The launch unit also may be used in the stand-alone mode for battlefield surveillance and target detection. The missile, with a warhead designed to defeat both conventional and reactive armor, may be used at the gunner's discretion in top attack or direct fire mode.
Top attack is the normal mode of operation, while direct fire is for engaging targets under cover.
The Deputy Chief of Staff for Research, Development, and Acquisition approved the acquisition strategy for the AAWS-M, which involved using competitive contractor teams. 30 Jul 87 Competitive contracts for the alternate warhead effort for the AAWS-M were awarded to DynaEast of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Aerojet, Tustin, California. The alternate warhead program was completed. The goal of this effort was to lower the technical risk associated with the warhead subsystem development. The AAWS-M FSD contract was awarded to the Joint Venture contracting team of Texas Instruments and Martin Marietta.