AGM-123 Skipper II

The AGM-123 Skipper II is a short range precision attack missile built for the United States Navy. It combines a Paveway II laser guidance system and a small booster rocket with a Mk.83 high-explosive bomb of about 450 kg, so the warhead is a standard general-purpose bomb with a rocket motor and guidance added. It was developed by the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division at China Lake, which borrowed the dual thrust motor of the Mk 78 Shrike for propulsion, with gravity bias so it can be launched at low level. Emerson Electric is listed as contractor and 1985 as the year. Published figures give a length of 4.3 m, a diameter of 0.5 m, a launch weight of 582 kg, a speed near 1,100 km/h and a range of 25 km. Carried by the A-6E, A-7 and F/A-18, it can be released from stand-off range, reducing exposure of the delivery aircraft to enemy air defenses.