The AGM-86C cruise missile that introduced GPS guided weaponry is bowing out of service
BARKSDALE AFB, La., - A staple of the Air Force's long-range strike portfolio has come to the end of the road. The AGM-86C/D Conventional Air-Launched Cruise Missile (CALCM), the non-nuclear sibling of the AGB-86B that remains in service as the backbone of the B-52's nuclear strike mission, is being put rest after decades of service. The last download of these missiles from a B-52H occurred at Barksdale AFB on November 20th, 2019, marking the final end to the weapon's service, writes Tyler Rogoway for TheDrive.com. Continue reading original article
The Intelligent Aerospace take:
November 25, 2019-The Department of Defense's Conventional Air-Launched Cruise Missile (CALCM) marked the birth of GPS-guided munitions. In addition to GPS, CALCMs utilized inertial navigation as well as terrain guidance to reach its target. Of course, with technology that birthed the modern guided munition stemming from the 70s and 80s, CALCM saw numerous upgrades and led to stealthier, higher tech munitions like the AGM-158 Joint Air-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM). Still, the final CALCM download marks the end of an era and the last of the forefather of the "smart" munitions utilized across the DoD.
Related: Newly launched GPS III satellite responding to commands, under self-propulsion
Related: Navy F/A-18 combat jets getting laser-guided JDAM smart bombs to attack moving targets
Jamie Whitney, Associate Editor
Intelligent Aerospace
