The US has given designations to its three new mini cruise missiles -Barracuda 500, Rusty Dagger, and Black Arrow- to provide long range with minimal size.
With the introduction to service getting closer for the new miniature stand-off munitions for the US military, three of the cruise missiles in development have received their designations as (According to the updates on Designation-Systems.net database):
-Anduril Barracuda 500: AGM-189A
-Zone5 Rusty Dagger (ERAM Programme): AGM-188A
-Leidos Black Arrow: AGM-190A
AGM-189A Barracuda 500
Anduril’s Barracuda 500 is a member of Anduril’s scalable cruise missiles, incorporating long range and a simpler design compared to a conventional air-launched cruise missile.
Barracuda 500 or AGM-189A, falling within the 500 lb class in terms of weight, can reach high subsonic speeds, carry a 45 kg warhead, and reach a range of 930 km.
Anduril is also developing the lighter Barracuda 100 with a 16 kg warhead and 110+ km range, and Barracuda 250 with the same amount of warhead but longer range at 280+ km.
AGM-188A Rusty Dagger
AGM-188A is a result of the ERAM programme aiming to deliver a low-cost and lightweight cruise missile to Ukraine that can be launched from aircraft to sustain the stand-off capabilities.
AGM-188A, falling in the 500 lb class, powered by a TJ80 turbojet engine, can reach a range of 930 km.
The ERAM programme has a related project, designated RAACM, undertaken by CoAspire. RAACM adopts a similar geometry to Mk-82 GPB with a similar mounting interface for hardpoints.
AGM-190A Black Arrow
Developed by Leidos, Black Arrow is the smallest among the three new missiles, with a weight of 90 kg. The missile developed with close air support aircraft and helicopters in mind is being integrated into USSOCOM’s OA-1K Skyraider II COIN aircraft and AC-130 gunships.
AGM-190A Black Arrow, powered by a P&W TJ150-7 turbojet, can reach a range of 740 km.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
