U.S. Air Force Fact Sheet

AGM-129A ADVANCED CRUISE MISSILE

Mission

The AGM-129A advanced cruise missile is a

stealth, nuclear-capable cruise missile used

exclusively by B-52H bombers.

Features

The AGM-129A is a subsonic, turbofanpowered, air-launched cruise missile. It is

harder to detect, and has greater range and

accuracy than the AGM-86 air-launched

cruise missile. The ACM achieves maximum range through its highly efficient engine,

aerodynamics and fuel loading. B-52H bombers can carry up to six AGM-129A missiles on

each of two external pylons for a total of 12 per aircraft. When the threat is deep and heavily

defended, the AGM-129 delivers the proven effectiveness of a cruise missile enhanced by

stealth technology. Launched in quantities against enemy targets, the ACM's difficulty to detect,

flight characteristics and range result in high probability that enemy targets will be eliminated.

The AGM-129A's external shape is optimized for low observables characteristics and includes

forward swept wings and control surfaces, a flush air intake and a flat exhaust. These,

combined with radar-absorbing material and several other features, result in a missile that is

virtually impossible to detect on radar.

The AGM-129A offers improved flexibility in target selection over other cruise missiles. Missiles

are guided using a combination of inertial navigation and terrain contour matching enhanced

with highly accurate speed updates provided by a laser Doppler velocimeter. These, combined

with small size, low-altitude flight capability and a highly efficient fuel control system, give the

United States a lethal deterrent capability well into the 21st century.

Background

In 1982 the Air Force began studies for a new cruise missile with stealth characteristics after it

became clear that the AGM-86B would soon be too easy to detect by future air defense

systems. In 1983 General Dynamics was awarded a contract to develop the new AGM-129A

ACM. The first test missile flew in 1985; the first missiles were delivered to the Air Force in

mid-1990.

Plans called for an initial production of approximately 1,500 missiles. The end of the Cold War

and subsequent budget cuts led the Air Force to cease production after 460 missiles, with the

final delivery in 1993. Several corporate changes during production resulted in Raytheon

Missile Systems as the final production firm. The ACM is anticipated to remain in service until

2030.

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Air-to-ground strategic cruise missile

Contractor: Raytheon Missile Systems

Power Plant: Williams International Corp. F-112-WR-100 turbofan engine

Thrust: More than 700 pounds

Length: 20 feet, 10 inches

Weight: More than 3,500 pounds

Diameter: 29 inches

Wingspan: 10 feet, 2 inches

Range: More than 2,000 miles

Guidance System: Inertial navigation with terrain contour matching and laser Doppler

velocimeter updates

Warhead: Nuclear capable

Date Deployed: 1990

Inventory: Active force, approximately 460 

Air Combat Command, Public Affairs Office; 130 Andrews St., Suite 202; Langley AFB, VA

23665-1987; DSN 574-5007 or 757-764-5007; e-mail: accpa.operations@langley.af.mil

November 2007

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