AGM-78 Standard ARM
Developed originally for the U.S. Navy, the AGM-78 was used extensively by the USAF
during the Vietnam War to destroy North Vietnamese radars that controlled
antiaircraft guns and missiles. Launched from F-4G or F-105G "Wild Weasel" aircraft
outside the range of enemy radar defense, the missile guided on the radar energy
emitted by the target. Production began in 1968 with a view to providing an
improvement in the capability then existing with the AGM-45 Shrike. In fact, the
first Standard ARMs were equipped with the passive homing, target seeking head of the
Shrike antiradiation missile (ARM).
Successive improvements led to three more models, with better seekers, electronic
counter-countermeasures, and increased range. About 700 were built when production
ceased in 1978. Some versions not only detonated a warhead for destructive purposes,
but also marked the spot with red or white phosphorus smoke. The F-105G carried up to
two, each on a specially designed LAU-78 launcher; the F-4G carried up to 4 missiles.
In both aircraft, the target identification and acquisition systems aided both the
pilot and the missile in accomplishing the mission.
