechanism	Programmable fuse
Payload Options	Nuclear or conventional

6. Operational Use & Capabilities

Operational Range Type	Long
Deployment Platform	Air (B-52H)
Target Types	Strategic, hardened, high-value assets
Combat Proven	Yes
Users / Operators	United States

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

8.3

Technology 9 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10

PROS

Long-range stand-off capability
Nuclear and conventional variants
Low-altitude penetration flight profile
High accuracy with GPS/INS guidance
Combat-proven reliability

CONS

Limited to the B-52H platform
Subsonic speed increases interception risk
Aging design approaching replacement
High maintenance and sustainment costs
Restricted export and operators

AGM-86 Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM)

The AGM-86 Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) remains a core component of the U.S. Air Force’s long-range strike arsenal, offering strategic reach and precision engagement capability. Developed during the Cold War and still operational today, the missile provides the B-52H Stratofortress with the ability to strike high-value targets from stand-off distances, minimizing exposure to advanced air defenses.

Manufactured by Boeing, the AGM-86 originates from the United States and was introduced into service in the early 1980s. Its primary purpose is to deliver either a nuclear or conventional warhead with high accuracy at extended ranges. The missile is subsonic and powered by a Williams F107 turbofan engine, enabling quiet, terrain-hugging flight profiles that enhance its survivability against radar and missile defense systems.

The AGM-86B variant carries a nuclear payload, while the AGM-86C and AGM-86D Conventional Air-Launched Cruise Missiles (CALCM) carry high-explosive warheads designed for hardened or strategic targets. Modernized navigation includes GPS-aided INS, ensuring a circular error probable (CEP) measured in mere meters. With an operational range exceeding 1,200 km, the missile allows U.S. forces to engage strategic targets without entering contested airspace.

The AGM-86 remains exclusively deployable from the B-52H, with each bomber capable of carrying multiple missiles on internal and external pylons. Despite the development of next-generation systems like the AGM-181 LRSO, the AGM-86 continues to serve as a reliable, combat-proven stand-off weapon supporting U.S. strategic deterrence and precision-strike missions.

AGM-86 Missile Price

Pricing for the AGM-86 varies by variant and modernization package, but historical procurement values estimate the cost at several million dollars per missile. Due to security and classification considerations, precise contemporary pricing is not publicly released.

Reviews

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Performance:

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