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FGM-148 Javelin
Model: FGM-148 JavelinThe Javelin is a massive anti-tank guided missile launcher used by 15 countries, including the United States military. It is primarily used for destroying tanks, which it excels at, but it can also be used for destroying buildings, fortifications, and helicopters. It is a fire-and-forget weapon system that uses imaging infrared targeting to guide the missile to its target.
The Javelin has been in use since 1996, though it was first designed in 1989. It has a tandem warhead with dual shaped charges, allowing it to defeat reactive armor. While it can be fired by one person, it is usually used in a two-man team: the gunner aims and fires while the ammo bearer locates targets and watches for threats. The Javelin tube is a disposable one-shot launcher, but the Command Launch Unit (CLU) can be attached to any missile tube and reused.
Where to find:
As expected, the launcher is not only unavailable to civilians, but would be horrendously expensive anyway at $40,000 for a missile and $125,000 for the CLU, coming to a total of $165,000 for a single weapon. However, it is in use with 15 different countries and is quite common in the
United States military.
Complexity:
The Javelin takes a good deal of training to use. The CLU has quite a few bells and whistles to keep track of, and while it is very user-friendly, it cannot be used effectively or safely without practice and a full understanding of the system. While the "soft-launch" makes it usable from buildings, the backblast is still deadly.
Size and weight:
Weight 11.8 kg (26 lbs), 18.2 kg (49.2 lbs) with the CLU attached. Length 1.2 m (47 in.).
Action:
Single shot, disposable.
Caliber(s):
127mm tandem HEAT warhead.
Magazine:
N/A
Trigger:
Single action
Controls:
The command launch unit (CLU) is a reusable device that consists of the sighting and firing systems, and can be attached to the left side of a Javelin missile tube. The power switch is on the lower-rear corner of the left side of the CLU main housing and has positions for OFF, DAY, NIGHT, and TEST; when set to TEST, the switch is spring-loaded and snaps to NIGHT upon release.
Loading: How to load the firearm and make ready to fire.
1) Flip the CLU upside-down and remove the battery compartment cover on the bottom. Take a battery and mate the connectors in the battery compartment with the ones on the battery. Close the cover.
2) Remove the protective cover from the CLU and round interface connectors. Pull on the lanyard tab to snug the protective cover against the side of the round and CLU. Position the protective covers so they do not interfere when the CLU and round are connected.
3) Lift the CLU over the CLU Interface Connector and insert the round interface bracket into the round hooks.
4) Slide the CLU toward the latch release on the front of the latch interface assembly and press down on the CLU until it snaps into place. Rock the CLU from side to side to ensure that it is connected.
5) Flip the power switch to the NIGHT position.
6) Remove the forward end cap by pulling the wire on the locking pin up, turning the forward end cap latch release counterclockwise, and sliding the end cap off.
7) Open the lens covers.
8) Assume a firing position: sitting (cross-legged or knees bent), kneeling (down on left or both knees), standing with your elbows on a steady surface (wall, rock, etc.), or prone with your body at a 30 degree angle to the left to avoid the backblast.
9) Upon locating a target, steady the launcher and keep the target in the center of the reticle. Against a tank or truck, use the default top-attack mode. Against a helicopter or bunker/building, use the direct attack mode.
10) Squeeze and hold the seeker trigger on the left handgrip until the BCU pop is heard.
11) If necessary to switch to another attack mode, press the attack select switch on the right handgrip.
12) When a lock has been achieved on the target, squeeze the firing trigger on the right handgrip.
Unloading:
Note: While the Javelin missile cannot be unloaded, the Javelin can be restored to a carrying configuration.
1) Turn the power switch to the DAY position, wait two seconds for the flipper mirror to switch, then turn it to OFF.
2) Place the Javelin on the ground and rotate it so the handgrips of the CLU are pointing up.
3) Close the CLU lens covers.
4) Slide the forward end cap onto the front of the launcher, turn the latch release clockwise until it locks, and reinsert the locking pin.
5) Press the latch release on the latch interface assembly, then lift the CLU by the handgrips and rotate it toward the front of the launcher. Lift the CLU off and return it to where it was stored.
Field Stripping:
N/A
Design Quirks:
The Javelin has two different modes of firing: the top-attack mode causes the missile to shoot into the sky and come down on top the target, typically where the armor is weakest. The direct attack mode is used against buildings and helicopters, and the missile flies on a direct path to the target. Top-attack is the default mode, as the missile is usually fired at tanks.
theman838 |
Latest page update: made by theman838
, Mar 31 2012, 11:46 PM EDT
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