Designation:Hughes
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Type | : | Medium range air-to-surface missile. | |
Service history | : | 2006-2023, RDF Air Force and Navy.
2023-2025, SC Navy. 2023-2024, REF Air Force, Marines and Navy. |
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Length | : | 265 cm. | |
Diameter | : | 30.5 cm. | |
Wingspan | : | 72 cm. | |
Weight | : | 295 kg. | |
Warhead | : | High Explosive Anti Tank Multi Purpose. | |
Weight/yield | : | 136 kg. | |
Propulsion | : | Booster/sustainer rocket engine. | |
Guidance | : | IIR, LLLTV and passive laser homing with Reflex AI. | |
Max speed | : | Mach 1.4 | |
Range | : | 26-40 km (dependent on launch altitude and speed). | |
Platforms | : | Avenger, Beta, Dragon, Executioner, Lightning, Valkyrie, Bat. |
This missile is the ultimate development of the ancient but venerable AGM-65 Maverick line. The first version of this missile was designed in the sixties of the previous century as an optically guided air-to- ground missile. By using the adaptability of the airframe to its fullest through constant development of new versions of this missile with newer and different guidance systems and warheads, the Maverick has remained as the premier medium weight air-to-ground missile in the RDF, SC and even the REF, until replaced by the heavier versions of the Derringer.
The latest version, the Maverick-R, was originally designed for the RDF forces using the first available new technologies scavenged from the SDF-1. The seeker head combines the three major forms of guidance of all earlier models, and the warhead is the largest designed for this missile yet. In addition, the seeker head has a very wide field of view and an effective (though limited) Reflex AI control system, which allows for far faster lock-on times and vastly improved target following performance, giving the missile a good performance against moving, dodging targets.
This missile is a less effective choice against mecha, not because it cannot destroy them, as the lock-on rate of the seeker is more than 98% and the warhead size ensures destruction of all targeted mecha, but because this missile is relatively large and specialized in ground attack. It therefore cannot be carried in the same numbers as the smaller, anti-mecha optimized multi-purpose missiles such as the Stiletto, Diamondback and Hammerhead. However, against hardened ground targets, such as enemy bunkers or other fortifications, or against grounded drop- or scoutships, the Maverick's far larger destructive power comes into its own. This causes the Maverick R to be the favorite missile for heavy air-to-ground attack missions. A nuclear version was even considered, but eventually rejected in favor of a nuclear Diamondback version.
Go to RDF Air-Surface Missile Index.
Go to the Robotech Reference Guide Home Page.
Robotech (R) is the property of Harmony Gold. This document is in no way intended to infringe upon their rights.
Content by Peter Walker and Pieter Thomassen, with Rob Morgenstern
Copyright © 1997 Robert Morgenstern, Peter Walker, Pieter Thomassen
Last Updated: Sunday, September 20, 1998 7:11 PM